I'm not a writer, but I'm dabbling a little with it.

I'm sure writer's block is different for different people, but I'm curious what kinds of experiences writers have had with it.

What does it feel like, how do you know you have it, w.hat do you do to remedy it?

I'm just curious, because I have a hard time starting the writng process.

Thanks,

Elona

For me, writer's block means that I can't move forward in the story. I can tweak, rewrite, reread and continue editing one small section of the manuscript but I still can't move past that point. The story stalls and it feels like I'll never get another word written on that story. Then ... I have to remind myself that everytime that has happened it means that there is something before the section I've been focusing on that is 'wrong'.

I've either written the character into a hole, had them acted in contrary to the traits I've already established in them, or the motivation is all wrong so I need to go back and find that place. And everytime I find that part and fix it, then I can move forward. It's like the story knows it's getting derailing and wants me to stop before I invest too much time on a trail that's taking me nowhere.

Hrmmm good question.

Writers block to me is not being able to create or go forward on a story. I have never had true writers block, meaning not able to write anything at all.

I get stuck, on some plots, then switch to another short story or plotline, then I usually can come back and continue on the 1st plotline as the issue has been resolved in my head.
One good way to get writers block is lack of sleep, pain or have my computer crash. I had ALL three during NaNO..LOL Thankfully they all went away enough to get my butt in gear.
 

How to deal with this issue is very different from writer to writer.

Just came across this blog post about a writing trick that Hemingway used.  Might not work for everyone, but it sure seems like a great idea:

http://www.secondactive.com/2009/08/boost-your-productivity-with-hemingways.html