If you’re a new writer or aspiring author reading this, you’re probably staring at a half-finished manuscript wondering if you’ll ever type “The End.” Maybe you started strong, blazed through the first few chapters, and then hit a wall so solid you’re convinced it’s made of literary concrete.
But never fear; getting stuck on your first draft isn’t a sign that you’re not cut out for this writing thing. It’s actually one of the most normal parts of the creative writing process. The problem isn’t your talent or your story, it’s usually your approach.
At Accomplish Press, we’ve developed what we call the ‘Get Unstuck’ Framework specifically for writers drowning in first-draft quicksand. This isn’t some magical cure-all (wouldn’t that be nice?), but rather a practical system that tackles the real reasons you’re spinning your wheels.
Why first drafts feel impossible
Before we dive into solutions, let’s talk about why you got stuck in the first place.
Perfectionism is the dream killer. You’re probably trying to write a perfect first draft, which is like trying to build a house and decorate it at the same time. The first draft’s job is simply to exist, to get your story out of your head and onto the page where you can actually work with it.
Fear loves to masquerade as writer’s block. Fear that your story isn’t good enough, fear that you’re wasting time, fear that you’ll never be as good as [insert favourite author here]. These fears are valid, but they’re also productivity killers.
Story problems compound over time. Sometimes you get stuck because deep down, you know something isn’t working. Maybe your plot has holes, your characters feel flat, or you’ve written yourself into a corner. Ignoring these issues won’t make them disappear.
The ‘Get Unstuck’ Framework: Four Essential Strategies
Strategy 1: Give yourself permission to write badly
This sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out. The biggest favour you can do for your first draft is to lower your standards. Not forever, just for now.
Your first draft is supposed to be messy. It’s supposed to have plot holes, awkward dialogue, and scenes that make you cringe. As the saying goes, “You can always edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank page.”
Action steps:
- Set a daily word count goal and hit it, regardless of quality
- Write “[FIX LATER]” when you encounter problems and keep going
- Remember that published books went through multiple drafts, what you’re reading isn’t anyone’s first attempt
Strategy 2: Use the ‘Skip and Sprint’ Method
Stuck on a particular scene? Skip it. Seriously. Write a one-sentence summary of what needs to happen and move on to the next part you’re excited about.
This might feel like cheating, but it’s actually brilliant strategy. You maintain momentum while giving your subconscious time to work on the problem. Often, by the time you circle back, the solution will be obvious.
Action steps:
- Keep a “scenes to fill in later” document
- Focus on writing the parts that excite you most
- Use placeholders like “[INTENSE FIGHT SCENE HERE]” and keep moving
Strategy 3: Change your writing environment
Sometimes being stuck is your brain’s way of saying it needs fresh input. If you always write at your desk, try the coffee shop. If you usually type, grab a notebook. If you write in silence, put on some instrumental music.
The goal isn’t to find the perfect writing spot (that mythical place doesn’t exist), but to shake up your routine enough to jar loose whatever’s blocking you.
Action steps:
- Try writing by hand for one session
- Change your location (even just a different room)
- Experiment with different times of day
- Use a different writing app or tool
Strategy 4: Talk it out (Yes, really)
Here’s where many writers get stuck in their own heads. You’re so close to your story that you can’t see the forest for the trees. This is where talking becomes invaluable.
Find someone, a fellow writer, a patient friend, even your dog, and explain what’s happening in your story and where you’re stuck. Often, just verbalizing the problem reveals the solution.
Action steps:
- Join an online writing forum where you can discuss your work
- Find a writing partner or critique group
- Consider working with a book writing coach
- Record yourself explaining your story problems and listen back
When to Push Through vs. When to Pivot
Not all stuck moments are created equal. Sometimes you need to power through, and sometimes you need to make changes. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Push through when:
- You’re just tired or having an off day
- You know what happens next but feel lazy about writing it
- You’re second-guessing decisions you made confidently before
Pivot when:
- You’ve been stuck on the same problem for weeks
- You’re actively avoiding your manuscript
- You realize you’re writing the wrong story or the wrong version of your story
The reality check: writing takes time
Let me give you some tough love here: there’s no shortcut to finishing a first draft. Novel writing is hard work that requires sustained effort over months (sometimes years). If you’re expecting it to be easy or quick, you’re setting yourself up for frustration.
But here’s the encouraging flip side, every successful author has been exactly where you are right now. They all had moments of doubt, periods of being stuck, and days when they wanted to delete everything and take up pottery instead.
The difference between writers who finish their books and those who don’t isn’t talent or luck. It’s persistence and having the right strategies to work through the inevitable rough patches.
Building your support system
Writing can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Consider these options for getting the support you need:
Writing coaches can provide personalized guidance for your specific challenges. They’re particularly valuable when you’re stuck because they can offer an outside perspective on what’s not working and help you develop strategies tailored to your writing style.
Creative writing courses give you structure, deadlines, and a community of fellow writers facing similar challenges. Online writing courses offer flexibility while still providing accountability.
Your next steps
If you’re reading this and nodding along, thinking “Yes, this is exactly what I needed to hear,” then you’re ready to get back to work. Pick one strategy from the framework and try it this week. Just one: don’t overwhelm yourself trying to implement everything at once.
Remember: your first draft doesn’t need to be good. It just needs to be finished. Everything else: the beautiful prose, the perfect pacing, the characters that leap off the page: comes in the revision process.
Are you ready to finally finish that first draft but could use some personalized guidance? At Accomplish Press, we specialize in helping writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re looking for one-on-one coaching to tackle specific challenges or want to join our creative writing course for structured learning, we’re here to help you get unstuck and keep moving forward.
Don’t let your story stay trapped in your head. Take the next step toward becoming the writer: and finisher ( you know you can be). If you want personalised help, click here to book a call with Tolulope..