I once attended a book reading/signing but it turned into an hour long Q&A. Unfortunately I didn't like the book she was on tour for and even more unfortunately, I haven't liked any of her books since. But that aside, she had some snarky answers I can still appreciate to this day.

Q: How do you get over writer's block?

A: Pray.

In other words... figure it out yourself. I've been a fairly active adult and I've found inspiration in many places. But most of all, I've learned that getting an opportunity to completely focus on ONE THING gives my head the break it needs when it's both 'overloaded' and 'a blank void of nothingness'.

By some of the pictures on my website and other social media, it's evident I love the outdoors.

When I climb into a rowing shell with eight others, the only thing I'm thinking about is the swing in the boat. For those of you who don't row, try being in perfect sync with seven people while having someone yell at you "DRIVE WITH THOSE LEGS! I NEED MORE POWER!" I have to focus every sensory skill I have; body form, feathering my blade, early roll up, set and then trying to ignore the screaming coming from my legs. But all those components halt the string of 'what should happen in this chapter?' The few, fleeting moments when your shell glides on the water, when all you hear is the bow cutting through, that's magic - because everything else falls away.

I also used to be a triathlete, (or wanna-be triathlete if my finish times are any judge) and out on the race course, when all you have is your heart pounding in your head... Trust me, the finish line is the only thing you're thinking about. You're not thinking about how to tie up loose ends in your plot.

There was one particular hill on a bike coarse and, dear lord, that thing rose straight up outta hell, but I channeled every ounce of energy into my legs and a catchy little tune courtesy 'Lamp Chop'. "This is the hill that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friends. Some idiot started biking it not knowing what it was, and we just keep on biking it forever just because this is the hill that never ends..." etc. etc. etc. Afterwards, when I was home, showered and rested, it was easy to sit down and write.

I also still practice aerial acrobatics. I love climbing my silk, making beautiful shapes with my body and giving myself another accomplishment to be proud of. Whenever I'm learning a new trick or conditioning for a show I'm focused on my form, my wrap and making sure I don't fall. I'm not worrying about character continuity or growth.

In the end, what I really learned from that snarky answer was 'look at what makes you happy outside of writing and do those things. You'll be more clear headed and ready to tackle a blank screen if you step away and channel your energy into something else.' And maybe that's stretching a simple 'pray' but it worked for me.