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Neil Chase

Resending: When Life Gets in the Way of Writing - And Why That’s Okay

Published 10 days ago • 3 min read

Hi Reader,

This week didn’t exactly go according to plan.

I had every intention of finishing my latest YouTube video for today. I had the topic. I had my main points written out. I knew what I wanted to say.

But life had other ideas.

This past week was packed with my daughter’s dance competition and my other daughter’s singing competition. In the middle of all that, my daughter broke her foot during rehearsal, which meant a long day in the ER and the last few days helping take care of her. On top of that, I had car trouble that needed to be dealt with too. And all of that was layered on top of the usual work, meetings, and day-to-day responsibilities that still had to get done.

By the time I came up for air, there just wasn’t enough time left to record and edit the video in time for today.

And you know what? That’s okay.

Life gets in the way sometimes

I think a lot of writers need to hear that, because this doesn’t just happen with YouTube videos. It happens with screenplays, novels, rewrites, outlines, coaching homework, and all the other creative goals we set for ourselves.

I’ve had times where I’m in the middle of a screenplay assignment, or deep into a chapter of a novel, and all I want to do is get back to it… but life keeps stepping in.

Something urgent comes up, or someone needs you. It can be frustrating.

But the page will still be there

That’s the good news.

However chaotic life feels in the moment, it does settle down again, and when it does, your story will still be there waiting for you.

You haven't lost your voice or failed because you had to step away.

Life gives you material

This is the part people don’t always think about in the middle of the chaos: all of it is material.

The stress, the frustration, the interruptions, the emotions, and the moments of fear, exhaustion, love, annoyance, relief.

That’s storytelling gold.

There’s a scene in there. Or a line of dialogue. A character reaction. A motivation. A conflict beat. A quiet emotional moment that makes something feel true.

So when life pulls you away from the page, it doesn’t always mean your writing has stopped. Sometimes it just means the research got more personal.

Reframe the interruption

When life makes it hard to write, try thinking of it a different way:

Not as failure, but as an unplanned break.

Take note of what you see and hear, what people say under pressure, and what you feel when things don’t go the way you hoped.

It might just end up in your next story in a way you never expected!

So, no new video from me today - look for it next week. In the meantime, if you haven't already, check out my most recent video on worldbuilding. Promise it's worth it!

🎥 Watch it here: Screenplay Worldbuilding - Breaking Down What Works​

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And if you want help with your screenplay - worldbuilding, character work, structure, pacing, or rewriting - I can help there too:

👉 My one-hour coaching calls are great for brainstorming, outlining, character work, and solving story problems early: Book Your Session today!​

👉 My coverage packages are a great next step if you need meaningful developmental feedback before diving back into the draft: Click here!​

👉 Rewrite to Greenlight is my ongoing developmental editing program for taking a script from almost there to funding- or production-ready: Click here!​

And if this week has thrown your own writing plans off course a little, don’t beat yourself up. Chances are, life just handed you something useful for your next story!

Stay creative!

Neil

video preview​

P.S. Check out my feature film, Spin the Wheel - out now on Tubi!

Click here to watch for FREE: https://tubitv.com/movies/100030151/spin-the-wheel​

Learn more about storytelling, screenwriting, and filmmaking:​ www.neilchasefilm.com.

Looking for in-depth help with your script, story or film? Check out my one-on-one coaching services here.

Check out my Gothic horror-western novel, Iron Dogs, available in eBook, print, and audiobook.

**My emails may include affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure and privacy policy here.

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Neil Chase

Filmmaker, Writer and Story Consultant

Neil Chase is a story and writing coach, award-winning screenwriter, actor, and author of the horror-western novel, Iron Dogs. Neil believes that all writers have the potential to create great work. His passion is helping writers find their voice and develop their skills so that they can create stories that are both entertaining and meaningful. If you’re ready to take your writing to the next level, join the email list for writing tips and inspiration!

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