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When authors find themselves stuck while writing, they tend to forget how much they love their stories. It’s easy for them to get caught in a string of unhealthy thoughts that tempt them into believing their novels aren’t “good enough.” As a result, they start to spiral, wondering if their stories are somehow broken. Although these mindsets can be discouraging, they don’t have to be permanent. There are steps authors can take to rediscover their love for their work.

What Made You Love Your Story?

Certainly, when each author began writing their story, there was some reason they fell in love with it—perhaps the theme, the setting, or the characters. However, when writers get down in the dumps, they often forget what first drew them to their story. Uncovering that initial spark is one of the best ways for them to fall back in love with their story.

Remember to Write What You Want to Read

Writers may find that the more they revise, the less they enjoy their story. This often happens when they revise to please others instead of themselves. Yes, revision is an essential step, but it should focused on telling the writer’s story in the best way possible. When an author starts trying to please the masses, they can easily lose their connection to the story. After all, when someone tries to please everyone, they often end up pleasing no one—least of all themselves.

Fixing Genuine Story Issues

Often, authors struggle to write new scenes because something isn’t working in the ones that came before. When this is the case, it becomes necessary to take a look back and analyze those earlier moments. Do they flow from one to the next? Do they fit the rest of the plot? If, after all that, the author is still struggling to solve the problem, they may want to enlist a manuscript coach to help them brainstorm.

Consider a Reward System

If part of the problem is the author simply getting their butt in the chair, then instituting a personal reward system might be beneficial. Giving themselves a small reward can do wonders for building consistency and solidifying a habit. On the other hand, punishing oneself often has the opposite effect, adding pressure rather than motivation. For struggling authors, a small daily reward, followed by a larger one when milestones are reached, can make the difference between writing and binge-watching television.

For The Love of the Story

In any society, stories have the unique ability to change people’s hearts. They can teach lessons, provide solace, and even inspire change. In my own writing endeavors, I write to give hope. Other writers surely create for other reasons. However, we each have a reason why stories matter to us. At the heart of the matter, writing is about those reasons. If we reconnect with them and use them to empower our stories, our love for the craft will certainly find its way back to us.