Elliot Kessler

I have been working on my new novel for a while now. Recently, I’ve been reworking characters, writing and rewriting outlines and plot-point ideas, and adding new characters and subplots. It’s been a journey, and I’m only getting started.

My novel has been on my mind almost constantly. I’m always thinking about the story, the characters, and what I can change to improve the book.

I’m always wondering what I can do to stand out. How do I develop my concept further? How do I create something unique? What can I learn from other great stories? Can I even turn this idea into something worth reading?

That is my biggest fear so far. I’m worried that I’ll ruin the initial idea I had. I am very passionate about this concept, these characters, and this story. It’s original and interesting. I have poured a lot of myself into my work. I have fallen in love with this book that isn’t yet finished, but I’m worried I will squash this idea with so much potential into an amateur, boring book that blends into the background amongst millions of others.

This book is special to me. I’ve put a lot of time and effort into it. I’ve put all of me into it. I don’t want this thing to fail immediately, becoming a novel that no one wants to pick up.

My goal here isn’t to become the greatest author who ever lived. I’m trying to tell a good story that people enjoy. But I’m worried I’m going to mess it up.

But I forget something important. I’m losing sight of why I started writing and telling stories in the first place.

Stories are fun.

I’m not supposed to be worrying about this. I don’t need to be anxious about whether I’m writing a book correctly or not. I keep forgetting that there is no right or wrong way to write a novel. I need to put these troubles aside and have fun with this story I have to tell.

Readers only love stories that authors themselves love. An author’s experience writing a book can be seen in the words they put down on a page. Look no further than my serial novel if you want proof of this. When I started getting bored with my story and wanted to quit, the story itself became dull and lifeless. It became generic because it was easier that way.

If I worry about my book, it will be bad. But if I relax and have fun doing what I’m doing, I might not mess it up.

I don’t need to care if it sells well. I don’t need to care if anyone likes it or publishes it. I need to care about having fun and doing what I love.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

On another note, I’m on Medium now! Medium is a lot like YouTube but for bloggers. I’m putting this post there, and I’m slowly but surely transferring many other posts there, too. I’ll also post exclusive articles and short stories there, so be sure to follow me!

https://medium.com/@elliotkesslerauthor

Thanks for reading! Have a fantastic day.