diff --git a/quest_api.lua b/quest_api.lua
index 79bcacf..44213d7 100644
--- a/quest_api.lua
+++ b/quest_api.lua
@@ -92,7 +92,10 @@ yl_speak_up.set_quest_variable_value = function(player_name, variable_name, new_
 	if(not(variable_name) or not(player_name) or not(yl_speak_up.player_vars[ k ])) then
 		return false
 	end
-	yl_speak_up.player_vars[ k ][ player_name ] = tostring(new_value)
+	if(new_value ~= nil) then
+		new_value = tostring(new_value)
+	end
+	yl_speak_up.player_vars[ k ][ player_name ] = new_value
 	-- a quest variable was changed - save that to disc (but no need to force it)
 	yl_speak_up.save_quest_variables(false)
 	return true