As I published Kaleidoscope Eyes, I’ve been thinking about the creative process to write books.

There’s all kinds of strange highs and strange lows. On the most challenging days, blocks fill you up with negativity: “Is this good enough?” “Is anybody going to be interested in this?” “Why would someone want to read an unknown author?”

While writing my novella, I went through stages where I thought my work had no potential. I felt like I wouldn’t be able to finish the job for not having a compelling story. Self-doubt was a huge obstacle.

However, part of the creative process to write books involves finding ways to overcome those blocks and stay tuned to your creative seasons. I’d like to share my experiences here.

One of the factors that inhibits creativity is not “killing your darlings“. It means that if you need to throw out an idea, you will do it and you will be able to come up with more. Sometimes, it means giving up on an approach to allow new possibilities that can work better.

For example, I was convinced that my book would be a collection of short stories. I had written over 30, but most of them had common themes. That’s when I decided to restructure my entire plot into a single story.

I spent a whole year working around the idea of publishing those 30+ stories; however, when I found potential for something more solid, I had to change plans.

After that decision, another important step took place: redefining the personality of my main character. As I rewrote the entire plot, I was convinced that she would have certain traits. However, I resolved to analyze other options for her and found that she would feel more ‘real’ if I added or removed different elements.

It was difficult. I really had something in mind for her, but the only constant aspect in the creative process to write books is change. Making those changes helped me feel more confident about my story.

So, in a way, being open to transformation was the most useful tool to fight self-doubt. Also, ‘killing’ my former ideas allowed my to move forward and welcome new possibilities.

The creative process to write books is a roller coaster. However, it’s satisfying to make the story the best it can be.

What are your thoughts?