I hate to call it writer's block, because extended, incapacitating writer’s block is incompatible with the role of the professional writer (my income depends on my productivity). However, momentary blockage is normal and expected. Experienced writers don’t eliminate writer’s block; they design around it.

For two years, without success, I had been trying to produce a cinnamon roll that was soft, smooth and cuddly like a new puppy. But instead of getting a chewy, moist bakery roll, I kept getting something like a supermarket roll that seemed a little coarse and even dry – more like an old dog than a puppy.