Hey there! Can we talk for a minute? Because if you’re anything like me, you know that feeling, right? That blank page just staring you down, like it knows all your secrets. And that brilliant idea you had in the shower this morning? Yeah, it’s feeling a little… well, a little dim now, isn’t it? Like a tiny ember, just flickering, about to go out.
Another day slips away, swallowed by the zillions of things that make up life, and guess what? That play? It’s still unwritten. If you’re a playwright like me, you get it. You understand the agony of procrastination. It’s not just about missing deadlines (though that’s annoying enough!). It’s about those stories that are stuck inside, those voices that haven’t been heard, those characters who are just… trapped in the ether of your imagination.
This isn’t just a time management thing, though that’s part of it. This is about finally unlocking your creative power, honoring the craft we love so much, and actually getting your vision onto the stage. So, I put together this guide – consider it our definitive, actionable roadmap – to help us conquer that sneaky, insidious beast called procrastination. We’re not just going from aspiring writer to prolific playwright; we’re going to do this.
The Playwright’s Special Brand of Procrastination: Let’s Get Real
Before we can kick procrastination’s butt, we need to understand what it looks like for us, as playwrights. It’s not just laziness, believe me. It’s usually a tricky mix of fear, the quest for perfection, the sheer overwhelming size of a play, and honestly, how solitary our work can be.
That Blank Page Stare-Down (and When Your Brain Just Goes “Poof!”)
If you’re a playwright, you’ve felt this fear. A blank page holds infinite possibilities, which sounds amazing, right? But it can also be absolutely terrifying. What if the idea isn’t good enough? What if the dialogue sounds totally fake? This fear often hits you like a “blackout” – you sit down to write, and suddenly, your mind is just…empty. Even if you just had a genius concept a second ago!
- You know the drill: You’ve got this killer idea about a family reunion that goes spectacularly wrong. You open your laptop, but instead of typing, you find yourself scrolling through social media, or meticulously arranging your desktop icons. You’re so scared of not living up to your own expectations that you freeze before you even begin. Sound familiar?
The Siren Song of Perfectionism
We playwrights, we care deeply about words, about structure, about making people feel something. And that often means we want it to be perfect from the very first word. So, you might spend days agonizing over one single line of dialogue, or endlessly tweaking a scene before you even think about moving on. But let’s be honest, that’s not editing. That’s just stalling.
- Confession time: You’re writing a scene with a really important monologue. Instead of just getting a crappy rough draft down, you rewrite the first two sentences six times, then you fall down a rabbit hole researching every obscure synonym for “melancholy.” You’re convinced that if it isn’t perfect right now, the whole play is doomed. Been there.
Staring Up at “The Play” Mountain
A play is a HUGE undertaking. It’s got acts, scenes, characters, places, times, a whole story arc! Looking at the whole thing can feel like you’re standing at base camp, trying to look up Mount Everest – it just feels impossible, totally overwhelming. And that feeling usually leads to… doing nothing.
- My own struggle: I once conceptualized a three-act play with ten characters, spanning several decades. The sheer amount of character work, plot points, and historical accuracy I needed felt so immense that I told myself I’d “think about it” for a few more weeks. Those few weeks turned into months. Oops.
The Lone Wolf Struggle
Writing a play? Yeah, it’s pretty solitary. It’s not like being in a band or on a team where everyone’s pushing together. As a playwright, you’re usually just sitting there with your own thoughts. And that isolation can really amplify self-doubt and make it super easy to get distracted, because who’s going to know if you don’t write?
- We all do it: I’ve totally committed to writing for two hours every day. But when there’s no writing partner or group meeting looming, it’s so easy to tell myself, “Awww, just one more episode of that show.” And who’s gonna check on my progress for weeks? Exactly.
Part 1: Making Your Creative Space (Inside and Out)
Procrastination just thrives in chaos, seriously – both the stuff around you and the stuff in your head. So, setting up a good environment is step one.
Your Physical Space: The Playwright’s Sanctuary
Where you write really affects how much you focus. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to be your writing spot.
- Here’s what I do: Designate a “No-Procrastination Zone.” This is your spot – a desk, a corner, even a specific coffee shop table – where the only thing you do is write.
- Try this: Clear your desk. Seriously, everything. Take away anything that’s not directly related to writing – bills, random mail, books you’re not writing about. Put just your laptop, a pen, and a notebook there. When you sit down, your brain will start to associate that spot with creative work, not distractions.
- And this: Make it distraction-proof. Figure out what usually pulls you away and get rid of it.
- Try this: If your phone is constantly calling to you, create a “phone jail” – a drawer, a basket in another room – where it lives during your writing sessions. Turn off email notifications and close unnecessary browser tabs. If noise is an issue, invest in some good noise-canceling headphones or try a white noise app.
Your Digital Space: Taming the Internet Dragon
The internet is amazing for research, but it’s also a total focus-killer.
- How I handle it: Implement “Digital Blackouts.” Seriously, schedule specific times when you are completely offline for writing.
- Try this: Use website blockers (like Freedom or Cold Turkey) to block distracting sites (social media, news) during your writing hours. Even better, if you can, write on a device that’s not connected to the internet during those times.
- And this: Create a “Digital Toolkit” for Research. When you do need to research, make it efficient so you don’t fall down rabbit holes.
- Try this: Instead of getting lost in Wikipedia spirals, have a dedicated “research folder” or a specific browser tab group. When you hit a research question while writing, make a quick note (like, “(RESEARCH: 1950s slang for ‘cool’)”) and keep writing. Then, set a separate time later just for research.
Your Mental Space: Getting Your Head in the Game
What’s going on inside your head is just as important as your physical surroundings.
- My secret weapon: Practice “Pre-Writing Rituals.” These are small, consistent actions that tell your brain, “Okay, it’s time to create!” They help you slide into that flow state.
- Try this: Before you sit down, make your favorite tea, light a special candle, or listen to a certain instrumental song. Doing this consistently trains your mind to get into creative mode.
- And this is HUGE: Embrace “Imperfection First-Drafts.” This directly tackles that perfectionism monster. The point of a first draft is just to exist.
- Try this: Before you type a single word, tell yourself: “This draft is allowed to be messy. I’m just getting thoughts down, no judgment.” Actively fight the urge to edit until you’ve finished a whole scene or even a rough act. Set a timer for 15 minutes and just challenge yourself to write anything – even gibberish – as long as your fingers are moving on the keyboard.
Part 2: Your Playwright’s Journey: Strategic Planning
That mountain of a play? It feels a lot less scary when you have a map. Breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks is absolutely key.
The Power of the Outline (But Don’t Get Stuck There!)
A good outline gives you direction without stifling your creativity.
- What I do: Develop a “Living Outline.” This isn’t set in stone; it’s a flexible blueprint that changes as you write. Use whatever method works for you – simple bullet points, detailed scene cards… whatever!
- Try this: Start with a basic three-act structure: Inciting Incident, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution. Within each act, list 3-5 key scenes you imagine happening. For example, Act 1, Scene 1: Protagonist’s Dilemma is introduced. Act 1, Scene 2: Antagonist makes their first appearance. You can use index cards (physical or digital) for each scene, so you can easily move them around as your story develops.
- And here’s a trick: Outline in “Reverse.” Sometimes, knowing your ending helps you figure out your beginning.
- Try this: If you know your play ends with a powerful confession scene, think about what things (character flaws, secrets, external pressures) need to be introduced earlier to make that confession impactful and believable. Work backward from the climax to the inciting incident.
Breaking Down the Beast: Tiny Goals, Big Progress
That “overwhelming mountain” turns into a bunch of achievable hills.
- How I do it: Set “Output-Oriented Micro-Goals.” Instead of “write for two hours,” aim for something you can actually finish.
- Try this: Shift your focus from time spent to words written or scenes completed. Your goal for a session might be: “Write 500 words of dialogue for Scene 2,” or “Complete the first draft of Act 1, Scene 3.” This gives you a clear finish line for each mini-task.
- This one’s a lifesaver: “Scene-First” Approach. Focus on completing individual scenes before you worry about the whole thing.
- Try this: If you’re stuck on the overall plot, pick one compelling scene (like a confrontation between two characters, or a moment of deep introspection) and write it entirely. This builds momentum and gives you a tangible piece of the play. You can always adjust where it goes later.
Scheduling Your Success: Making Time a Habit
Consistency is way better than intense bursts. Regular, dedicated writing times work better than a bunch of all-nighters.
- What I definitely do: “Time-Block” Your Writing Sessions. Treat your writing time like an appointment you absolutely cannot miss.
- Try this: Look at your weekly schedule and block out specific, non-negotiable times for writing (e.g., “Tuesday, 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Playwriting”). Let your family or housemates know if you need to. Even 30 minutes every day adds up to a ton over time.
- This is so motivating: Implement the “Seinfeld Strategy” (Don’t Break the Chain). Seeing your progress visually is a huge motivator.
- Try this: Get a big wall calendar. For every day you complete a writing session (even a short one!), put a big red “X” on that day. Your goal is to make a really long chain of X’s. Seeing that chain grow will be a powerful reminder not to break it.
Part 3: Getting Words on the Page: Activating Your Writing Muscle
Just getting started is half the battle, seriously. These strategies are all about kicking procrastination to the curb and getting those words flowing.
The “Five-Minute Rule”
This simple trick smashes through that “starting inertia.”
- What I tell myself: Commit to “Just Five Minutes.” If you’re really struggling to begin, tell yourself you only have to write for five minutes. If after five minutes you still want to stop, you totally can.
- Try this: You feel that massive resistance to writing. You sit down, set a timer for five minutes, and say, “Okay, I only have to do this for five minutes. If I still hate it, I can quit.” More often than not, those five minutes turn into 15, then 30, then an hour! You just got over that initial hump.
The “Ugly First Draft” Manifesto
Seriously, free yourself from the need for perfection.
- My golden rule: Adopt a “No Editing During Writing” Rule. Keep the creative flow separate from your critical eye.
- Try this: As you’re writing, if you spot a typo or a clunky sentence, fight the urge to go back and fix it. Just make a quick, bracketed note (like, “[rewatch this dialogue]”) and keep moving forward. Your job in the first draft is to get the story down, not to polish it. Save editing for a separate “revision” phase.
- And this also helps: Embrace the “Dialogue Dump.” When your characters are talking, just let them talk, even if it’s messy.
- Try this: If a scene is mostly dialogue, just write the conversation as it comes out, without worrying about stage directions, motivations, or transitions. You can add all that later. Getting the raw exchange of words down is progress.
Fuelling Your Creative Fire: Energy & Focus
Writing is mentally demanding stuff. Treat your body and mind well!
- What I prioritize: Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition. A tired or poorly fed brain is prime ground for procrastination.
- Try this: Make sure you’re getting consistent, good sleep. Before a writing session, grab a brain-boosting snack (like a handful of almonds or an apple) instead of sugary or processed foods that lead to energy crashes.
- And definitely try this: Integrate Micro-Breaks (The Pomodoro Technique). This helps prevent burnout and keeps you focused.
- Try this: Work in focused 25-minute sprints (Pomodoros), then take a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break. During the 5-minute breaks, stand up, stretch, look out a window – anything that briefly disconnects you from the screen.
Part 4: The Long Haul: Sustaining Your Momentum
Writing a play isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Keeping your motivation up is super important.
The Power of Accountability
Sometimes, a little external pressure is a great motivator.
- What I recommend: Find an “Accountability Buddy” or Join a Writing Group. Share your goals and your progress with someone.
- Try this: Partner up with another playwright or a trusted friend. Set up weekly check-ins where you tell each other your writing goals for the week (e.g., “I will complete Act 1, Scene 4 by Friday”) and report back on your progress. Knowing someone else is expecting an update can be a really strong deterrent to procrastinating.
- And be smart about this: Share Your Progress (Carefully). Announce your intentions to a wider, but still supportive, group.
- Try this: Post a small, low-pressure update on a writer’s forum or a private social media group: “Just finished the first draft of Act 2 for my new play!” This public declaration creates a gentle sense of commitment without the pressure of full public exposure. Just remember not to share too early or too broadly, because sometimes external validation can replace your own internal motivation.
Rewarding Your Wins
Acknowledge your progress to reinforce those good habits.
- How I treat myself: Implement a “Small Rewards System.” Celebrate every milestone, no matter how tiny.
- Try this: For every scene you complete, let yourself enjoy 15 minutes of guilt-free browsing on your favorite website. For every act you finish, treat yourself to a new book or a special coffee. The reward should fit the effort and be something you genuinely look forward to.
- This feels so good: Visual Progress Trackers. Seeing how far you’ve come is incredibly motivating.
- Try this: Create a “Play Progress Bar” (you can draw one or use a digital tool). Break your play into 10% increments. Color in each 10% as you complete it. Or just use a simple spreadsheet to track your word count or scene count daily. Seeing that visual proof of forward movement really builds confidence.
Embracing the Flow and Ebb of Creativity
Creativity isn’t a straight line. There will be good days and bad days.
- My understanding: “Permit Imperfect Days.” Don’t let a bad session derail your entire project.
- Try this: If you sit down to write and the words just aren’t flowing, don’t force it until you’re completely frustrated. Instead of giving up on the session, try a related task: read your dialogue aloud, brainstorm alternative character motivations, or do some light editing on a scene you’ve already written. Even 15 minutes of related work keeps the project alive and prevents that feeling of being a “failure.”
- And this is key: Re-Engage with Your “Why.” Remind yourself of your core passion.
- Try this: When your motivation dips, reread your initial concept notes for the play. Watch a powerful play or a film that truly inspires you. Remind yourself why this story needs to be told, why these characters deserve a voice. Reconnecting with your artistic purpose often reignites that drive.
Part 5: Dealing with Playwright-Specific Hurdles
Procrastination isn’t just about starting; it’s also about getting stuck in the middle or even being afraid to finish.
The “Messy Middle” Syndrome
That initial enthusiasm wears off, and the ending seems so far away.
- What I do when I’m stuck: “Jump Ahead” to a Key Scene. If you’re bored or stuck in the current scene, just skip it for now.
- Try this: You’re bogged down in a transitional scene that feels tedious. Skip it entirely and jump to a high-stakes confrontation or an emotionally resonant moment that you’re excited to write. Get that scene down, then come back to the transitional one with renewed energy, knowing exactly where it needs to lead.
- And if I’m really lost: Revisit Your Outline (or Create One for the Middle). Sometimes, not being clear on what’s next is what causes you to get stuck.
- Try this: If you haven’t detailed your middle acts, take a day to specifically outline 3-5 key plot points or character developments that must happen in Act 2 to move towards Act 3. This gives you a much clearer path forward.
The Playwright’s Block: When the Words Just Won’t Come
Real writer’s block is rare, but feeling uninspired happens to everyone.
- My go-to moves: “Dialogue Prompts” & Character Interviews. Generate new material or get a deeper understanding of your characters.
- Try this: If you’re stuck on a character, write a “mock interview” with them, asking questions they might avoid in the play (e.g., “What’s your biggest regret?” “What’s the one thing you’d never tell anyone?”). Or, open a random book, pick a sentence, and use it as the first line of an improvised dialogue between two of your characters.
- This makes a difference: Experience Life to Fuel Art. Step away from your desk to refill your creative well.
- Try this: Go to a play, visit a museum, observe people in a coffee shop, take a walk somewhere new. Don’t write; just observe and absorb. These experiences are the fuel for your imagination and can spark new ideas or solutions to plot problems.
The Fear of the Finish Line (And What Comes After)
Finishing a play is amazing, but it can also trigger a new kind of procrastination – avoiding completion!
- My rule after the first draft: Define “Done for Now.” Perfectionism can totally paralyze you during that final push.
- Try this: Instead of aiming for “perfect,” aim for “complete and ready for feedback.” Set a specific, realistic goal like: “First complete draft by October 31st, ready to share with my trusted readers.” This shifts your focus from internal judgment to external action.
- And this helps me move on: Plan Your “Next Steps” Early. Knowing what comes after your draft reduces the fear of the unknown.
- Try this: Even before you’re done, identify 2-3 trusted playwright friends or readers you’ll send the draft to for feedback. Research local playwriting workshops or submission deadlines. Having a clear next step after “The End” makes the finish line less intimidating and more like a gateway to something new.
Wrapping Up: Your Play Is Waiting
Look, procrastination isn’t some deep personal flaw; it’s just a habit, often fueled by complicated feelings and thoughts. As playwrights, our unique challenge is taking those abstract ideas and turning them into real words on a page, and eventually, into a living, breathing performance. This guide? It’s here to give you all the actionable tools you need to break down procrastination, piece by piece: by making your environment work for you, planning strategically, getting your creative engine revving, keeping that momentum going, and tackling those specific playwright hurdles head-on.
That blank page is always going to be there. But now? Now you have the tools to approach it not with dread, but with a sense of purpose. Your stories are so important. Your voice is needed. So, embrace the messy, imperfect process, commit to consistent effort, and seriously, trust your ability to bring your dramatic vision to life. The stage is literally waiting for your play. Let’s do this!