How do you deal with writer's block? I'm on chapter 21 of my first book, I'm very excited about it. I go through periods of writing all day, every day, and then I hit a wall and don't touch it for maybe months. Sometimes I'll get a random idea and make a note, and know that I'll have to make changes throughout the story when I get there, but it doesn't help me move the story forward.

One thing I'm working on is not editing as I go. That is where stories go to die. I have been tempted so many times to just go back to chapter 1 and begin making changes, but I stop myself. Sometimes I can't figure out how to move the story forward simply because I don't like how I worded something and feel the need to change it before I can progress. That's the big one I'm working on. I just type out the thoughts I have now, and when I am ready to edit, I can change it then. I will sometimes make little changes to individual chapters that I'm working on if it's been awhile since I've written anything so I go back and read the chapter.

I also try not to get too down on myself if all I manage to write in a day is a sentence. Currently, I am on chapter 21, as I mentioned earlier. I don't want to get too spoilery, but something big happened, and the characters are preparing for a big fight. Right now I have the first two paragraphs written and I have the page open and staring at me in case something comes up.

One way I try to combat writer's block is by listening to music that I find inspiring, or read other books in the same genre, or even a different genre. I've started a small playlist for my book, but it only has two or three songs on it right now. Maybe I'll share it when there are more.

Anyway, what do you do to combat writer's block?