Unless you're a Mary Poppins type of writer -- absolutely perfect in every single way -- you've experienced it. You know what I mean. You're writing along -- words flying from your fingertips. The plot is clear. You know where you want to go with it. The words are golden. Then plop! There it is. Just like bird-doo on the page. Writer's block. It might as well be a giant beast or a concrete wall. That's how overwhelming it can be.

Amazingly you might not recognize writer's block when it hits. The best clue is that the story grinds to a halt and suddenly the idea of cleaning bathroom grout has great appeal. In other words, if you find yourself spending more time away from your writing than you do on your writing, one of two things has occurred. You have writer's block, or maybe you're just not meant to be a writer. I know that might sound a little harsh, but let's be realistic here. If we could always be what we wanted to be, then I would be a princess and a ballerina and a cowgirl...I'm sure you get the idea.

Okay, so we've established that you're a writer and you've got writer's block. First question -- why?

Could it be illness? Well, this is a given. I don't know about you but when I'm sick all I care about is getting well. Sometimes at the onset of an illness, before we even realize we're getting sick, our system starts to shut down. We have headaches, we're tired and grumpy. How can your creativity soar when the rest of your body is on shut-down?

Could it be fear? Go ahead, laugh at this one if you want. What is there to be afraid of? There's no boogie-man lurking nearby to nab you. True. You might not see the fear or even feel it, but it's there -- deep in your subconscious saying, "My God! You're writing a book!" It nags at you, "You can't write a book. Give it up now." Fear of failure eats away at you making you doubt your ability. So you stop before you can begin.

What about fear of success? Now you will snicker. Why in the world would anyone fear success? Think about it -- any time you step into uncharted territory there has to be some degree of trepidation. How many times have you watched a famous person back away from success because they just couldn't deal with everything that goes with it.

Could it be bad plot? Let's face it. No matter how well-developed the story, maybe, just maybe, your plot makes no sense or it's all over the place. You can't expect the story to move forward if your plot has holes in it so big you can drive a tank through it.

Could it be you're forcing the story in the wrong direction? Are you trying to force your characters to do something they don't want to do? Nothing is more thrilling than the instant your characters come to life. This often frightens new writers because they think they've lost control, so the writer forces the characters down a path they don't want to go...and the story stops dead in its tracks.

So, how do you break these blocks? All I can do is give you some suggestions. Only you can decide which course is best for you.

* It helps to have a schedule. A set time devoted entirely to your writing. This is important for all writers, but especially for those of us who have outside responsibilities of work and family...and who doesn't? This is disciplined time for you and you alone. A time when your creativity is at its peak. You can work at other times as well, but this is your special time that you never deny yourself.

* Write on, putting down anything which comes to mind. I'll confess that this doesn't work for me, but I have friends who do use this technique. They write and write until they've passed the block, then go back and clean up what they don't like.

* Keep your story always at hand. I'll agree that if you work, this isn't feasible. So let's use this scenario. You're at home for the day. Turn on you're computer and work on your latest chapter as far as you can. Stuck? Get up and pace a little. I guarantee the next sentence will come. Jot it down. Other alternatives: do the dishes -- run back to the computer; try light dusting -- back to the computer. One caution: The whole idea of this system is to let your subconscious take flight while you do no-brainer activities. Don't let your mind stray from the story. Don't let yourself get sidetracked with re-lining the cabinets (that's serious writer's block). Don't watch TV or turn on the radio. Your subconscious needs to work.

* Try a short walk -- alone or with your pets. It clears your head and lets the creativity take flight. I've gotten some of my best ideas this way. And I stress again -- alone. If a friend goes along, all you'll do is visit.

* Read a book. With all the outpouring of creativity you need input. You need to fill the well. I like to read books between books. I'll read when I'm on an airplane or on a long drive (thank goodness for Dramamine). Read fiction and nonfiction. You need to entertain yourself with fiction, but your mind needs to grow with nonfiction (plus you can get some great story ideas).

* Keep a journal. I call it downloading from your day, and I do it at night before I go to sleep. Everyone has stuff on their mind. Get rid of it. Keep a spiral notebook by the bed and write down what's on your mind. It doesn't have to make sense, just throw it on the paper.

* Read a motivational, self-help book -- any book that catches your eye.

Now back to those specific problems I addressed at the beginning.

Down with the bug and can't write? Keep a pad and pen nearby for those spurts of creativity. I wrote this article while I was down with the flu. Read a book. Watch a movie. You're sick and need to get better, but you can use some of the time to fill the well that's run dry. There's nothing that says you can't veg out in front of the TV with a remote control in your hand.

The best way to start to conquer any fear is to admit to it, then tackle it. Learn all you can about your craft. Research all aspects. Practice, practice, practice. Write articles. Go to lectures. Critique with someone. Knowledge is a good start to shove aside fear.

Talk out plotting problems with a friend. They don't have to respond, but simply be a sounding board. Use a plotting software program to plot your book from start to finish. There are several out there which ask detailed questions to help you flesh out your story. Take that walk and talk out loud to yourself.

Stop forcing the story. Back up and let your people do what they want. If you have reached that level, revel in it. Your characters have become real and you have captured one of the golden rings that herald you as a writer.

Writer's block is real, there's no doubt about that. Next time you're faced with it remember
this -- sometimes life's successes are disguised by obstacles.

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