5 Ways to Fall Back in Love With Writing

So, you're burnt out from writing. No, your fingers may not be sore (well, unless you've been typing for hours upon hours upon hours). But maybe you've been working on the same story for weeks, months, perhaps even years, and you can't even remember why you started in the first place. You're forcing yourself to finish only because you know that you need to, however your passion for the story diminished long ago.

Pin it!

Yes, you do need to push yourself, even when you aren't feeling motivated or inspired.  But that doesn't mean it's okay to fall out of love with your story.
When we come across these stumbling blocks, it is possible to overcome them. Below are ways you can fall back in love with your writing, which will hopefully give you fresh inspiration and new momentum for your writing: 

1. Make sure you're writing a story you love. If you weren't in love with your story to begin with, then perhaps you need to write one that you are passionate about. Or maybe you can work with your plot, setting, and characters so that your story becomes one you love. 
2. Take it one step at a time. Often, when I realize on how much more work I still have left on my book, I become overwhelmed. My joy for writing fades as I focus on the treacherous mountain up ahead. When this happens to you, pretend as if the mountain isn't there. Only focus on what you should get done today. If you do this, you won't view your writing time with dread; in fact, you may even conquer the mountain without even knowing how it happened!
3. Create a premise, characters, and a setting that you love. Recently, while I brainstormed my next book, I found myself not as enthusiastic about writing it as I was with my other two books. So I asked myself: Why did I have such an eagerness to write (and finish) my other two books? The answer: I created a premise, characters, and a setting that I was passionate about. I couldn't wait to write because I longed to be in the story and even express myself through my protagonist. 
4. View your writing time as a hobby and not just your job. When I was a kid, I wrote constantly. Not necessarily because I wanted to finish a book, but because writing was my favorite way to spend my free time. It was similar to playing Barbies. I found a thrill in being able to create a story just by putting pencil to paper. When you write your first draft, pretend as if you're doing it for yourself only. Fall back in love with the reason you start writing. View it as a hobby, not just your job. 
5. Create a Pinterest board. This is one of my favorite ways to stay inspired. Create a board on Pinterest (public or private) that is specifically for your book. You can pin pictures, quotes, and lyrics that have inspired your book, or photos of your characters, setting, etc. And whenever you do come across a time when you just aren't as enthusiastic about you story, open your Pinterest board. Place yourself in the story and remind yourself of why you love it. Then open your Word document and start writing. (Click here Purple Moon's Pinterest board.)

Yes, you may have a love/hate relationship with your craft. And that's okay. But instead of thinking of all the reasons why you should give up, instead go back to the first time you fell in love with writing. 
If you aren't passionate about your story, then why should your readers?
~ ~ ~ 
Have you ever fallen out of love with your story? How do you usually try to become passionate about writing again?