What to Do When You Really Don’t Want to Write That Scene

By Janice Hardy

Some scenes are hard to write, and others fight you every word. Does that mean something is wrong with it?

In every first draft I’ve ever written, I reached a point where I forced myself to finish a scene that didn’t want to be written. It fought me for every word and took days to write, and I just wanted it done and over with. When it was really bad, it threw me right out of my writing groove.

But my outline said to do it, my daily plan said to write it, so I did. And it was terrible. It didn't matter what scene or which book it was in, it always turned out the same.

Eventually, I realized this was a huge red flag that something was wrong with the scene. 

If I didn’t want to write it, what made me think someone would want to read it?

While not every scene or book is going to flow effortlessly from brain to page, the ones we really struggle over often have a reason behind the pain. If they worked, or belonged, or excited us, we probably wouldn’t be struggling.

When you’re stuck on a scene, ask yourself:

Do you really need this scene?

Sometimes we think we need a scene when we really don’t. Maybe we planned it and the story changed so it’s no longer necessary. Maybe it’s just a transition taking up space. Or, maybe it’s just, ya know...boring. 

If all you need to do is get from A to B, try ending the scene on a strong moment of tension and jumping right to the next scene. A scene break often clears up the “do I have to write this?” feel of slogging through a dead scene. 

(Here’s more with And...End Scene: When to Add a Scene Break)

Can you make this scene do more?

If the scene does need to be there, you might be struggling with it because something is missing. Is there enough conflict? Is the goal clear? Could it benefit from some world building or character development? Can you merge it with another scene? Giving a weak scene more to do often fixes the problem.

(Here’s more with The Recipe for Writing a Great Scene)

Is there an emotional component you’re missing?

Scenes can start feeling mechanical when the focus is on the action and stage direction and not the characters and their emotions. Maybe you just need to dive back into your protagonist’s head and figure out what she has at stake to raise tension again and make the scene work. What is she worried about? Does she have any issues about what she’s trying to do? Is she distracted by something that can get her into trouble? Using body language also adds another emotional layer without getting all "touchy feely."   

(Here’s more with Do You Feel It? Writing With Emotional Layers)

What are the other characters in the scene doing?

Even if the protagonist doesn’t have a lot to do in that scene, maybe the other characters do. This could be a great opportunity to further develop those secondary characters and give them a moment to shine. Maybe they can voice opposition to what’s happening, or present a problem or conflict to add more spice to the scene. You might also look at ways to share some of their backstory or weave in a subplot.

(Here’s more with Stuck on a Scene? Try This Trick to Get it Moving Again)

Is it a sequel hiding as a scene?

Often, the hardest-to-write scenes aren’t scenes at all, but a sequel masquerading as a scene. The reason you can’t write it or finish it, is because there’s no goal driving it. It’s about the reaction to what just happened, a rehash of the events, or a sharing of ideas between characters, but it doesn’t end with a plan to act. Try treating it like a sequel, and end it with a decision to act that will start the next scene and move the story forward. 

(Here’s more with The Difference Between a Sequel and a Scene)

Is it difficult for you personally?

Sometimes a scene is hard to write because it’s emotional, or touches something that’s hard for the writer to face. It’s not a bad scene at all, but there may be an emotional issue holding you back. Intellectually, you know the scene needs to be there, but emotionally, it’s also going to take a lot out of you to write it. Try acknowledging that, then work on the scene in small stages or writing sessions so it doesn't get overwhelming. 

(Here’s more with A Tip for Getting Through Hard-to-Write Scenes)

Your writer's instinct usually knows when a scene has a problem. Trust it. 

Even if you aren’t yet sure what's wrong or how to fix it, your subconscious knows you've gone off track in some way. Trust your gut. When it tells you something isn't working, focus on figuring out why. Most times, the fix is right there in front of you.

EXERCISE FOR YOU: Take a scene you've been struggling to write and go through the possible reasons why listed above. Answer the questions as best you can, even if they send the story in an unexpected direction. This is about brainstorming and letting your imagination run free--you're not locked into anything.

How do you handle scenes you don’t want to write?

*Originally published December 2018. Last updated March 2026.

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Janice Hardy is the award-winning author of the teen fantasy trilogy The Healing Wars, including The Shifter, Blue Fire, and Darkfall from Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins. The Shifter, was chosen for the 2014 list of "Ten Books All Young Georgians Should Read" from the Georgia Center for the Book.

She also writes the Grace Harper urban fantasy series for adults under the name, J.T. Hardy.

When she's not writing novels, she's teaching other writers how to improve their craft. She's the founder of Fiction University and has written multiple books on writing.

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