STOP WRITING THAT STORY!

You know that story you've been planning, preparing and/or writing? The one you've had for months and months, with a different synopsis for each day of the week? How does it make you feel? Making changes constantly, with no signs of actually starting? Be honest. Sucks, right?
I've got two words for you: STOP WRITING!!!

Yeah, you read that right. Stop writing. Put down the pen (or word processor) and have a good, long, honest discussion with yourself. Is that story even worth it? I know, I know, you've been at it for a very long time. You believe in it. Its great, its good, it'll reshape the world. Just. One. Last. Change.

If this sounds like you, never actually starting, then maybe you need to just step back and reevaluate the situation. That's what I did recently and it felt like the right thing to do.
Of course, what I'm talking about is scrapping the story you've slaved away at for so long and got nowhere. Its not an easy decision, and I'm not saying it is, but sometimes you've got to say goodbye when you really don't want to.

I was wrapping my head round what I believed was to be my debut novel, but I wasn't feeling the story I had penned out. So, I changed the plot not once, not twice, hell, not even thrice. I changed the plot so many times I forgot why I wanted to write that story in the first place.
It wasn't until I had a discussion with my sister (who is also a writer) where she said something to the effect of "if you're not enjoying what you're writing, why keep writing?". I realised what I had to do: let it go.

It was hard. Really hard. I hate goodbyes, but I knew I had to cut my ties with this story because I wasn't having fun anymore, and trying to put this story together felt like a chore.
I wasn't happy but the moment I broke up with this story (paraphrasing) I felt better. There is still a part of me that wishes to go back to it, but, for now, its best we go our separate ways. I'm writing a new story which I feel strongly about, more than the one I just let go, so it already feels like I made the right choice. And that makes me happy.

I understand all stories can take years to finish, but you're more than likely still writing that mammoth of a book whereas this scenario is for those not writing at all. Perhaps "scrap" was the wrong word to use, but the point still stands: if you're not happy, walk away. There's no reason to stay in a toxic relationship (again, paraphrasing).

Writing should be fun, and we're all in this life to be happy. Love what you write.