If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just lazy,” because you haven’t been writing — pause. That’s not the truth.

Writers aren’t lazy. We’re often overextended, burned out, and tangled in hidden habits that quietly drain our energy. These habits feel invisible, but they’re powerful enough to make you believe something’s wrong with you.

Here are five patterns that might be stealing your writing time — and how you can shift them today.

A few weeks ago, I announced I was building INKDRY — a mobile app designed to help writers stay consistent — in just 30 days. I’d mapped out the concept, sketched the wireframes, and committed to sharing the process publicly.

But right as I was getting started, my iCloud/desktop corrupted and crashed.
I lost every screenplay I’d ever written.

Years of creative work — gone in a blink.

Writers talk about "writer’s block" like it’s a wall. Like something outside of you is in the way.

But what if it isn’t a block? What if it’s a habit? What if it’s a pattern?

What if you’ve just gotten too comfortable negotiating against yourself?

You show up for your job. Your family. Your deadlines. Your friends. But when it comes to your writing — the thing that matters deeply to you — you postpone, avoid, delay, and excuse.

You don’t need to be more disciplined.
You need a system that fits the way you work.

Most writers don’t struggle with talent.
They struggle with momentum.

After working with dozens of screenwriters — from total beginners to seasoned pros — I’ve noticed a pattern:
The block isn’t usually about plot holes or lazy dialogue.
It’s about disconnection. Exhaustion. Fear

Most writers don’t need critique.
They need clarity, accountability, and compassion.

You’re not a bad writer.
You’re not lazy.
And no, the answer isn’t to “just keep writing.”

If you’re reading this, you’re probably not just “having a bad writing day.”

You’re not just distracted. You’re stuck.

The deep, soul-sucking, “maybe I’m not cut out for this” kind of stuck.

If you’ve been wondering how to stay consistent with your writing — especially when life gets busy — you’re not alone. Many writers struggle to finish drafts not because they lack ideas, but because they lack support. That’s where writing consistency coaching from The Text Files comes in.

I’m serious. The right comp can do more heavy lifting than your logline—especially early on. Why?

Because comps speak Hollywood’s language.
Because reps and execs want to know where your script sits in the market.
Because comps sell clarity.

The job of a comp isn’t to describe your story.
It’s to position it.

It took me eight years of professional screenwriting to learn this one truth: theme isn’t optional.

It’s the core of your story. Without it, even the most high-concept plot will fall flat. You can have clever twists, great dialogue, and stunning visuals, but if your script doesn’t mean something—if it doesn’t leave your audience thinking or feeling—it won’t stick.

Let’s be real:
Some of the best TV shows didn’t start that way. In fact, a lot of iconic series only found their groove after Season 1.

Maybe the characters needed time to settle.
Maybe the showrunners needed better notes.
Or maybe the network just needed to stop interfering (we see you, Season 1 haircuts).

Screenplay writing hack time: If you’ve ever felt lost in the second act, let me introduce you to the easiest screenwriting structure I’ve ever used—and the one I still swear by.

Imagine this: You’re watching a new TV show or movie. The premise is interesting, the cinematography is great, the dialogue is snappy… but something’s missing.

You don’t care.

And if the audience doesn’t care, nothing else matters.

The biggest mistake writers make—especially new writers—is thinking that a strong concept is enough. But even the most exciting idea falls flat if the audience isn’t invested in the characters.

So how do you make sure people care?

Science fiction is one of the hardest genres to master. Not only do you have to build a compelling world, but you also need to create complex, fully realized characters that make audiences care. It’s not enough to throw in cool futuristic tech or mind-bending twists—if the story isn’t rooted in character, it won’t land.

Not all iconic shows start strong, but these comedy TV pilots? They’re masterclasses in character, story, and structure. Whether you’re writing your own sitcom pilot or just love analyzing what makes a show work, these are the episodes to study.

When I first started writing, it felt like working in a vacuum. I was pouring hours into short stories, the first one-third of scripts, and ideas no one else had seen. I decided anything I shared with people had to be perfect first. Therefore, I didn’t share my writing with anyone.

So, you’ve written a script—or five. Now what?

Are you seeking representation? Hoping to land funding from a production company? Trying to convince a director or agent to take a chance on your story?

Navigating the next steps can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re competing with tens of thousands of other scripts. According to the Writers Guild of America (WGA), around 50,000 scripts are registered every year.

Out of those, only a fraction—estimated at .004%—actually sell.

If you’ve ever been confused about the term “spec script,” you’re not alone. The writing world uses the same phrase to describe two very different concepts. Let’s break them down and talk about why each is essential for screenwriters—whether you’re chasing a career in film or TV.

Crafting great dialogue is one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of screenwriting. Dialogue isn't just about words on a page—it's about revealing character, advancing the story, and keeping the audience hooked.

Here are some essential tips to help you write better dialogue that stands out and serves your script.

Crafting a strong logline is one of the most important (and difficult!) steps for any screenwriter pitching their script. Your logline is often your story’s first impression, and a weak one can leave your project lost in a sea of submissions.

First Things First: What Is a Logline?