Reasons Not To Write the Story

After I go through the first step of getting and vetting a story idea (see How do writers get ideas? ), the next step is to run through the reasons not to write the story.

Professional Reasons

Even with a compelling story idea, some of the reasons writers might not write it could be:

— The story may be in a different genre than their other books. They appreciate their readers, and writing in a different genre may disappoint readers who really want to read their next “same genre” book. Mystery maven Agatha Christie solved this issue. Her general fiction was published under the pseudonym, Mary Westmacott.

— A contract with a publisher for another book prevents, at least temporarily, the writer from penning the new story.

Personal Reasons

Writers pay a price for every word they write. Time is certainly part of the cost. And research is another.

But the emotional cost is the greatest. In a quote attributed to Robert Frost, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.”

— Recently, I had a compelling story idea that I truly believe would be a bestseller (if written well). As I brainstormed the emotional impact to the main character, I felt a heaviness and dread. And after a day or two of brainstorming, I realized I couldn’t put myself through the emotional and spiritual ordeal of “being in the character’s mind and body” to write the story effectively. I may modify the story to lessen my emotional impact to me. But only write it if I feel the story will still be compelling to the reader.

— I’ve had at least two ideas for sci-fi and fantasy books, but the “rules for that world” might mislead readers spiritually. The premise of those stories was an inaccurate twist of my spiritual beliefs. And I’ve read enough sci-fi to know that it’s easy to let that sci-fi world’s beliefs infiltrate my spirit if my own beliefs aren’t strong enough.

The Ultimate Reason

With all of the “sound” reasons to write or not write a story, there’s really only one that will decide the issue.

I thank God for the idea and then ask Him if He wants me to write it. And then I wait for an answer: through a “knowing in my spirit”, or insight from something I read or hear.

And then I pray about it until I’m sure.

If God says “no”, then I don’t write it.

And if God says “yes”, then I ask Him to give me the words.

I ask God for the courage to write, or not write, no matter what price I have to pay professionally, personally, emotionally, or spiritually.

Because there’s never a reason to tell God “no” if He wants me to write the story.

And the best reason to not write the story, is if God says, “Don’t write it.”

What helps you decide what to do?

Reasons Not To Write the Story – What helps you decide what to do? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.