There’s a special kind of writing slump that sneaks up on people if they’re not careful. It’s sometimes not the one where you’ve got zero motivation, but the one where your words feel… stale. The same old metaphors. The same style. The same syntax. It becomes a formula of sorts and doesn’t feel fresh. It gets old.
I think a big culprit behind this is writing without reading.
When we only pour out words but never take any in, our writing starts to echo itself. It’s like talking to yourself in a room with no one else around. Eventually, you’ll run out of new things to say.
Reading gives life to your work. It stretches your brain into shapes you wouldn’t find on your own. You pick up little tricks without even realizing it. This could be a fun phrase, a surprising metaphor, or a way to pace a scene. Sometimes it’s not even about the writing itself but about remembering why you wanted to write in the first place. Books can also remind us of the wonder that made us pull out a pen or our laptop in the first place.
I didn’t read much throughout college and good gracious, it showed in my writing. Everything I wrote felt…Safe. The echo chamber became comfortable. Because, you see, a crappy side effect of not reading is sometimes not even REALIZING the echo chamber your writing is becoming until you sit down with a fresh pair of eyes and you find your own writing boring! It’s bland. It’s missing something. But when I began to pick up reading again (post college), I found writing easier and the quality better.
So if you’re in a slump, maybe the best cure isn’t another thousand words of pushing through. Maybe it’s picking up something off your shelf, letting someone else’s voice break through the echo chamber, and remembering that writing is, at its core, a conversation between you, your imagination, your inspiration, and your readers. And you can’t hold up your end of the conversation if you’re not listening, too.
Anyways, happy Tuesday, and thanks for dropping by and reading my little mini-rant.
When I was in middle school, I had no qualms about just opening a Word doc and shooting from the hip. Who cares, right?? I’m in middle school. But as an adult, I can tell you a completely different story…
My tune has definitely since changed. As self-doubt and perfectionism have become a more prevalent issue in my writing life, I have found that writing when you know where you’re headed is not always easy. Even when you’ve got the finish line in sight, writing WITH a plan is hard enough.
But writing when you don’t believe in the ending? When you’re not even sure if the ending is good, or if the whole thing is worth finishing? That can be a little petrifying or even a slog depending on your personality. That’s like trudging through fog with no map and hoping you’re still on track.
And honestly, that’s where a lot of us live, I think.
We start a project full of enthusiasm, picturing readers crying or laughing at the perfect final scene. Then somewhere around the middle, the plot feels flat, the characters stop talking to us, and we start wondering if we’ve just wasted months of our life. Or maybe we planned the ending and Oh Shoot! It doesn’t feel like it fits anymore! What now???
My advice?
1. Remind yourself you don’t have to believe in it to keep going
You can keep typing even while thinking, This is probably terrible. You can finish a chapter while doubting whether it will all make sense in the end. Doubt doesn’t have to be a stop sign. Resign it to some annoying background noise, and you may even forget about it. Try and loosen up a bit and actually enjoy this whole writing ordeal; otherwise, it may be worth abandoning altogether if you cannot find a shred of enjoyment in it. Just don’t be so hard on yourself, and maybe attempt to write through the doubt.
2. Lower the bar when you’re in the fog
If you can’t see the grand, perfect ending right now, fine. Just write the next part. You’re not committing to keeping it forever. You’re committing to getting it downon the freaking page. Sometimes a clunky placeholder scene is the bridge to the better one you’ll write later. This is the whole “one foot in front of the other” tactic and it works rather nice in my opinion.
3. Let the ending find you
The pressure to “have it all figured out” before you get there will kill your momentum. Sometimes you only discover the right ending after you’ve written the wrong one. Keep moving forward and trust that clarity comes from progress. I have often found that the right ending can come to me when I see how these characters have progressed and grown. I am better equipped by the end of the story to say “ahhh this feels right.”
4. Remember: every story feels worse in the middle
Middles are messy. You’re too close to see what’s working, and your brain is wired to spot flaws. But a finished draft, even a shaky one, can be fixed. An abandoned draft can’t. At the end, you can always edit but you cannot edit what isn’t even there!
5. Have something else that carries you through
Chances are, some redeeming elements about this story that made you start it in the first place, even if it wasn’t the ending itself. What are those elements? The characters? Your interesting or complex MC? The side romance you want to write? That scene in the middle where you reveal that plot twist? Maybe focus on that instead of the hazy or non-existent light at the end of the tunnel
In conclusion, I shall restate my hypothesis (just as my science teachers HAMMERED in my head): Write the next sentence. Then the next. Then keep going until you stumble right into the ending you didn’t see coming but are actually quite delighted with because it’s one that feels RIGHT.
Some stories don’t make it. I’m sure you’re already WELL aware of that if you’re a writer. Not because they weren’t good, or because you didn’t care enough, but because something shifted. You outgrew it. Life got busy. The plot unraveled. Or maybe the fire that lit it up when you first started just… dimmed. It doesn’t interest you anymore.
And now it sits in your drafts folder, collecting dust or …uh… pixels.
If that’s where you’re at: I see you.
So here’s a little post I’ve been wanting to write for awhile on mourning the death of your story and what you can learn from the whole thing. Very similar to my post on knowing when to quit on a story, this post will focus on the after and the questions you can critically ask so you can grow and learn. Otherwise, the experience can be discouraging and it feels like you just dumped your time into a project that never showed tangible results. So let’s try and avoid that. 🙂
Read It With Curiosity, Not Criticism
When you’re ready, go back and reread the draft. Not to fix it, but to understand it.
Ask yourself some qestions such as:
What parts still make you feel something?
What parts confused you or dragged?
Where were you trying too hard to be someone you’re not as a writer?
Remember: you wrote that version of the story with the skills and heart you had then. That’s a snapshot of a creative moment in time. It deserves to live on. Please, please, please don’t delete no matter how cringe and blackmail worthy this piece might be.
Look for the Seeds You Can ReplantElsewhere
Even if the story didn’t grow into what you imagined, that doesn’t mean it was wasted. Often, buried in “dead” drafts are pieces worth saving:
A compelling side character
A setting that still sparkles in your mind
A line of dialogue that makes you sit up and whisper, “That’s it.”
You might not resurrect the whole story but you can borrow from its bones. Let it compost into something new.
Track Your Creative Patterns
Unfinished stories are often full of clues about yourself. It holds your interests, your hang-ups, and what you feel is important.
Try this:
Make a list of your abandoned stories.
Jot down what each one was trying to explore (themes, feelings, questions).
See what repeats.
You might realize you always write about lonely girls and overgrown gardens. Or that your stories die when the middle turns into a slog. That kind of self-awareness? Invaluable. Plus you can use it to inform your creative decisions moving forward. Try and place what you wanted from this draft.
Final Thought:
It’s okay if the ending never got written. And who knows? One day you might go back. Maybe not to fix it, but to pick up where you left off. Or not. Either way, the story gave you something.
Few things are more satisfying in a story than a well-executed plot twist. The kind that makes readers gasp, flip back a few pages, or text their friends in all caps. A great twist doesn’t just shock. When done CORRECTLY it deepens the story, redefines characters, or forces the audience to see events in a new light. But how do you craft a twist that doesn’t feel forced, cheap, or predictable?
The key to a successful plot twist is planting subtle clues throughout your story while keeping the big reveal hidden until just the right moment. Below is a list of plot twists you can use, adapt, or mix into your writing to keep readers on their toes. I will reiterate though that plot twists need to be BUILT into a story. They’re not supposed to be cheap punches to invoke a response from your reader. Pacing is everything. Clues are everything. Hints are everything. The devil is literally in the details! Anyways, enough precursors and disclaimers. I trust you with my list of plot-twists. (I’m assuming you’re a big kid writer who knows exactly what you’re doing! Don’t all writers know exactly what they’re doing ahaha….)
Classic Identity Twists
The protagonist is actually the villain but doesn’t realize it.
A trusted ally was working against the hero all along.
The villain is secretly related to the protagonist.
The protagonist’s memories have been altered or erased.
The main character isn’t who they think they are—a clone, an imposter, or someone else entirely.
Revelations About the Past
A seemingly minor character was the true mastermind behind everything.
A past event didn’t happen the way everyone remembers.
The protagonist was unknowingly responsible for a tragedy.
The villain is actually seeking revenge for something the hero did.
The hero was lied to about their origins or purpose.
Unexpected Alliances & Betrayals
The hero and villain must work together to stop a greater threat.
A sworn enemy turns out to be a long-lost friend.
The mentor figure betrays the protagonist at a crucial moment.
A character thought to be dead is alive—and has switched sides.
The sidekick was the real hero all along.
Reality-Shifting Twists
Everything was a simulation, test, or dream—but the consequences are real.
The story is actually taking place in a different time period or world than initially believed.
The narrator has been unreliable, misleading the audience the whole time.
Magic or supernatural elements exist in what was thought to be a realistic setting.
The protagonist is not the first version of themselves—they’ve been replaced, cloned, or resurrected before.
Unexpected Outcomes
The villain wins, and the hero must find a way to live with it.
The big battle never happens because the conflict was a misunderstanding.
The supposed chosen one is a fraud—or the real chosen one is someone else.
The hero gets what they wanted but realizes it wasn’t what they needed.
The villain was never actually evil—just misunderstood or manipulated.
Final Thoughts
And here is the conclusion where I restate my hypothesis-er, intro I mean. A great plot twist isn’t just about shocking your readers. It should enhance the story, add emotional weight, and feel earned. By layering foreshadowing and character depth, you can craft twists that will surprise without feeling random. Do you have a favorite plot twist from a book or movie? Or have you written one you’re especially proud of? Share it in the comments! I love reading everything everyone has to share.
Creating a compelling character isn’t just about giving them a name and a goal to achieve. It’s also about making them feel real to your reader. And what makes someone feel real? The little things. The devil’s in the details.
The way they tap their fingers when they’re nervous, the fact that they always hum while making coffee, or their unshakable belief that their lucky socks will change their fate. These quirks and habits add layers of depth and relatability, making characters leap off the page and stick in readers’ minds.
If you’re looking to add some personality to your cast, here’s a list of quirks and habits you can use or adapt to fit your story. Whether you’re writing a hero, a villain, or someone caught in between, the right little detail can make all the difference.
Common Quirks & Habits for Your Characters
Nervous Habits
Biting nails or lips
Tapping their foot incessantly
Playing with hair or twisting rings
Cracking knuckles, neck, or back
Tugging at sleeves or clothing
Fidgeting with small objects (coins, pens, paperclips)
Avoiding eye contact when lying
Endearing or Quirky Traits
Always carrying a lucky coin, stone, or charm
Collecting something odd (bottle caps, pressed flowers, old receipts)
Talking to plants or inanimate objects
Inventing their own slang or catchphrases
Always misquoting famous sayings
Assigning personalities to everyday items
Laughing at their own jokes (even the bad ones)
Food & Drink Habits
Always ordering the same thing at a restaurant
Hating foods for strange reasons (e.g., “Bananas feel too smug”)
Stirring their coffee exactly three times before drinking
Eating one thing at a time, never mixing food on their plate
Refusing to drink from a cup with a crack, no matter how small
Preferring drinks at specific temperatures (lukewarm coffee, ice-cold soup)
Daily Rituals & Superstitions
Checking their horoscope religiously
Only walking on certain-colored tiles
Always taking the same route, even if it’s inconvenient
Refusing to use red ink because “it’s bad luck”
Making a wish on every stray eyelash
Never leaving home without their signature accessory
Work & Study Quirks
Always writing in a certain color of ink
Organizing their desk in a very specific way
Talking aloud while working through problems
Writing notes on their hands, even when they have paper
Needing total silence—or total chaos—to focus
Humming or tapping when deep in thought
Broadly, Why Quirks Matter
A well-placed quirk can serve multiple storytelling purposes. It can:
Reinforce personality traits (A meticulous scientist always straightens picture frames)
Hint at backstory (A soldier always sits with their back to a wall)
Create humor (A character refuses to eat food that touches on their plate)
Build relationships (Two characters bond over their shared habit of doodling on receipts)
Quirks make characters feel human and help readers form emotional connections. A perfectly polished, flaw-free character is forgettable. A character who double-checks that they locked the door three times? That’s someone we recognize. We look at the character and see ourselves, friends, and family members.
Final Thoughts
Character quirks are the seasoning that makes a good character great. The right mix of habits, tics, and eccentricities can turn a flat character into a vivid one. Feel free to share your favorite character quirks and ideas in the comments below. I always love reading comments!
As writers, we put a lot of effort into crafting compelling beginnings and exciting middles, but endings? Endings are what stick with readers long after they close the book. A great ending can leave them satisfied, stunned, or even haunted. But not every story needs to wrap up with a neat little bow and a happily ever after. Sometimes, the most powerful endings are the ones that subvert expectations, introduce a twist, or leave a lingering sense of mystery.
Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, here’s a list of unique ways to end your story that go beyond the traditional happy ending. Feel free to use, tweak, or combine these ideas to create your own memorable conclusion to the tale!
Bittersweet & Tragic Endings
The hero wins but loses their memories.
The villain is defeated, but the hero becomes what they once fought against.
The protagonist gets everything they wanted but realizes it doesn’t make them happy.
The hero survives but is the only one left.
The love interest is saved, but they no longer love the protagonist.
The hero sacrifices themselves, but their sacrifice is forgotten.
The protagonist escapes, but their home is lost forever.
The prophecy is fulfilled, but it didn’t mean what they thought.
Open & Ambiguous Endings
The hero wins, but the story hints that the villain may return.
A character vanishes without explanation—did they run, die, or something else?
The story ends mid-action, leaving the outcome uncertain.
The protagonist achieves their goal, but a single clue suggests something was missed.
The final line contradicts what the reader believed was true.
The hero is given a choice, but the story ends before they make it.
Twist Endings
The villain was never real; it was all in the hero’s mind.
The “good guys” were actually the bad guys all along.
The entire story was a test, simulation, or dream—but the protagonist isn’t sure what’s real anymore.
The hero realizes they were the villain in someone else’s story.
The protagonist wins, but only because the villain let them.
Everything resets, trapping the characters in a loop.
Unsettling or Dark Endings
The villain wins, and no one knows the truth.
The hero stops the big bad, but a greater threat emerges.
The protagonist thought they escaped—only to find they’re still trapped.
The hero saves the day but has lost all sense of self.
The world is saved, but it’s unrecognizable.
The hero becomes immortal and must watch everyone they love fade away.
The story ends with a minor, eerie detail that suggests something is very wrong.
Ah, spring. The season of blossoming flowers, fresh starts, and freshly ignored writing goals. Oops. Did I say that outloud?
Anyways, I am determined to refresh my writing routine this spring as well as declutter my workspace, and become the productive, flourishing writer I was always meant to be. Or at least… try.
Step One: The Desk Purge
Right now, my desk is less of a workspace and more of an archaeological dig of sorts. There are at least three half-filled notebooks, a graveyard of pens (some working, some with ink mysteriously dried up overnight), and a coffee cup that may or may not be from last week. If I dig deep enough, I might find a long-lost plot outline or a note that simply says, “fix this, it’s bad.” Oh, and stickers. Lots and lots of stickers.
This happens periodically. My desk space over any given amount of time will become…how is it we say here in the south? Ah, yes, a HOT MESS.
So, I’m decluttering. The goal is to turn my desk into a space that actually invites creativity instead of making me want to lie down and take a nap. A candle? Yes. A cute notebook that I will definitely use? Absolutely. The ten random receipts and a variety of rogue paperclips? No thanks. You’re out of here (until I somehow collect another collection and do another deep clean this next fall).
Step Two: Reworking the Writing Routine
Right now, my “routine” consists of staring at my laptop at odd times (basically when the whimsy hits), opening a blank document, and then somehow ending up scrolling on my phone for 45 minutes. It’s an art form, really. And while I have been trying to tackle my phone addiction lately (it’s its own issue separately, ok?) my writing routine still lacks consistency.
To fix this, I’m trying out a more structured approach this spring. Instead of telling myself “I’ll write later” (which is a fancy way of saying “I won’t write at all”), I’m setting dedicated writing times. Mostly in the evening after work or after dinner. I have experimented with a few time slots (will be writing a blog post about this later, I’m all about experiments over here), and the evening time slot seems to work best with my lifestyle and schedule. So that’s what we’re going with.
Step Three: Setting Writing Goals That Aren’t Overly Ambitious
I alluded to this already in my New Years post in January. I love making big, dramatic writing goals. “I’ll finish my novel in two weeks.”“I’ll write 1,000 words every single day without fail.”“I’ll win a Pulitzer by June.”
And then reality hits. Life is busy. Some days, writing just doesn’t happen. So I’m continuing to focus on, goals that are actually achievable. Maybe it’s writing for 20 minutes a day. Maybe it’s finishing a single chapter this month. Small, consistent progress is better than unrealistic goals that just make me feel guilty when I inevitably don’t hit them. Right now I’m attempting to finish my Poetry book by the end of summer. That’s THE goal right now.
Step Four: Romanticizing the Writing Process
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that writing is way more fun when you make it an aesthetic experience. I’m talking fairy lights, soft music, a warm cup of tea, and the illusion that I am a 19th-century author composing a masterpiece in my candlelit study. Does this actually help me write better? Debatable. Does it make me want to write more? Absolutely.
So, part of my spring reset is making my writing time feel special. A cozy spot by the window, a new playlist, maybe even a fancy new pen. Whatever it takes to trick my brain into thinking this is a magical, must-do activity. If everything feels stale in your writing process right now, just try and make a few fun little changes.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make This Our Season of Writing Wins
Spring is a time for growth, so I’m going to try and grow into better writing habits. Whether it’s finally decluttering that desk, setting realistic goals, or simply making writing feel more fun, this is my effort to reset and refresh.
How are you resetting this spring? Do you even believe in spring resets or is time simply an illusion to you? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 🌸✨
Finding the perfect gift for the writer in your life can be as complex… annoying. I say this as a writer. It is very common that someone doesn’t know what to get me so I somehow end up with a tower of empty journals and an overflowing desk cup filled with new pens. I understand, it can be annoying to buy for us and sometimes one doesn’t know where to start when getting something thoughtful for the word-weaver in their family or friend group. Writers are often particular about their tools and tastes, but there’s a world of thoughtful, creative gifts beyond the basics that will make them feel truly understood. Here’s a guide to inspire your holiday shopping for the wordsmith you adore.
The Basics (But Make Them Fancy)
Pens: Writers love pens, but gifting them a luxury pen—like a Lamy fountain pen or a weighted rollerball—can elevate their note-taking experience. Bonus points if you include a refill set in their favorite ink color!
Journals: A writer can never have too many journals. Opt for a unique twist, such as leather-bound notebooks, journals with prompts, or eco-friendly options made from recycled materials.
Books on Writing: Classics like On Writing by Stephen King or The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron are staples, but consider books on niche writing topics or even beautiful annotated versions of their favorite novels.
Step It Up: Gifts That Show You Truly Get Them
Subscription Boxes for Writers: There are subscription services like Scribbler or The Writer’s Box that deliver curated goodies, writing prompts, and insider tips from published authors every month.
Customized Writer’s Toolkit: Assemble a personalized kit with items like sticky notes, page flags, highlighters, and correction tape. Include a pouch or box engraved with their name or a quote about writing.
Noise-Canceling Headphones or White Noise Machine: Whether they thrive in silence or need the soothing sound of rain, a tool to manage their audio environment can be invaluable for focused writing sessions.
Specialty Coffee or Tea: Many writers are fueled by caffeine. Look for unique blends or quirky mugs (a typewriter-themed one, perhaps?). Add in a high-quality milk frother for the latte-loving wordsmith.
Bookends or Shelf Accents: Help them organize their beloved writing books or display their work-in-progress stack with quirky bookends shaped like typewriters, quills, or punctuation marks.
Truly Unique Ideas for the Writer Who Has It All
Custom-Made Book Cover Art: Writers with published or soon-to-be-published works will swoon over framed custom cover art of their book or even a faux cover design for their work-in-progress.
A Writing Retreat Voucher: Gifting a weekend at a cozy cabin or a spot in a writing retreat program can give them the solitude and inspiration they need.
Quirky Desk Accessories: Think vintage typewriter-inspired keyboards, literary-themed calendars, or even a tiny desktop hourglass to time writing sprints.
Personalized Word Necklace or Bracelet: Have their favorite word, their own name, or the title of their book engraved on a piece of jewelry.
A Masterclass Subscription: Access to workshops by renowned authors like Neil Gaiman or Margaret Atwood can be an incredible resource and a dream come true for many writers.
Unique Inspiration Tools: Try something like the Rory’s Story Cubes or a deck of writing prompt cards to help spark creativity.
Gift a Domain Name: If they don’t already have one, buying them a domain for their writing blog or portfolio is an incredibly thoughtful and practical gift.
Customized Wax Seal Kit: For writers who enjoy a touch of old-world charm, a wax seal kit with their initials or a literary-themed emblem adds a personal touch to letters or notes.
Stocking Stuffers for the Literary-Minded
Literary-themed socks, tote bags, or pins
Magnetic poetry kits
Tiny pocket dictionaries or thesauruses
Bookplates with their name on them
Candles inspired by books or writing (like “Library” or “Freshly Sharpened Pencils” scents)
Of course, these gifts and their usefulness will vary from person to person. However, I think this list is a great starting point or sparking inspiration for that special writer in your life. Whether they’re a poet, novelist, or someone just discovering their voice, there’s something here for every writer to inspire them and remind them that their craft is worth celebrating.
What’s the most creative gift you’ve ever given (or received) as a writer? Let me know in the comments!
I’ve been thinking a lot about how writers connect with each other online. Over the years, platforms like WordPress have been an amazing way to share thoughts, stories, and tips. Most of you drop by to read, and every now and then, someone leaves a comment that warms my heart. Honestly, I love this dynamic, and it’s perfectly fine if reading and moving on is your vibe.
But lately, I’ve been wondering: is there interest in something more community-oriented?
I’ve scrolled through countless writing forums, and while some are thriving, they tend to have huge memberships. That’s awesome for activity, but for me (and maybe for you?), it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd. I started thinking about what it would be like to build a smaller, more personal writing space—something cozy where everyone has a seat at the table.
Since I’m not ready to spend $300 a year upgrading my WordPress just to test this idea, I did a little digging and found freeforums.net, a platform that lets you create forums for free. It was so easy to set up (seriously, 10/10 recommend if you’ve ever thought about this yourself), and now… I have a forum ready to go! Here’s a quick preview:
I’ll introduce you to the spaces I’ve set up so far:
🪑 The Coffee Shop This is the general hangout spot. Think casual chats, checking in on how everyone’s doing, and sipping virtual lattes while talking about anything and everything.
✍️ The Writing Lab For technical discussions about writing. Need feedback on sentence structure? Want to debate the merits of first vs. third person? This is the place.
📚 The Library Here, we’ll share what we’re reading or watching—whether it’s the latest bestseller, a nostalgic TV show, or an indie book you can’t stop thinking about.
🛍️ The Bookstore A space to celebrate writing achievements, share self-published works, and recommend tools, resources, or books you love.
🏛️ The Town Hall Where announcements, updates, and fun events (think writing challenges or contests) will live.
📌 The Bulletin Board Looking for beta readers? Want to collaborate on a project? This is where networking happens.
🌳 The Park A lighthearted zone for creative writing games, prompts, or exercises to spark inspiration. Also For those tough days when writer’s block hits or imposter syndrome creeps in. A safe place to vent, seek support, and remind yourself you’re not alone.
I’m genuinely curious—does this sound like a space you’d want to join? Or do you prefer to keep your writing life separate from structured communities? Either way, there’s no pressure!
I’ll include a poll below to get a feel for interest, but feel free to drop a comment, too. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Poll: Would you join a cozy writing forum?
Whether the forum takes off or not, I’m just happy to keep connecting with you all here. Thank you for always making this space feel so welcoming.
As writers, we probably like to think of our ideas as precious gems, sparkling with potential and promise. But what happens when those gems start to feel like rocks weighing us down? Moving on from a story idea can feel like a betrayal. It can feel like we’re giving up on something that might have been great if only we’d tried harder. But, sadly, sometimes, letting go is the most freeing, productive decision we can make.
Recognizing When a Story Isn’t Serving You
Every writer knows the thrill of starting something new. It’s like falling in love—the endless possibilities, the bursts of creativity, the “this is going to be amazing” energy. But over time, that spark can dim.
Here are a few signs your story idea might not be serving you anymore:
You’re Avoiding It: If you constantly find excuses to work on anything but your story, it’s worth asking why. Is it fear of failure, or are you genuinely uninterested? I will say the difficulty of this step comes from knowing the difference between writer’s block, intense procrastination, or a sign to actually quit.
It Feels Like a Chore: Writing isn’t always fun, but it should bring some sense of purpose or joy. If working on your story feels like dragging yourself through quicksand, it may no longer align with your creative goals. Unfortunately, I reached this point editing down my second draft of my YA novel that was once so dear to me in high school. It no longer felt inspired and became just another task to chug through.
The Idea No Longer Resonates: Maybe it felt groundbreaking when you first thought of it, but now you find yourself bored or disconnected from the concept. That’s okay—people grow, and so do creative tastes. Maybe you’re no longer writing the type of book you would read? Maybe it’s time to expand to something different (maybe even a different genre??).
You’re Forcing It to Fit: If you’ve twisted your story idea so many times it feels unrecognizable, it might not be the right project for you at this moment. This also might be a sign that you’ve lost focus and you don’t know what you’re going for with this idea.
The Emotional Weight of Letting Go
For years, I told myself I’d go back to that first draft of a novel I finished in high school. It sat on my computer like a ghost of a dream—haunting me with the promise of what could have been. But every time I opened the document, I felt dread, not inspiration. The characters no longer felt like mine. The plot felt shallow. Worst of all, working on it felt like an obligation, not a passion.
I clung to it for far too long because I thought letting go meant failure. It took me years to realize that setting it aside wasn’t a sign of giving up—it was a step toward making space for stories I actually wanted to tell.
Gracefully Setting a Project Aside
Letting go doesn’t have to be dramatic or final. You don’t need to delete files or burn notebooks (unless you want to; dramatic gestures are valid). Here’s how to set a project aside with intention:
Acknowledge Its Place in Your Journey: Every story idea, no matter how unfinished, has taught you something. Reflect on what this project gave you—new skills, insight, or even just a fun creative spark when you needed it.
Give Yourself Permission: It’s okay to say, “This isn’t for me right now.” Writing is a personal journey, and it’s better to move on than to force yourself into creative misery.
File It Away: You don’t have to toss the idea forever. Save your notes, drafts, and outlines. You might come back to it someday with fresh eyes—or never at all, and that’s fine too. Again, speaking from experience, I deleted way too many old drafts out of shame and now wish I had them on hand. I’d love to see how far I’ve come.
Celebrate the Space You’ve Made: By letting go, you’re freeing yourself for new, exciting projects that align with who you are now, not who you were when the idea first came to you. The possibilities are endless!
Moving Forward
Writing is an ever-evolving process. Just because an idea didn’t work out doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer or that you wasted time. It means you’re growing.
So if you’ve been holding onto a story that feels more like a burden than a joy, ask yourself: Is this serving me? If the answer is no, it might be time to let go. And when you do, know that you’re not giving up—you’re moving forward.
What about you? Have you ever had to let go of a story idea? What did that process look like for you? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
By the Brooke 