Article: "Troubleshooting for Writers: 7 Questions to Ask When You Lose Desire to Finish Your Book"

[Quantum]

We've all been there, but what to do about it? There are multiple reasons. Here are 7 of them.

https://janefriedman.com/when-you-los...

A typical excuse.

"1. Do You Have Writer’s Block?
Claiming to have 'writer’s block' is taking the easy way out."

This kind of evaluation takes a lot of experience.

"5. Is Your Idea a Dud?
What if your idea is truly a dud?
...
Maybe the story idea was appealing because it was so completely different than anything else, but delving into it, we realize why no one else has attempted this kind of story before. It’s a dud."

I've heard this happen so many times! Don't rely solely on the idea; it's the execution and development of that idea that are important as well.

"6. Has Your Story Already Been Done?
Has it ever happened that a book comes out that seems to have the exact same premise as the one you’re brainstorming or writing? It’s happened to me, and most writers I know have had it happen to them...The first lesson here is: Make use of your ideas, or somebody else will!

That said, if you have been diligently developing your idea, and suddenly another book releases with the same premise, please, please don’t immediately chuck your entire manuscript into the recycle bin! There is room in the marketplace for more than one story with a similar premise. Write that same premise, but differently, and by the time yours is written and polished, the market may be ready for a new take. There is always a new spin you can put on things, or a new combination of ideas."

I think that it's good to have more than one story in the pipeline so you can switch if you get stuck--not that you should hop around wily-nilyIt also helps to have multiple submissions going on, so you don't waste time sit around waiting for the response.

Thoughts?

[J.J.]

I just had this issue. Had the least productive week ever because I hated what I thought I already had. I finally stopped myself from struggling with the writing and decided to read through the chapters I already had down and realized the issues were largely in my head. Problem with taking a break completely is sometimes you get swept up in other projects and never come back to the one you set aside.

[Ian]

I often have those thoughts about a third of the way in - I get the feeling this might have seemed a good idea once before but now . . .? My answer is to walk away for a few days and ask myself why is it failing, and then, what could possibly resurrect it? If you have any imagination at all, something should come to mind, and it usually means going back and doing some serious restructuring/rewriting and cutting. It is possible it will never be your best work, but you can't always turn out your best stuff. If you know something about music, look at Beethoven's scores. Three are some supreme masterpieces in there, but there are some you hardly ever hear, and some I doubt anyone plays. Listen to the so-called "Battle Symphony" - not one of his best by any count, but even the lesser ones show tradesman-like skill. My view is, do the best you can, and accept that some won't be top shelf material.