We've all been there. We're happily typing along on our novel when it hits us: what we have written actually kind of feels... terrible.


Maybe you realize that you should have gone a different direction, or maybe you realize that you've lost all sense of direction completely. Maybe you feel like what you've written, your precious novel, is actually kind of a big steaming pile of poo.


But take heart! That is only how you feel. And here is what to do when you feel this way.

1. Remind yourself why you love this story.

Look at your Pinterest board, if you have one. Listen to your playlist. Read over a scene you were particularly proud of. See? It's not all that bad. This novel is your baby, and you love it. Maybe you just need a little reminding of how and why.


2. Reformat.

I usually write in Google Docs, which means things can get a little sloppy. If this is the case with you, maybe it's time to format your document to "look" more like a real novel. Something about this really helps me psychologically see my novel better, because it looks like its on its way to getting published. If you've already formatted your document, maybe it's time for you to write in a different font, style, or size.


3. Character journal

Sometimes with large casts, like the one I have right now, it's hard to figure out what to do with all the characters. It can be even harder to know what each character is feeling or thinking. This is where it can be helpful to sit down with each of them and get to know their inner thoughts. Write out a scene with them, interview them, or write a journal entry from their perspective. Even if you don't use the actual words in the novel, it will help you mentally feel like you've got a better grip on where you're going.


4. Restructure. 

If you have to, change around scenes. Shake up plotlines. Try something totally off-the-wall. Delete a character. Restructure your sagging beginning. Do whatever it takes to make your story work again. While it's usually better to wait till the end to edit, you should fix things if it would help you get your show back on the road. But before you do that...


5. Take a breather.

Chances are, it isn't as bad as you think. Taking some time to step away will allow you to get some distance, which will allow you to see things more objectively. When you come back, it could be you still think your writing stinks, but hopefully the time away will help you in fixing the problems. Whatever happens, taking a break is never a bad idea--as long as you keep writing later on.


Bonus! Write a blog post about it.

That's what I'm doing right now, and it's helping. Right? ... Right?

I've been following Briana Morgan on Twitter for only a few months, but her Twitter is such an inspiration for me as a writer! We both share a love for deep, gritty novels and a certain man named Jay Gatsby.

I'm excited because Briana is planning to release her book Blood and Water sometime in September, and so it's my pleasure to participate in her cover reveal!

Ready? Here it is.

“Jay needed so many things. He needed Maia to be well. He needed a cure for both of them. He needed the world to somehow start making sense again. Above everything, he needed someone to tell him why these terrible things were happening to him."

Seventeen-year-old Jay Harris lives in a world struck down by a deadly virus. His parents are dead, along with half the planet. When Jay’s sister Maia falls ill, he must find a cure before he loses her, too. But unbeknownst to Maia, Jay is also sick… and he’s running out of time to save them both.

When Jay’s friends tell him there might be a cure for him in France, he must decide whether to pursue it. The journey will be difficult and dangerous, especially in his weakened state, but with little time left—for himself and for Maia—it soon becomes clear there's no other choice.Jay leaves the relative comfort of London to search for help, knowing he may never find it. Along the way, he experiences the effects of disaster on the bonds of friendship and fluctuating notions of family. These teens, decimated by a dangerous plague, face stark choices in their search for help, not knowing if their efforts will end in loss and pain.

Will Jay and Maia find a cure before the virus takes them?

Briana Morgan is a YA and NA writer, editor, and blogger who loves dark, suspenseful reads, angst-ridden relationships, and complicated characters. Her interest in Jay Gatsby scares her friends and family. You can find her in way too many places online, eating too much popcorn, reading in the corner, or crying about long-dead literary heroes.  

Follow Briana on Facebook, Twitter, and her website for more news on Blood and Water, as well as all sorts of writerly goodness. What do you think of the Blood and Water cover?

Last year, I would do monthly recaps. I had every valiant intention of continuing them into 2015, but here it is July August and I haven't even touched one. Alas.

So because I've been out of commission and I'm back to regular blogging again, here's what I've been up to, in one general recap.

life

blogging

writing

entertainment

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Beautiful People! August 2nd was National Friendship Day, and to celebrate we've got a collection of questions about your friendships. So pick your favorite pair of buddies from your novel and let's get started!


But first... an introduction.

Aside from a long hiatus, BP has been in existence for 4 years now!