Losing Interesting While Writing

[Superpride]

Hello, fellow writers. I've been going through a rut lately with my writing, mainly with continuing my stories that I have lost interest in writing. This is why I haven't been posting new chapters recently because of this problem. I want to ask if this is a problem that happens to you all and if so, how do you solve or mitigate these feelings? For me specifically, I'm really inspired when I first write a story. However, after the first few chapters, my enthusiasm for the story dwindles after that. This problem of mine mostly affects my novel-length stories, so that is why I'm considering switching to short stories that are no more than 5,000 words in length for a while. I already have plenty of ideas for these short stories, and I feel that short stories are more appropriate for me since they are shorter, obviously. And because of its short length, I also feel like I'll be able to complete one before my interest wanes. What do you all think?

[CassieQ]

I can only speak for myself, but usually, if my interest in a story wanes, I try to figure out the reason.  It usually comes down to taking the story in the wrong direction (I abhor outlines, so I rarely use them) so I change things until I am interested again.  If that fails, which is rare, then I set the story aside, work on something else, and come back to it later.  Maybe focusing on short stories as opposed to novel length works will help spark your interest again?  

[Carlos Hazday]

First: Stop posting work in process.

I'm certain I'm not the only reader dissappointed when you stopped updating whatever story I started and liked. I haven't bothered with anything else you've posted since, and I'm sure others have done the same.
 

Two: Story ideas are a dime a dozen.

A name, an event, a location, and a myriad other things can inspire a story. But often, that little nugget isn't enough to carry you to the end. I have quite a few of those waiting for further inspiration, and I'm the only one who knows about them.

 

Third: Endings are important.

Have a general idea of how you want the story to end. You may want the MC to die, marry, murder, or get elected. Whatever it is, you don't need all the details up front. Pick an ending and write toward it. How often do you leave your house not knowing where you're headed?

[Talo Segura]

The last two posts @CassieQ and @Carlos Hazday are different approaches to writing a book. Neither is right or wrong, both are correct. The advantage that Carlos proposes is that with that approach you are much more likely to write and complete a book. After all, every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. I still find Cassie's suggestion is useful, but you don't want lots of "in process" stories. 

You don't necessarily need the ending, but some storyline and plotting seem to me to be essential. I'm only starting out and so I've tried different approaches. On one story, I wrote the middle, it didn't start out as the middle until I realised I needed to explain the reasons for characters acting how they did. So I wrote the earlier part. How does this help you? Well, if you're stuck, try thinking laterally instead of a linear progression. Maybe a side story will ignite your imagination to continue. Of course, what you've published limits the room for manoeuvre. You might want to solicit help in moving the story forward from other writers who may have ideas.

Finally, however stuck you think you might be, it only takes imagination and determination to push the story forward. You can leave it sitting for awhile, there is no predetermined schedule. Don't just drop a story, see it through. Good luck.

[Mikiesboy]

Absolutely agree with Carlos on this point ... do not post as you go. Write it, all of it. Make it right before posting it.  I'm not saying this to upset or offend anyone, but frankly as a reader and editor i get frustrated with books that are published, removed and rewritten. Equally frustrating are books that have a few chapters that then stop.  And then the author posts something new. Nope, i am not going to keep reading you. Write it ... make it right and then post it.

I've noticed something about my own work and that is three of my longer works have come from stories where I've written the first chapter or two, then gotten bored, lost interest or direction. I have, however, kept those chapters...for years.  Then now and again I'd open them up and read them.  And at some point I'd open one and there was a full book ready to be written. This happened with After The Past, Changes, and my upcoming story The Searcher. 

I don't know if that will happen for you, but don't toss out things you like or enjoyed writing. Maybe when you started it, it was just not the time to finish. Keep it and look at it once in a while. See what happens.

Learning to write good, proper short stories a good idea and write something different. Try something new.

Edited June 21, 2019 by Mikiesboy

[Jdonley75]

Not wanting to jump on the band wagon here, but...

Yeah.  I'm with @Talo Segura and @Mikiesboy on that.  My first book on here, I didn't post the first chapter until I had it all done.  I didn't want to make something and not finish it.  Originally, I was just writing it for myself.  The story was playing over and over in my head everyday and the only way to get rid of it was to write down.  Then it took me awhile to work up the courage to actually post it on here.  Of course, I didn't think anyone would read it either.

I will amaze you with my ability to agree and disagree with @CassieQ simultaneously.  I believe an outline is a start to writing a good story.  However, don't see it as a rigid structure that you can't break.  You're the artist.  Draw outside the lines if you want.  I wrote out no less than three outlines to my first book.  If you were to see them and read the book, you'd probably laugh your head off because the outlines do not conform to the story at all.  But they gave me a structure and goals to work up to.

As far as you feeling "stuck" or "uninspired" about your current stories that are still in process, my advice would be to... well.... ask your characters what they're going to do next.  Have them play it out in your mind and then write it down.  That's pretty much how I did it.

[Mikiesboy]

22 minutes ago, Jdonley75 said:

I believe an outline is a start to writing a good story.  However, don't see it as a rigid structure that you can't break.  You're the artist.  Draw outside the lines if you want.

I have love hate relationship with outlines .. i don't like them.. i find the more i write them, the less i want to write the story. However, i have discovered One Note which is very fluid. It lets me have a page where i can write down characters, towns, other facts ... then i can add pages per each chapter and jot notes add and subtract them.. One Note has made a huge difference to my writing and organization.

[Jdonley75]

1 minute ago, Mikiesboy said:

I have love hate relationship with outlines .. i don't like them.. i find the more i write them, the less i want to write the story. However, i have discovered One Note which is very fluid. It lets me have a page where i can write down characters, towns, other facts ... then i can add pages per each chapter and jot notes add and subtract them.. One Note has made a huge difference to my writing and organization.

Oh, no doubt.  You need to know your characters as much as possible and everything else is the scenery you need to give the story a foundation.  I wrote up notes about all the "main" characters and keep it nearby whenever I need to go back and make sure I'm not having a character do something they normally wouldn't.  Sometimes it was something as simple as delivering a line of dialogue (no, Jacob wouldn't say that to Troy, but Kyle would so I need to change who's saying that line.)  Sometimes a character can have a big change in their life that changes them.  You have to account for that as well.  But keeping all that organized until you have it ingrained in your head goes a long way to finding your story.

[Superpride]

Thank you very much to those who gave their thoughts and advice for me on this topic. The main reason why I post a chapter as soon as I finished and edited it is because I really want assurance and validation from readers that the chapter is good and that the story should continue. However, i totally understand readers’ frustration with seeing a story they like not being completed. I think my solution is have a few of my friends read my story as I write it, so I can have the same assurance that I get from comments from each chapter. I’ll definitely work on something else that has been brewing in my mind today that involves seeing the future and memory @CassieQ. I also need more time to think about my story ideas before I start writing it down as well as plan the story’s ending, both being new ventures for me and are very helpful @Carlos Hazday. That sounds like a great idea to start a story somewhere in the middle instead at the very beginning, and I might write a chapter that happens later in the story to give me new insight @Talo Segura. Making the whole story right before even posting the first chapter is very wise @Mikiesboy. Lastly, I’ll definitely consider creating an outline with the viewpoint that it can be altered later on and asking my characters what they would do is a very neat technique I’ll also employ for my current and future stories @Jdonley75. Thank you again to everyone for contributing to this topic and if anyone else wants to provide their two cents on this, feel free.

[W_L]

On 6/18/2019 at 6:29 PM, Superpride said:

Hello, fellow writers. I've been going through a rut lately with my writing, mainly with continuing my stories that I have lost interest in writing. This is why I haven't been posting new chapters recently because of this problem. I want to ask if this is a problem that happens to you all and if so, how do you solve or mitigate these feelings? For me specifically, I'm really inspired when I first write a story. However, after the first few chapters, my enthusiasm for the story dwindles after that. This problem of mine mostly affects my novel-length stories, so that is why I'm considering switching to short stories that are no more than 5,000 words in length for a while. I already have plenty of ideas for these short stories, and I feel that short stories are more appropriate for me since they are shorter, obviously. And because of its short length, I also feel like I'll be able to complete one before my interest wanes. What do you all think?

@Superpride

I have a similar problem writing novel length chapter by chapter, which I found a solution towards a few year's ago, by bouncing off idea with my beta and editor as I write, the novel "0's and 1's" book 1 was made that way. Problem with my solution was if you lose your sounding board, it becomes too many levels of "will this work" or "can I write this better" or "How could someone survive that?""

So, without a group of editor/beta team,  this year, I switched to a different tactic: Write the story first in its entirety or at least plot outlines for a chapter, then find a beta reader (as I've lost my editor). Right now, I have a completed 13 chapter Novel called "Essence of Life", a modern fiction story centered around french food and restaurant world, which I am personally editing and probably will release in the winter. It's a different kind of story from me and shows off my gluttonous side

Concurrently to keep my mind fluid with ideas, I am working on a Lovecraftian novel length story, it's a science fantasy story that was inspired by H.P Lovecraft's "Shadow over Innsmouth" and uses several elements from his Cthulhu mythos. My working title for it is "Tempting Madness". I find writing dark fantasy allows me to explore my imagination a lot more and rejuvenates my muse.

Getting a group together for writing support is awesome and a lot of the best stories on GA and elsewhere were done that way, but if you need to focus on ideas and find the continuous inspiration without having doubts or group members drop out, you need to find a well to draw things from or a foundation to build against, you need to craft a story suited to your interests and you have direct access or experience with.

[mollyhousemouse]

On 6/21/2019 at 6:50 PM, Superpride said:

Thank you again to everyone for contributing to this topic and if anyone else wants to provide their two cents on this, feel free.

as a reader and beta reader, i'd like to add my two cents
you mentioned having friends read the chapters so you can have "assurance and validation."  that's important, but you don't want to have a friend who will just say "Yeah, it's good" to everything.  there's also the possibility of the opposite problem in having a friend tear you apart, this kind of situation happened to another author i know.  may i suggest that after you have a couple of chapters written, and you've edited them a bit, find an editor.  there are many really good editors here.  they can help you polish the story, a beta reader is not a bad idea either.
i look forward to seeing what you do with all the wonderful advice you've been so open about asking for and hope that you do take it to heart.  the authors, and editors here really want you to succeed.

[Parker Owens]

On 6/21/2019 at 7:42 PM, Mikiesboy said:

I have love hate relationship with outlines .. i don't like them.. i find the more i write them, the less i want to write the story. However, i have discovered One Note which is very fluid. It lets me have a page where i can write down characters, towns, other facts ... then i can add pages per each chapter and jot notes add and subtract them.. One Note has made a huge difference to my writing and organization.

That’s a great idea.  I’ve wondered about OneNote, and that seems like a way I could use it constructively. 

[Jdonley75]

On 6/21/2019 at 6:50 PM, Superpride said:

Thank you very much to those who gave their thoughts and advice for me on this topic. The main reason why I post a chapter as soon as I finished and edited it is because I really want assurance and validation from readers that the chapter is good and that the story should continue. However, i totally understand readers’ frustration with seeing a story they like not being completed. I think my solution is have a few of my friends read my story as I write it, so I can have the same assurance that I get from comments from each chapter. 

It's not a bad idea to run it by a friend, however make sure that friend understands how to give constructive criticism and isn't going to just be a yes-man.  Let them know you need an honest opinion and if they see something they don't feel works, they should say so.  Their goal is to help, not hinder the process.

As far as the seeking assurance and validation is concerned, I feel it's safe to say that every single author who's written ten words on this site is in the exact same boat as you are and if they say they aren't, they're more than likely lying to themselves.  It's a huge rush when you get all those likes and comments coming in.  I got more than a little overwhelmed on my first time here because I was totally unprepared for it.  But I also remember (and am living through again) that strange feeling when you put something out and nothing happens.  You get one or two comments that seem pretty tepid and a handful of likes and your first reaction may be, "what did I do wrong?"

The answer, of course, is that you did nothing wrong.  You're telling your story and sharing it with others.  I am very serious that the first book I wrote, I expected like two or three people would read it.  Five at most.  And the response I got was not at all what I expected.  Now, I have to remember what I told myself the first time.  "Don't chase the attention.  Let the work speak for itself."  You did your part and you did it good.  Now, it's up to the readers to either like it or not, comment or not.  You can't make them so don't even try.  Just put your story out there and just let it be what it is.  None of use are writing the next To Kill a Mockingbird.  We're telling stories to each other. 

So, be the storyteller you know you are and don't stress yourself or get bummed out by not getting the response you were hoping to get.

You got this.  You can do it.

[Comicality]

 

My advice, especially if you're just starting out with new stories and the writing process, is to just power through your planning stages first. I usually have everything that I want to happen in my story planned out in advance, from beginning to end. Now, does this mean every last detail? No. I come up with new ideas all the time, and I write according to what my current mood, inspiration, and characters, are telling me. So your blueprint doesn't have to be set in stone when you plan it out. But it helps to have a few key moments or major events that you think are amazing in the back of your mind when you're writing. Because there's an incentive to get there. Like, "Wow...imagine what readers are going to say or feel when I get to THIS part of the story!" It encourages you to reach the next big moment, even if you change or elaborate or take liberties along the way. I feel like your future ideas compel you to gain a certain sense of momentum, and it keeps your interest by finding the best way to get to the next big moment. 

Now, I will definitely agree that reader interaction and comments DO provide validation and perspective when you're writing. I, actually, really feed off of that. The more positive feedback I get, the faster I write. It recharges my batteries and gives me more creative energy than you can believe. I understand that it takes forever to write new chapters, and it can be frustrating for some. But a few comments and a couple of hits on a 'like' button can really fire me up and let me know that people are reading. And having a somewhat visible audience can be the best inspiration in the world sometimes. It all depends on how you work and what you're looking to get out of it. 

Some people just write for themselves, and some people write to entertain an audience. Then there are folks who fall somewhere in between. I'd like to think I'm in that gray area in between. But that's just me.

That being said...I can't say that I've ever lost interest in a story that I've started. Even if it takes me FOREVER to add to it...the end of the story and a bunch of major events that I wanted to have happen on the way to its conclusion are still swimming around in the back of my mind. At all times. Every story that I've ever started has an ending in mind, and I am constantly working towards reaching that end. No matter how long it takes. So, take a look at your stories, read them from the beginning, rewrite or re-edit them if you need to, and take a few notes to figure out where you want to go with it. Once you have a goal and a path to follow, you might find yourself with a renewed sense of purpose in tackling it again.

And don't be afraid to let some folks read a chapter or two as you go along. K? The reward of positive feedback or constructive criticism is important. It boosts writer confidence and gives you something to work towards. Take your time and do it your way. This is your chance to wear your heart on your sleeve on bleed on the screen. Plan it out, do it right, and then let people see what you've got.

Writing isn't easy. I don't think it should be. So be proud to put your whole heart into it. K?

 

[Talo Segura]

There are three points that @Comicality made I really feel the same about: 

On 6/29/2019 at 7:50 PM, Comicality said:

it helps to have a few key moments or major events that you think are amazing in the back of your mind

I don't know about amazing, but it helps to know where you're going with a few things jotted down.

On 6/29/2019 at 7:50 PM, Comicality said:

a few comments and a couple of hits on a 'like' button can really fire me up

Absolutely true, I didn't realise that until you said it, but of course it makes you want to continue the story.

On 6/29/2019 at 7:50 PM, Comicality said:

don't be afraid to let some folks read a chapter or two as you go along

That's another thing I did starting out. I went to @Dabeagle site and put the first chapter up for feedback and some nice people out there gave me constructive criticism, it really helped.

On 6/29/2019 at 7:50 PM, Comicality said:

Every story that I've ever started has an ending in mind,

This is the most intriguing point (number four!). I am not sure I ever have an ending in mind, but I seem to find one at some point in the story, because unlike some stories which may never end, I do realise the importance of choosing that point and deciding how it will end and bring everything together.

[Comicality]

 

I definitely have a lot of flexibility while I'm writing, and I leave a lot of room for spontaneous inspiration or extra characters, and the end product usually ends up being very different from how I initially imagined it. But...there are still major events, plot twists, and a definitive ending, that I keep in mind the whole time. That's a part of my process, because I like to leave little breadcrumbs along the way and build up to something satisfying by the time the story is over. But, yeah...I think having those big moments in mind gives a writer something to strive for.  

[Thorn Wilde]

I know this feeling very well... Of going into a rut and not managing to write much. I do so a lot because I struggle with mental illness and when I'm depressed I struggle with writing at all. This is exactly why I have vowed never again to post a story until it is complete. Unfortunately I still have one I started posting before it was done and it's still sitting there. Not much I can do about that other than try to finish it. I know where it's going, I have it all planned out, I just have to write.

[GabrielCaldwell]

Just curious; do you have an outline, or do you just write a chapter, and focus everything on the chapter, and don't worry what happens next? Speaking only for myself, I am loose with outlines, but I generally have a  good idea of where I'm going.  And most of the significant bits are in place before I'd consider posting the first chapter.

That said, there are many days I'm not inspired, or a story seems less interesting to me. Sometimes I put a story aside to work on something else. But eventually, you just have to power through it. Perhaps you wrote two sections, and love them, but you have no enthusiasm to write the transitional scene. That's when you have to force yourself to work on it. Maybe that means spending half an hour doing something to the story—even if it's just editing the parts that aren't finished—so you keep working on it.

I'm not saying chain yourself to the computer, but set yourself a goal of either writing a few hundred words or just spending a half-hour every other day on the story. With luck, that will get you through those periods when the inspiration seems to elude you.

There are parts of writing I love, but I find with every project there will be parts you just have to slog through. If you don't want to do that (and if you're doing it just for fun, why suffer?) then maybe you should change what you write to better match what you enjoy doing.

[Brayon]

On 8/24/2019 at 1:56 PM, GabrielCaldwell said:

Just curious; do you have an outline, or do you just write a chapter, and focus everything on the chapter, and don't worry what happens next? Speaking only for myself, I am loose with outlines, but I generally have a  good idea of where I'm going.  And most of the significant bits are in place before I'd consider posting the first chapter.

I have two types of bullet point outlines. One for the story as a whole, what I want to tell in the overall arc. And then each chapter has it's own bullet point outline of what I want to accomplish in the chapter, and brief notes. Once I have those, I then do one chapter at a time, making sure each new on builds on the one before. Because it's bullet points, there isn't much to loose interest in, and it lets me free form the meat and potatoes of the chapter.