Is it normal to lose interest when writing a book?

Question

I've been busy writing stories but I keep on losing interest, is this normal? What should/can I do?

Answer 1

Writers block is normal. Some authors work on more than one story at a time. When they are blocked by one, they go to another.

Answer 2

Oh, yes! Whenever I try to write I always lose interest after a while. This could mean one of several things:
1) the plot/characters isn't/aren't interesting enough
2) the plot/characters isn't/aren't developed enough

If #1, then you shouldn't be writing that. What makes a story great is how the characters and plot are developed, and that only happens if the author enjoys the story. Or, maybe the initial idea was interesting, but your story took a wrong turn somewhere, and now you don't like it. In that case, you have to go back and rewrite parts of it, or start over.

Or, maybe you're stuck, and so you added things you don't like to keep it going. Or you think it would be a good idea if you had more ideas. In that case, you should probably put off writing the book until you have an interesting (to you), well-developed outline of the plot. Also, make sure you like your characters, and that they're like real people.

What I recommend: keep writing! If you have an idea anytime during the day, jot it down. Try to write a little each day, so you build up "stamina" and eventually writing will become more natural. Then, maybe you'll be able to write a full-length novel. Just don't give up!

Good luck! :)

Answer 3

OMG!
I am 40-something pages into my novel right now and I always end up losing ALL INTEREST WHATSOEVER about this far into it. (When I was writing shorter stories it was less pages in, of course.) Anyways, I end up taking a week or two "off" from writing until I find my spark again. I wish I knew of a way to not lose interest, but I'm counting on starting back up again with the story tonight or tomorrow. My advice to you is just to take a break from it and write some crappy stuff (like I do) until you feel like you can go back to what you really are working on.

EDIT: And as to everyone on here saying "if you're losing interest just imagine your readers!" I have to point out that WRITING a book is very different from READING one. It's not that the story is uninteresting, but that you've just been working with the same characters and storyline for so long!

Answer 4

Is it normal to "lose interest" when writing a book? If you're losing interest ... guess what your readers are going to do?

Step back from the writing for a while ... then pick up one of the stories and try reading it as if it were 'new.' Ask yourself ... at what point did I lose interest?

Then, once you know where the interest has been lost, set yourself a goal to fix it.

Maybe you simply need a break from writing --- maybe you could tell your stories into a tape ... get the essence of the plot/characters - transcribe the tape at a later date in 'point' form and see what you've got.

Good luck! And keep writing. ;-)

Answer 5

It is more common than you think, and all writers have that every now and then when they are writing something - it is a type of lethargy in which you spend too much time concentrating that you lose interest because you are not giving your mind a rest from the writing.

In order to write the book, work on it only when you are in the mood, and take periodic breaks, keep notes when you are out of the house on what things you think would be interesting to add to the story later, then expand on them when you have more motivation.

Answer 6

I loose interest quite alot. I believe its mostly due to the fact that when Im writting about something its brought on by a certian mood or feeling I have. So when moods shift Its hard to focus on project. I sometimes form habits that keep me in the frame of mind that is required to complete the project. For example I like to relate my everyday encounters to my project in someway or vise versa. Unfortunately I have quite a bit of abandoned things. The best success Ive had is when I lived and breathed in the story I was writting I tuned out everything else. I would suggest perhaps not going to that extreme as it nearly drove me bonkers. Try instead to set up a routine to which you can commit. A special time uninterupted where you can be lost in thought and not distracted. A few hours everyday. The mind could benefit from a bit of exercise just like the body. Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

yes!! it's soo normal!! it's known as writer's block...usually you hit a part and can't think of what would best describe that part and you lose interest trying..when it happens to me i start a different story, or skip ahead to the next part. my fiance just tries to keep working on it, or he'll ignore it for a while then go back to it...unfortunately when i do that i forget what i want to happen, or when i go back to writing it,it sounds like crap!! just try out differen things, even stupid little writing prompts to keep the creativeness flowing or take a break...whatevre works for you!!! you'll get around it eventaully. i guess that's why writing a book takes so long, along with the editing... Good lcuk!

Answer 8

Friend,

Good question.

Seeing as how writing is a type of art, I'd say yes.

Inspiration and creativity, for me, come in portions. Some days, I just don't feel like writing, or drawing, or doing much of anything. Other days, I don't feel like doing anything except art.

Other artists I've spoken to say that they, for example, work on several different canvases at the same time so that when they get sick of looking at one, they can still be working.

So I'd say there's nothing to worry about.

Split your time between different projects if that helps... just not too many, otherwise you might never finish. I find it easier to get work done when I have a deadline imposed on me. Maybe that can work for you as well.

May God bless you and your writing!

Answer 9

It does happen. When it does I recommend putting the pen down and reading at least two classic novels. Usually that is enough to inspire you. Also keep a notebook and brainstorm ideas - any ideas no matter how silly they sound - for future reference. What usually happens is two or three of those ideas combine to form a story and you start writing again. Dont force - if its meant to be it will happen. Pax - C.

Answer 10

i'm sure that's normal. i mean, out of the stories i've ever written, NONE of them are truely complete and i've been constantly revising and editing them, and some i've simple set off to the side. i suggest getting the beginning and the end done. once you know where your story is going to head, fill in the details in the middle as you wish.