If you're like most people, you think of writer's block as this occupational hazard--kind of like carpal tunnel syndrome or finger cramps--that attacks randomly and leaves a previously prolific writer staring in agony and frustration at the endless blank page.

I used to subscribe to that view myself.  In fact, I've got an entire page on my website full of writer's block strategies based in just that view.  However, after working on Music Mage, and slowly creeping up on the halfway mark of Redeemer, I find that I am changing my view.  The more I write, the more I feel like writer's block just means I haven't done my homework.

If I'm staring at a blank page, with no idea how to enter the scene, that probably means I don't really know where the scene starts.  If I can't continue it, I may not know what the essential conflict of the scene is.  Not knowing how to tie it up probably also means I lack an understanding of where the climax of the scene is.  Maybe I don't understand a character well enough to convincingly portray his actions.  Maybe I haven't thought the scene through well enough.

There are all sorts of ways to remedy these things.  My favorite is to sit down with my Notes document (which has all but replaced my Supplemental Materials binder).  I make a note about the scene I'm working on--summarizing what has gone so far, and what my problem in continuing is.  Then I just start asking questions, and trying to answer them.  Even if my answers don't work right away, I just keep writing.  Eventually something will surface that works.

Usually it's not asking questions that gets me stuck.  Why is my main character doing this?  What will this person say to that?  Wouldn't the logical reaction to that be this?  Why, why, WHY?  

And on and on it goes.  Once I ask the right questions (and that's the part that takes so much practice--after enough iterations through the block/question cycle, you get better at knowing which part is holding you up, and what questions will get you what you need to continue) I can continue, with a clear vision of where I'm going and how I'm going to get there.

And that sounds like defeating writer's block by any definition I've ever heard. 

I couldn't agree more. I am in the proccess of writing my first book (fantasy as well) and have been working on the plot for ages before i started writing. Now all i ask is why. Why is this scene needed or is that really needed am i winding on i am quite analytical of my work. Though i already know where i have to go even though it is ever changing slightly so when i write all i have to work on is the how.