Falling Back In Love With Your Novel

Remember that moment when you were first inspired to write a book? The exciting feeling of writing as fast as you could and brainstorming the plot twists and turns. That adrenaline rush every time you figured out another piece of the puzzle?

Then you wrote and wrote…

And wrote…

And wrote.

And edited…edited…edited…edited.

Then you got annoyed with your story, tired of dealing with your characters and all their drama. Just get along for Heaven’s sake you say.

Or perhaps you loved your story! You had such great faith in it you sent it off to an agent. Maybe you entered it into a writing contest. Then you got that oh-so-not-nice rejection letter. Or maybe that email saying, Sorry you didn’t even make it past the first round.

The heartbreak, discouragement, and outrage sink in. Whatever happened, whether it be rejection or disinterest, you fell out of love with your book.

You don’t get that excitement when thinking about your next scene or character anymore. You hate your plot and the mountain of edits it needs. You don’t want to be married to it anymore. Perhaps you want to start a new project or give up writing altogether.

Hello, welcome to the “I don’t want to write this book anymore.” club we also have another club called, “I’m a horrible writer and I’m throwing all my work in the garbage.” Both clubs have great snacks and our uniforms are fluffy pajama pants paired with an oversized sweatshirt.

Well, now that we are all here I’ll start.

Hi, I’m Julia and I’m a recently discouraged writer. Like you, I got upset when I didn’t win that contest and was frustrated with the amount of edits my story needed before another agent could take a look at my work. The question I asked is the same one I think you should be asking.

“How do I fall in love with my story again?”

The answer isn’t easy, but it is simple. Put the story away.

No no, don’t throw it in the trash. Heavens, pick it back up and dust the banana peels off of it. No, I want you to take your manuscript and put it in a drawer or take that file and put it somewhere out of sight on your computer screen.

You need to step away from the keyboard and set the pen down. Take a deep breath and do something you love. Go on a trip, take a bath, read a book, or twenty. Refresh your mind.

“But I’ll forget my story.” You say. Well that’s what an outline is for (I know you pantsers are panicking at this statement but don’t worry it only has to be a page just so you remember where you left off.)

You need to get away from your story and come back with fresh eyes. You need to read it like a potential reader who isn’t thinking about how much work they put into this or how much better it has gotten over time. You need to read it like it’s a book you just bought at the bookstore.

You don’t have to step away for long. For me, it was three weeks, but I have done a few months before as well. You need to refresh your brain and your spirit. Then after you have done that, but before you pick it up for your first read through, you need to ask a few questions.

Why did I write this book?

What was your inspiration? Why did you think it was worth spending countless hours and days working on it? What was the message you wanted to share with your future readers?

You may need to mull these questions over for a while but once you have answered them, dive into your story.

Now I will not stand here and guarantee this will make you fall in love again but it will tell you if your story is worth perusing. If it is then well you probably get that excitement rush again. You adore this story because it has all the things you love in it. All the stuff you love in books is inside because you are the one who wrote it! And guess what? If you answered all those questions you know have answers for prospective agents. They want to know why this story is important and want it says to readers. Why they should help you publish it.

Now I know this sounds like a lot of work but any relationship requires a ton of time and effort. Your relationship with your novel is no different.

Now you’ve read the book. You might have some things you want to change or replace. That’s totally fine. Pick your pen back up and fire up your laptop.

Your excitement may not be immediate but if you have answered why you need to write this book and what kind of message it will tell others I promise you that you will fall in love again. And though you will have new struggles and fights along the way, you know your story is worth it and you are willing to see it through to the end.

Happy Writing Valinties!