How to Find Clarity in Your Story (Even When You Feel Stuck)
So… you sit down to write. You open the document. You stare at the blinking cursor. And then, boom—
“Wait. What am I even trying to say?”
Been there? Me too.
Whether you're just starting your novel or knee-deep in chapter twelve, it's totally normal to hit a moment where your story feels... foggy. You know there’s something powerful in your heart—you can feel it—but when you try to put it into words, everything suddenly gets tangled.
If this sounds like you, first: deep breath.
Then remember, you're not a bad writer. You're just in need of a little clarity—and that’s something we can totally work with.
Let’s break it down.
💭 Why Writers Lose Clarity
Clarity doesn’t just vanish—it usually fades slowly while we’re busy:
Overthinking every sentence
Trying to “get it right” instead of getting it down
Writing for others instead of ourselves
Letting doubt take the driver’s seat
Eventually, we forget the heartbeat of our story. We lose sight of why we started writing it in the first place. And friend, that “why” is everything.
🔑 Step 1: Reconnect with Your Why
Seriously. When you feel stuck, go back to the beginning.
Ask yourself:
What made me want to write this story in the first place?
What truth am I trying to explore?
What do I want my reader to feel when they finish?
You don’t need a perfect plot twist or the most original idea in the world.
You just need to remember why this story matters to you.
Jot it down. Scribble it in your notebook. Type it on a sticky note.
Come back to it when you start spinning.
🪄 Step 2: Simplify the Message
Your story might have a twisty plot or complex characters, but underneath it all—what’s the heart?
Ask yourself:
If I could sum up the emotional message of this book in one sentence, what would it be?
Like this:
Not just “a fantasy novel about a runaway princess” →
But: “a story about reclaiming your identity when the world tries to define you.”
Boom. That’s the kind of clarity that gives your words purpose. ✨
🧠 Step 3: Get Curious, Not Critical
Let’s ditch the pressure to “figure it all out.”
Clarity doesn’t come from pushing harder—it comes from pausing and getting curious.
Instead of saying:
“Ugh, I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Try:
“What feels unclear, and how could I explore that more deeply?”
“What’s my character really afraid of here?”
“What if I let go of trying to write it ‘right’ and just let it be honest?”
Questions open doors. Criticism closes them. (And you, my friend, are meant to walk through wide-open creative doors.)
📝 A 10-Minute Clarity Practice
If you're still feeling stuck, here's a quick little ritual:
Open your journal or a blank doc.
Set a timer for 10 minutes.
Write your answer to this question:
“What am I really trying to say with this story—and why does it matter?”
No editing. No backspacing. Just let it flow.
I promise—what you’re looking for is already inside you. You just need a moment of stillness to hear it again.
💡 Want to Go Deeper?
If this hit home and you’re nodding along like “yep, that’s me,” then I highly recommend checking out The Confident Writer’s Blueprint.
It’s my step-by-step system for helping writers (just like you!) ditch the doubt, trust their voice, and finally gain the confidence to write their books—start to finish.
Inside, we cover everything from quieting your inner critic to building a writing rhythm that actually sticks.
If you’re tired of second-guessing every word… this is your next step. 💛
Click here to learn more about The Blueprint →
✨ Final Words
Clarity isn’t about having every scene mapped out or knowing exactly where your plot is going.
It’s about remembering your why.
Reconnecting with your message.
And trusting that your story is worth telling—even in the messy middle.
So if you’ve been staring at the screen wondering, “What am I even doing?”
Here’s your reminder:
You’re doing something brave. Something sacred. Something that matters.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
(Oh—and if you're wishing you had a cozy place to connect with other writers on this journey? Just wait. Something magical is coming on April 22. ✨👀)
Now go write your story. I’m cheering you on every step of the way. 💌
