How To Stay Motivated and Focused on One Story

By Joy C. Woodbury

Staying focused on one story.

This is a topic near and dear to my heart.

As a writer who has been working on the same story for a year now - with many more years in sight - I know very well the struggle to stay focused. I know the conflicting feelings that come with loving this one story so much you can’t stop until it’s finished. I won’t lie - it’s pretty tough.

It’s so tough, but I know in my heart that this is the story God wants me to write, and that’s why I’m sticking with it. Perhaps you feel the same for your own story. But how do we keep our eyes on the prize? How do we resist discouragement, frustration, and burnout? And what about those pesky plot bunnies that keep trying to drag us away?

Well, friends, that’s what I’m here to help you with today. I’ll be sharing four useful strategies that always encourage me when I’m tempted to give up. I hope they encourage you as well!

1. Don’t just disregard other story ideas that come to you

Ah, those pesky plot bunnies bent on distracting you from the story you’re committed to. This is probably the most common issue other writers ask me about regarding commitment to a single story.

Most of the time I’ll hear writers expressing guilt that they get story ideas running around in their heads, beckoning them away from their current project. My response is simple: Don’t feel guilty that your creative mind is churning out story ideas!

As a creative, your mind will always be working, and that is a blessing from God. Don’t disregard any ideas that come to you.

But with that said, how do you avoid a wild goose-chase after every plot bunny that presents itself to you? How do you stay focused on what you really should be writing - and what you really want to write?

Here’s what you should do:

Record your ideas. I do this using a Google form, which is actually something I learned from Go Teen Writers. I highly recommend checking out their article, which shows you how to organize your story ideas. When you write down the idea, you’ll feel peace of mind that you won’t forget it, and you’ll stop obsessing over it. What’s handy is that you’ll soon have a collection of plot bunnies that may prove useful later - and you could even add some of the ideas to your current project to make it more exciting!
Make a short story or poem from one of your plot bunnies. If you get a particularly interesting plot bunny, use your free time (the time you’re not working on your current project) to write a short story or poem from it. You should make a habit of writing short stories and poems occasionally anyway, as they help build your skills. This can be useful to improve your writing in your current project, as well as drive that aggravating plot bunny from your head.
Write one chapter of a new novel idea. If there’s a plot bunny that’s relentlessly plaguing you and won’t leave your brain even when you write it down, just take some time off from your current project to write the first chapter. This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes it’s what you need to rid yourself of the distraction and regain your focus. Write one chapter and let it sit. Most likely you’ll forget about it, become bored with it once that first rush of adrenaline fades, or realize that it’s just as difficult to write as your current project. Remember that distracting story ideas are often fleeting excitements, and you don’t have the same passion for them as you have for the project you’re dedicated to.

2. Don’t compare your progress to the progress of other writers.

I’ll be very honest here: Many times I’ve found myself feeling envious of other writers and their projects. I’ll hear fellow writers talk about how they finished three drafts, then they finished editing, and now they’re working on the next novel in their series… and the jealousy starts to creep in.

You might find that you’re struggling with the same thing - and if you are, I want you to know first and foremost that you’re not alone! Then I want you to hear this, straight from someone who’s experienced it: Stop comparing yourself to other writers!

Now you’re probably thinking, “Well, Joy, that’s easier said than done.” And you would be right. It is easier said than done - but it can be done.

Here are some practical tips to overcoming envy and embracing your own unique path as a writer:

Make a list of things you love about your writing. Are you excellent with worldbuilding? Do you thrill at complex character profiles? Are you constantly complimented on your flawless prose? Make a list of the writing skills you’re especially good at, complete with examples from your writing (for example, if you’re good at prose, copy and paste a descriptive paragraph you’re especially proud of). Then when you feel down about your writing journey, take out that list and applaud yourself for how far you’ve come.
Beta read or proofread another writer’s work. Recently I proofread the first chapter of a friend’s work-in-progress, and she thanked me for helping her make changes that ultimately transformed her story into something even better. That encouraged me so much because (1) I was helping someone else, which always makes you feel good; and (2) it reminded me of one of my writing strengths - cleaning up grammar, punctuation, and capitalization errors. I had helped another writer to be the best writer she could be, she had encouraged me in turn, and I was reminded of something I was especially good at. That boosted my own writing morale.
Remember that as writers, we are each unique and different, just as we are as people. Your writing path will not look like my writing path, and my writing path will not look like yours. And that’s okay. God calls us to different purposes and creates a different plan for all of us. Another writer may be called to work on several books over a span of six months; you might be called to work on one for the same amount of time. No writer is better than another; we’re all just different.

3. Remind yourself why you continue to write this one story

Let’s face it: It is indeed very hard to stay focused on one story. I’m sure you know that by now, fellow writer. So I want you to ask yourself this question: Why am I still writing this one story?

And I want you to really ask yourself. Don’t leave this question unanswered. Don’t skip this step.

Is it because you love the theme? Perhaps your message is full of truths you’re passionate about. Is it because these characters have captured your attention so completely that you can’t rest until you finish their story? Or perhaps you just know in your heart that this story is one the world needs.

More often than not, if you truly love a story enough to hold onto it this long, you find that you love everything about the story, not just a few things.

Or maybe after asking yourself this question, you find that you really don’t love everything about this story, and you’re only writing it out of a sense of obligation to finish what you’ve started. In this case, it’s important to know when to let go. If you’re not passionate about this story and you’re not having fun working on it, chances are that readers will pick up on that and become disinterested themselves.

(Note: I don’t mean that writing a story you love will always be one hundred percent fun and games - it certainly won’t be. What I do mean is that ultimately, a writer should take joy in their work, because God wants us to take joy in the gifts He has given us.)

Personally, I have considered giving up on my story many times. But each time I think of giving up, I find that I just can’t. I know I’m called to write this story. I know the world needs it. I know it’s not only the story that really matters to me, it’s the story that really matters to God. I love everything about it with my whole heart and soul, and it’s impossible for me to give it up.

If you feel the same way, you’ll know it’s worth it to continue working on this story, no matter how long it may take. Keep repeating to yourself, “This is worth it,” and use that to encourage yourself when you feel like giving up.

On the other hand, don’t feel guilty if you find that you don’t truly love what you’re working on. Move on. You’ll find the story of your heart.

The most important thing will always be that we as writers love and cherish our God-given gift of words. If you do, you’re on the right track, and ask God to help you continue faithfully on it.

4. Combat your insecurities with God’s promises.

Have you noticed how so many of our difficulties in life stem from insecurity? I believe it’s the same way with our writing. Often the reason we have trouble staying focused on one story is because we are insecure.

Here’s what you can do to combat insecurities:

Replace negative lies with positive truths. I’ve often had thoughts like: Why am I doing this? I’m not cut out to be a writer. Why did I ever think I was worthy to write this story? I’m not good enough, etc. When I have those thoughts, I fight back at them with God’s truth: I’m doing this because God gave me the gift of words. I am cut out to be a writer because God led me to writing, and He would never lead me to anything that’s not right for me. God has sanctified me and made me worthy to write this story. I may not be good enough, but God is good enough for me.
Have a Bible verse to rely on when the writing gets rough. Mine is Psalm 45:1 - “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.” This verse reminds me that I have the power to point others to Christ with my words; and that He has given me this gift, which I am so passionate about, to do good work for His kingdom. Take the time to pick a verse which is meaningful to you and your own writing journey, and repeat it when you feel down.

Pray over your writing. Before each writing session, I say a simple prayer, asking God to give me the right words and to help me write for His glory. I also pray for those who will read my story in the future, asking that I may uplift them and lead them to the Cross. A prayerful writer is a powerful writer.

Conclusion:

Writer, you have the gift of words in your heart and soul. Keep the faith even when the going gets rough. You’ll make it! When in doubt, remember that many other writers (including myself) are exactly where you are right now, and you’re not alone.

Remember, also, that if you need to step away from a certain project or from writing in general for a little while, that’s totally okay. In fact, it’s healthy. I encourage you to take a step back when you’re feeling especially overwhelmed, and use that time to spend in prayer and thought with God. In the end, deepening our relationship with the greatest Author of all is what will help us stay committed to any writing endeavor.

To summarize, here are the four pieces of advice we covered!

1. Don't just disregard other story ideas that come to you

2. Don't compare your progress to the progress of other writers

3. Remind yourself why you continue to write this one story

4. Combat your insecurities with God's promises

I really hope this article was helpful and encouraging to you!

Blessings as you continue on your writing journey.

Have you ever been tempted to give up on a story? How did you combat the temptation and continue to persevere? Share your experience below!

Joy Caroline Woodbury

Joy Caroline Woodbury is a sixteen-year-old Seventh-Day Adventist Christian and scribe of Biblical fiction and inspirational nonfiction. She loves Jesus, St. Paul, the family of Christ, theology, and tiramisu. Her goal is to become a pastor and adoptive mother, bring joy and light through her books, and keep on learning in the school of life (because she’s got lots to learn!). She is founder of the Christ-centered encouragement community, Discipleship with Joy. Join her there for fun, faith, writerly things, a bit of rambling, and opera glasses into her journey!

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Kathleen says:

November 22, 2021 at 7:34 pm

As someone who loves starting new stories, this article is so so helpful. I’ve read this article a few times and each time I read it I get more compelled to write. All the points are so motivating!

Joy C. Woodbury says:

November 23, 2021 at 6:29 pm

Thank you, Kathleen! I’m so glad the post could be encouraging for you!

Daisy Torres says:

November 23, 2021 at 5:57 pm

Joy, this article was wonderful!!! And it came at just the right time for me!!

I’m really struggling with my books right now, because I just finished book one in a series and really need to start on book two, but at the same time, I looove this other book that came to me a year ago, when I was still writing my other book. I’m trying to figure out if I should juggle the books, or get this stand-alone (probably) out of my system before I go back to my series. Any advice would be welcomed XD

Joy C. Woodbury says:

November 23, 2021 at 6:34 pm

Thank you so much, Daisy!

Hmm, yeah, I’m working on a series too, so I relate. I remember reading on Go Teen Writers that once you finish a book, you should take a break for six weeks. Maybe you should consider taking six weeks or a bit more away from your series and work on your new idea. I think that after finishing book one, you should be allowed to reward yourself, and that sounds like a great way to do it!