The term "writer's block" usually indicates a difficulty in continuing a writing project due to a number of varying reasons. Some people think that because these reasons can be addressed, "writer's block" as we know it doesn't really exist. Philip Pullman had this to say about writer's block:
"Writer's block is a load of howling nonsense. There is no such thing as writer's block; it is only difficulty of work. Plumbers have bad days, doctors have bad days- why should writers complain about difficulty of work and expect sympathy from it?"
From the quote, you get the impression that writing is "work"...and the truth is, you will diminish writer's block if you look at it as such. The problem people seem to frequently encounter is that they "lose" inspiration, or their "muse" leaves. This is usually a sign that they are looking at writing as nothing more than a fun exercise or a hobby. There is nothing wrong with that, per se--however, if you're planning to be a serious writer or you ARE a serious writer, it's time to change modes and look at writing as hard work. Because when writing becomes work, then you no longer have the excuse of not doing it because it's ceased becoming fun. Slug through those tough scenes as passionately as you would have with the scenes you "like". Don't force or skip chapters to get to ones you'd enjoy writing. As with any job, you need to look at it as a whole and do what you can for the time you have...you can't just say, oh, I'd rather be washing the dishes than scrubbing the floor, or, I'd rather do that part of the presentation only.
Another reason the "fun" syndrome leads to writer's block is that the writer tends to force himself through scenes he doesn't like, and thus, the story suffers for it. And when the writer reads through his story he thinks, "My God, I'm so bad, I should kill myself." He loses enthusiasm. This can be avoided, again, by making sure you are doing the best you can with every sentence of every chapter. Then when your work is the best you can possibly do, you will actually gain energy and write some more, and improve yourself over time.
Now, that is the common writer's block...but there are instances when we just don't feel like writing, and when we do every word that comes out makes you feel like setting it on fire. Don't despair. Here's a list that you can go through that should help unclog your writing pores, and hopefully help you out in the long run.
1.) Read a good book, preferably one with prose that you personally like.
2.) Read a bad book.
3.) Listen to music. Many people have had good luck listening to movie soundtracks which they use to imagine certain 'scenes' in their books.
4.) Make a map of your world.
5.) If you are stuck on a certain chapter because you don't know what to do with it, create an outline. If you already have an outline, make a more detailed outline. You can read more about that in Outlines Are Your Friend.
6.) Play a video game. If your story is fantasy, go with anything medievalish or Japanese RPGs (which are very fantasy-oriented in general and give good inspiration on storyline and arcs).
7.) If it's not working out, don't force yourself. Pull away from your story, Go outside, get some exercise, fresh air, and clear your mind.
8.) Watch a movie related to what you're working on.6.) Play a video game, particularly anything medievalish or Japanese RPGs (which are very fantasy-oriented in general and give good inspiration on storyline and arcs).
9.) Read fanfics.
10.) If all of this isn't working by a few days, go back to your last chapter and read through it. Is it really worth keeping? Do you want this block or no? Pull your mouse across the whole chunk to select it, press delete, press the little x at the top right corner there, and--here's the best part--say NO to the next question. Now you have no choice but to rewrite it. A blank page is better than a pile of swill.
Have fun!
