Back when I first started writing novel-length books, it seemed like I was getting new book ideas all the time. In fact, around 10 years ago, I first got the idea for my most recently completed manuscript, On the Flip Side, so I’m just now on the verge of catching up on my backlist of ideas.

For the past couple years, though, new book ideas haven’t been hitting me the way they used to, and I’ve had plenty of thoughts concerning this issue.

Thought 1: What if This is the End of my Writing Career?

As of the time of writing this post in May 2024, I only have two of what I would consider concrete ideas for future books left to write.

I have pieces of other ideas, and have even considered venturing into other genres, but I’m not sure if I can come up with enough material for those plot bunnies to become full-length stories.

I’m on the verge of finishing the first draft of Tales of an Awkward Turtle within the next few weeks, which means I’ll soon be outlining one of those two ideas (more on that in a future post!) and will then only have one idea left.

And that scares the mess out of me.

I’ve wondered several times over the past few weeks if this is God’s way of telling me to either take a detour off my author journey for a while, or put the brakes on it entirely. Then I also question the validity of this, because He’s allowed me to have so much fun and spiritual growth while writing Tales of an Awkward Turtle that I can’t figure out why He’d want me to set writing aside, unless He is preparing me to focus on something else instead.

Thought 2: What if God Wants Me to Pursue Those Pieces of Ideas?

I’ve also wondered if maybe this is God’s way of nudging me to give those pieces of other ideas a shot. There are a couple ideas in particular that are closely related to some of my published works that I’ve been debating pursuing. One would involve a major overhaul of a published work, and I’m not sure how that would go, or if it’s even worth trying. The other involves a huge leap out of my comfort zone and extensive planning, but it’s one that I feel like readers of The Ballad of Emery Brooks would adore. But I also don’t want to be that person who milks an idea for all it’s worth and produces a bunch of related content where the plot was obviously formed by the creator grasping at straws for a story.

Thought 3: What if I’m Just Paranoid and More Ideas are on the Way?

This is what I’m trying to reassure myself of the most.

Back during that decade of many book ideas, I was doing a lot more creative writing exercises than I am now, which helped me come up with some ideas. Because I’ve been so focused on writing books with those ideas over the past seven years of being an indie author, I haven’t played around with creative writing like I used to with the help of writing prompts on Pinterest or writing exercises in the writer’s activity book my aunt gave me for Christmas several years ago.

I’m thinking getting back to those will help those creative wheels turn again. I just need to set aside some time to try.

Talk to Me, Arrowheads!

If you’re a writer, how do you come up with your book ideas?

If you’re a reader, I promise I’m not throwing in the towel yet. Even if I go years without a new book idea, Lord willing, I’ve still got (almost) two written WIPs that I plan to publish after The Dream releases. So even if my creative well is dry for a season, the shelves won’t be. 🙂

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀