Writer’s Block… or Friction?

© 2026 By Gayle Scroggs, PhD, PCC

Many writers assume that when progress slows, something must be wrong with them.

They tell themselves things like:

Maybe I just don’t have the talent for this.

Perhaps I’m not really cut out to be a writer.

Why can’t I seem to stay motivated?

If only I had more discipline.

Most people call this writer’s block.  

But that label hides the real problem: friction in the writing process.

When the Wheels Lose Traction

Think about driving on ice or getting stuck in mud. When the wheels spin, pressing harder on the gas doesn’t help. The tires simply spin faster.  Writing works the same way.

When effort stops producing forward movement, the instinct is to push harder. Longer hours. More pressure. More self-criticism. But that rarely restores momentum.

If you want to regain traction, you have to change the conditions. Instead of pushing harder, start asking what is slowing the work down.  Look for the sources of friction.

Here friction refers to anything that makes writing harder than it needs to be.

Three Common Types of Writing Friction

In long or complex projects, friction usually appears in one of three forms.

• Emotional friction:  Fear of judgment, discouragement, perfectionism, or anxiety about feedback that makes starting feel heavy.

• Cognitive friction:  Uncertainty about direction, structure, or what the piece is trying to say.

• Structural friction:  Interruptions, competing responsibilities, or schedules that make sustained work difficult.

When writers say they have writer’s block, one or more of these forces is usually at work.  Sometimes friction involves other people—advisors, editors, or collaborators—but what slows the writing is usually the emotional reaction those interactions trigger. If your project has stalled, this quick quiz may help you identify the friction.

The Writing Friction Quiz

Choose the response that feels most true right now.  Skip any that don’t apply.

1.    When I think about my writing project, I mostly feel

A. A knot of anxiety or dread

B. Unsure about what matters most

C. Pulled in too many directions

2.    When I sit down to write, my progress often

A. Stalls because I want every sentence to be right

B. Slows because I’m not sure where the piece should go

C. Breaks down because interruptions pull me away

3.    My progress tends to stall when

A. My confidence drops

B. My thinking starts going in circles

C. My schedule gets disrupted

4.   I struggle most with

A. Doubting my ability or feeling discouraged

B. Figuring out what the piece is really trying to say

C. Finding enough uninterrupted time to work

5.   When something doesn’t go well, I think

A. Maybe I’m not cut out for this

B. I must be approaching it the wrong way

C. I don’t have the right setup or time

6.   What drains me fastest is

A. The emotional weight of trying to finish

B. Mental overload from too many unanswered questions

C. Constant switching between tasks

7.   I tend to put off getting started because

A. I worry the writing won’t be good enough

B. I’m not sure what the next step should be

C. It’s hard to find a block of uninterrupted time

8.   When I imagine finishing, I feel

A. Relief mixed with fear

B. Satisfaction mixed with uncertainty

C. Hope mixed with “How do I actually get there?”

9.   My biggest struggle right now is

A. Managing my moods

B. Managing my thinking

C. Managing my daily structure

How to Reduce the Friction

Look at your answers. Did A’s, B’s, or C’s dominate?  You may see one pattern or a mix of several. Different kinds of friction often occur together.  Here’s how to interpret your answers and start reducing the friction:

Mostly A’s — Emotional Friction

Fear, perfectionism, and discouragement, or anxiety about feedback can make starting feel heavy. Lower the emotional stakes of each session. Aim for progress rather than brilliance. Work in smaller blocks of time.

Mostly B’s — Cognitive Friction

When direction is unclear, writers work hard but keep wondering if they are heading the wrong way. Clarify the next decision. Break the project into smaller questions.

Mostly C’s — Structural Friction

Interruptions and competing demands quietly destroy writing momentum. Protect writing blocks when you can. Reduce task-switching and focus on one goal at a time.

Enjoy Your Increased Traction

Now that you have a clearer sense of the sources of friction, try one small change this week that reduces it. Watch for signs that writing is becoming easier.

Learning to notice the process is part of the work.

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Could you use help identifying the friction in your own writing process so you can regain traction? 

Please request a complimentary coaching conversation through my website.

For more of the research on  friction and goal seeking, see Anatomy of a Breakthrough by social psychologist Adam Alter, Ph.D.