The 5 Types of Writer’s Block (and What They’re Really Telling You)
We talk about writer’s block like it’s a flaw.
But what if it’s not the problem — what if it’s the feedback?
In my work as a screenwriter and creative consistency coach, I’ve seen this over and over:
Writer’s block isn’t a character defect.
It’s your creativity waving a flag.
Here are 5 common blocks — and what they’re really asking for.
1. The Perfection Block
What it feels like: “I can’t start. It’s not ready. I’m not ready.”
This shows up when your standards are so high, your draft suffocates before it can breathe. You’re not stuck — you’re scared to be seen trying.
💡 Micro Reset:
Write one deliberately bad paragraph on purpose. Yes, really. Give yourself permission to make a mess. That’s how real drafts begin.
2. The Shame Block
What it feels like: “I abandoned this project. I missed my own deadline. What’s the point?”
You ghosted your story… and now it feels like it’s ghosting you. But shame doesn’t reconnect you. Curiosity does.
💡 Micro Reset:
Spend 5 minutes with your favorite scene — just reading it. No edits, no expectations. Let yourself remember why you cared.
3. The Chaos Block
What it feels like: “I have 47 ideas, 9 tabs open, and zero momentum.”
You’re not blocked — you’re spinning out. Your brain’s doing its job (being wildly creative). But your process needs a container.
💡 Micro Reset:
Pick one thread and write one sentence about it. Not a plan. Not a pitch. Just a line. Anchor first. Expand later.
4. The Burnout Block
What it feels like: “I’m writing, but it feels like I’m dragging my body through wet cement.”
You’re still showing up — but your spark is gone. You might not need more discipline. You might need more softness.
💡 Micro Reset:
Take a “creative refill break.” Go read something that isn’t your genre. Watch a show your protagonist would binge. Step away on purpose — not out of guilt.
5. The Disconnection Block
What it feels like: “I’m writing the scenes but I don’t feel anything.”
The scenes make sense, the characters have arcs… but the joy is gone. Usually, that means your “why” has faded.
💡 Micro Reset:
Answer this in a journal:
What scared me most about this story when I first started it?
Often, that’s the heart — and where your voice still lives.
What if the block isn’t the problem? What if it’s the signal?
You don’t need to be fixed. You need to be heard.
And maybe, for the first time, supported by a system that actually works for your brain and your life.
If you’re looking for a reset that honors how your creativity actually works — not how you’re “supposed” to do it — here are three places to start:
🧠 UNSTUCK: A 10-Minute Creative Reset — free PDF
📆 INKDRY™ Consistency Calendar — your full creative tracking system
🤝 Coaching Support — structure + feedback tailored to you
