How to love what you write / find your why and beat the writing rut

A few years back I finished writing the first draft of my second novel. It was done and dusted, and (as I had no intentions of editing said novel) I was ready to dive into writing my third book.

The ideas were plentiful, from period dramas to adventure sci-fi, I had plenty to go off. But settling down and committing to a book felt impossible.

I started first chapter after first chapter, sometimes continuing to a third or fourth. But after that, the enthusiasm would die down and quickly peater out.

It was at least a year before I was completely fed up with not being able to complete anything. I decided I needed to figure out why I couldn’t commit to anything, and why it all felt not good enough, not worth pursuing.

I had been watching some videos by author and writing coach – Abbie Emmons. In one of her videos she talked about how important it is to write what matters to you. That stuck with me and go me thinking… “maybe I just need to find out my why for these story ideas”.

This was the key to ending my horrid one year “writer’s block”. I honed in on what really mattered to me, and tried to create a story that was founded on that.

After writing down a list of things I was passionate about, I picked one (the saddest one for sure) and got to planning. The thing I chose to base my story off, was how even when we feel alone and isolated, we often aren’t. I had experienced loneliness in my own life, and by taking this and working a story around it, everything felt a lot more purposeful and important. Now my book felt truly worth writing.

I named the document “the one I’m going to finish”, and got to work.

As I wrote that book, I had many moments where I wanted to give up on the story, leave it behind and start something different. But every time, I would remind myself of why I was writing it, and it pulled me through. Having that foundation to fall back on when inspiration lacked was crucial to getting out of my writing rut.

I kept the message I wanted to get across close to me as I wrote and finished that book, it shaped the tone and characters, and brought me through an entire 90,000 plus word manuscript.

Now, was this book amazing? No, it is probably one of my most cringeworthy novels, and I doubt it will ever see the light of the published world. But it does carry a part of my soul that no other work has. It is special in its own way, all because of my why.

So, how can you do the same? How can you discover your why, and love what you write?

I’d start with a simple list. Write down everything and anything you are passionate about. What do you want to tell the reader? What message do you want to shout from the rooftops?

This could be anything from “You are enough”, to “penguins are important” to “his love doesn’t mean the world” – it’s your choice. It’s your story.

Once you have a little list, read through and see what stands out to you. What are you drawn to? What makes you excited to write? Pick one and commit to it. Ensure it’s something you want to be with for many months, as this writing a book journey can be long!

Now you have your message, or theme, it’s time to create your story. Likely you already have some story ideas, but if not, starting from scratch is great too.

If you’re using a story idea you already have, think through how your message can fit into it. How can the characters’ fears and desires play with the push and pull of the conflict that will precede the truth you are trying to put across? For instance, if you’re using “you are enough” as your message, perhaps a main character should struggle with believing the opposite of this (“you are not enough”).

If you’re keen to start from scratch, and build a story idea around your message, get to dreaming! Perhaps the world your story takes place in somewhat lends itself to your message, or maybe there’s a crazy conflict that will force the characters to see the truth in the end. Have fun with it, keeping your message in mind as you dream.

Now, to write while keeping your why in mind.

As you sit down at your computer (or typewriter if you are that cool) keep in mind your message and try to reflect that through all you write. The characters, and plot, the setting – if it all contains a part of your why, it will all mean something.

If you find yourself feeling discouraged, bring back to mind your why. Remember why this book is important, and why the world needs to hear your message! (Or why you need to write this message to process something).

Maybe you need to tell your books message to a friend, and explain to them why it matters to you. Then, when you feel like quitting, call the friend and ask them to remind you of your why.

A way to do this more privately, could be taking a video of yourself at the start of the project, when you’re full of ideas and excitement. Explain to your future self why this book matters, tell yourself the why. As you watch back, perhaps you can be transported for a minute, the spark of why you started in the first place reignited.

By keeping your message at the front of your mind while writing, you have a much bigger chance at it becoming apparent to your readers. It will seep into each chapter, showing the ready why the story matters also.

Share down in the comments what the why for your book is. Or let us know of any other tips for getting out of a writing rut!