For years, the challenge for me was not writing something others would want to read, but actually finishing the manuscript. I'd get to about page 100 and lose interest, or run out of steam, or start planning another - more interesting - story. Whatever the excuse, I had a box of half-finished stories, but none that were finished.
Sound familiar?
Fortunately, I eventually learned how to actually finish the novel I'd started. I'm now on the final stages of writing my fourth full-length epic fantasy novel, and have not struggled to finish writing a book in years.
So, what's the secret to finishing a novel?
There wasn't just one thing that caused me to keep writing past page 100 and actually get to 'the end'. I think my shift came with accepting four concepts: practicing, planning, avoiding perfectionism, and patience.
1. Practicing: one of the reasons I think my early attempts all failed was that I was still cutting my teeth as a writer. It takes years, and thousands of words, before you get to the point where your work is ready to show to the world. I know we've all heard of those few whose first novel was a bestseller - but, I think it's better to think of ourselves as the rule, not the exception! Talent is, and has never been, enough. So, if you want to finish a novel one day, and be proud of it, write more!
2. Planning: for years I hated the thought of planning. I thought it would stifle my creativity. These days, I now always sketch out an outline of the story from start to finish. The plan isn't set in stone, but it does give you a framework. More than other genres, epic fantasy really benefits from planning - with a huge cast of characters and often two or three subplots running alongside the main story, it can be hard to keep track. I write a lot faster with a plan, even if there are points when I deviate from it. Plan your time as well. I'm more 'creative' in the afternoons, so I do my day job in the mornings (freelance copywriting), and block out three hours every afternoon, put on some music and write!
3. Avoiding perfectionism: some people never get started on projects because the fear of not producing something perfect stops them from ever writing that first page. There's nothing wrong with having high standards, and wanting your finished novel to be something you'll be proud of is admirable. That said - rewriting a page or chapter, over and over (before you've completed the first draft), is a sure way to never finish the novel. Not only that but you'll go slowly mad.
4. Patience: we live in an instant world, where e-books on writing tell you that your can pump out a full-length novel in just two weeks! Forget about that. Plan your time (see point two, above) and record how many words you wrote during each session - it's a good way to keep yourself motivated. Most of us don't have the luxury of being able to write all day, but that's actually a good thing. Many great books have been written 'after hours'. Remember, a big book won't get written overnight!
I hope my advice has been helpful - these were definitely 'breakthroughs' for me.
There are few things more satisfying than reaching the end of a story that has been part of your life for months. It's also a bittersweet moment because you have to say good-bye to characters you have grown to love. But, if you don't finish the manuscript, you won't know what that feels like...
So get writing!
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