What to Do When You’re Sick of Your Own Story

Welcome back, my loyal readers! I’m going to dive right into this month’s post because the theme this time around is actually deeply intertwined with my journey as a debut author: in short, what to do when you’re sick of your own story.

So, you’ve gotten to the point where you’re just done with whatever story you’re working on. Not done as in finished, of course: just done-done. Sick of it. Over it. Dying to do anything else than keep grinding on with this same damn book. Sooner or later, it happens to everyone…and I’m here to make the case that it’s perfectly natural and nothing to be ashamed of.

First, a little background. I recently returned from a two-week tour of Spain, where I spent the majority of what little free time I had in between adventures reading and writing. I made a promise to myself that I’d use the trip to make a big dent in my remaining work for Knight School before I start querying it in the fall, and I’m pleased to report it actually worked! As it stands, I’m about three to four chapters away from being done with my rewrites and finally ready to query. But, as I’ve hinted already, my work is being slowed up by the fact that, to be honest, I’m just sick of this story.

To be clear, I’m not saying I’ve lost faith in the story or think it’s no good; that’s an entirely different thing, and fortunately I’m for once not having a crisis of confidence or impostor syndrome attack of that sort. It’s just a matter of focus and persistence. As I’ve said here before, I’m a champion of the idea that perseverance is the biggest strength a writer can possibly have: the willingness to push for as long as it takes and work as hard as they have to in order to finish what they started. Most people don’t have that, so those who do are among the rare few. What I’m talking about here is the natural side effect of intense focus on the same creative project for so long.

Not only do you start getting bored because of how intimately familiar you are with the story and missing the rush that comes with creating something entirely fresh, you also start to lose your objectivity. You know your story’s good; you’re happy with it, you’re proud of it. But you can’t help obsessing over every little detail, poking holes in your own plot, and generally doing anything you can to avoid the idea that you’re nearing the end of your journey on this particular work. That’s what I really think it is: you’re longing for the buzz again, something that just doesn’t come from a story you’ve read forward and backward a million times and whose every line you could probably recite in your sleep.

So, that said, what should you do when you find yourself stuck on how sick you are of whatever story you’re writing? The real answer is it depends on the person and it’s different for everyone — but if you’re looking for some advice and guidance, here’s a few suggestions just based on strategies that have worked for me in the past.

#1: Have Someone Read Your Story

This may seem counterintuitive because you’re not actually escaping the story you’re sick of…but it does help you recapture some of your drive and enthusiasm. I know some writers are very reluctant to show others their work because they worry about the reception it will get, but for me, I live for feedback no matter what kind it is. I almost don’t care if it’s good or bad; I just want to know that my writing makes a reader feel something. But especially if the reaction is good, it helps me remember why I believed so hard in my story in the first place — and no matter what, the reaction gives me the fire to keep going.

#2: Work on a Different Story

If you’re like me, no matter what writing project you’re working on, you always have the next one on tap…sometimes more than one. So, why not give them a little love? In the past, I’ve found that if I’m stuck on a story and it’s not giving me the same joy as it used to, that’s probably because I’m thinking more about a different story and getting some good ideas for that one that are begging me to write them. So, why not do it? Very often a palate cleanser like working on a completely different story will both distract you from your being sick of the first story and reinvigorate your passion for writing in general. Then, when you hit a wall with that one, you’ll go back to the original story refreshed and ready to work.

I’m also aware that some people hold themselves to a very strict writing schedule: they feel like a failure if they haven’t managed to meet some arbitrary goal like 1,000 words per day, or 2,000 or whatever. I’m here to tell you that it’s not necessary to put that kind of pressure on yourself; if you want to, great, but if not, you are no less a writer than someone who does. I’ve learned about myself over time that if I’m not feeling the story I’m currently working on, trying to force it inevitably just leads to bad writing and makes me feel worse than if I’d done nothing at all. But you don’t have to do nothing if you’re working on another story! I do think there’s some truth to the idea that creativity in general, and writing in particular, is a muscle like any other that you need to work out consistently if you want the full benefit. So if you’re sick of your current story, don’t let your writing muscles get flabby: keep them fit and toned with another project in the meantime!

#3: Do Something Else You Enjoy

If you’re a writer, I’m sure you also have other hobbies in your life — so it’s important to make time for them, too. More than once when I’m frustrated with my writing and feeling like I’m not making any progress, I can’t tell you how helpful it’s been for me to simply go do something else I love, from just taking a walk outside to playing some music, watching some inspirational movies or TV, or whatever your own hobby of choice is. Being able to clear your head and let your thoughts either wander or focus on something else is where the best creative breakthroughs are born, in my opinion. Your dedication to your writing craft is commendable, but everything is better in moderation. Don’t let it consume you.

#4: Just Walk Away

Okay, you’ve tried everything I’ve already talked about and then some. You’re still not feeling it and you don’t know what to do. Well, I’ve got a solution for you: don’t do it.

I’m definitely not advising you to give up on your story, but as I said before, trying to force something that gives you no joy is probably only going to make you feel worse. If the choice is between moving backward or not moving at all, I choose the status quo. Also, as I said before, coming to a decision like this does not make you any less a writer than anyone else, or a failure, or anything else you may feel: sometimes, the best thing you can do for something you truly love is to give it a rest.

Don’t worry if so: the story will always be there for you. Not working on it doesn’t mean it’s going to disappear. And if you believe in your story, you’ll find your way back to it. But for now, if walking away from your story for a while is what you need, don’t be afraid or ashamed to do it. I and anyone else who really loves writing will fully support your decision.

So…any of these solutions hitting the mark with you? Let me know by sending me a message or by commenting on my social media!