So... Fiction writers are just wildly creative.

Which is exactly why they’re elite at creative procrastination.

We tell ourselves we’re “working”… but somehow, the word count stays at zero, and the marketing still doesn’t happen. 🤯

Here are 3 ways procrastination shows up at the highest level:

💻 1. Productive Procrastination

It looks like you’re making progress… but nothing’s actually moving.

• Spending 2 hours tweaking your email template instead of hitting send

• Beautifying a new planner… and ghosting it 5 weeks later

• Making a color-coded marketing calendar… but never publishing a post

• Buying a new course instead of completing the last 5

This is the high-achiever’s favorite type of avoidance.

😬 2. Emotional Avoidance in Disguise

You tell yourself you’re waiting for the “right moment,” but what you’re really doing is hiding.

• “I’ll start when I’m in the right headspace…”

• Avoiding videos, newsletters, or promo posts out of fear of being seen

• Switching to a new story every time your current one gets hard

• Overthinking every decision until the opportunity passes

This one is sneaky... Because it feels like you’re being kind to yourself. But really, you might just be staying safe.

🎨 3. Creative Distraction

This is when you’re doing the work, but you’re doing the wrong work - usually because it’s more exciting or less scary.

• Jumping between projects instead of finishing the one that matters

• Obsessively world-building for a book you haven’t drafted

• Designing covers, dream casting characters, and outlining side plots… with no publishing plan

• Shifting your genre or brand instead of launching what’s already ready

• Writing 10k words… on a random side project that wasn’t even on your radar

It feels like momentum. But it’s a clever detour from the real work.

🔧 So what can you do?

Here are 3 simple (but not easy!! 😅) ways to start shifting out of elite procrastination:

1. Decide your focus.

Pick ONE project or goal to finish. Just one. (Hit reply and let me know what you choose!)

Clarity kills chaos. 🔪

2. Finish, then finesse.

Don’t get stuck making things “better” before they’re done.

B-minus work that’s published will always outperform A+ ideas that live in your Google Drive.

3. Create external accountability.

Whether it’s a writing sprint, a planning call, or telling someone your deadline, try to make the goal real outside your head.

You’re not lazy. Your business isn’t broken. You just need a clear plan, a supportive structure, and a little momentum.

You’ve got this! 💛