When to ditch it?

"I like fantasy better, but it seems like all the good ideas are taken. "

That's your problem right there! Don't worry so much about being original or creative. If it springs from your mind, then by definition it's original. Just write something you would like to read.

Never ever do this unless you feel like your story is going no where. I always try to keep my writing going. To me, it's like it's against the rules of writing. You do what you feel is best. If you want to move on, go ahead, but make sure that there is no doubt of doing this.

Never quit. Put the story away for a while then come back to it later (a week or 20 years...your choice) then come back to it with a fresh mindset.


EVERYTHING has potential.

Only ditch your story when you really, really hate it, lasting hatred, not this, "oh my chapter isn't working for me right now so I hate this book." And, like Claudette wisely said, keep everything you write, even if you think it's rubbish. Sometimes you need to put a little distance between yourself and a project before you can start to really appreciate it again.

Ooooh, and I just thought of something else which might help. Power through!Just write, write, write until your first draft is done. Tie the editor in your head up and gag him/her until the draft is finished. Then go back adn rewrite and mess around with it all you want, as many times as you want. This is what works for me.Otherwise, I'd never get anything finished.

Never stop!