Just about any writer can name grand writing endeavors of theirs that did not make it past the first few pages. How can one maintain the energy, composure and interest necessary to complete their novel writing project? A few steps – and realizations – can make the difference between a finished manuscript and an incomplete work.
The Need for Pacing
Novels, like marathons, require persistence and dedication; "bursts" of inspiration, though helpful in planning a book, are not vital to the writing process. Unfortunately, many writers approach a book as they would a piece of poetry, composing thousands of words in one night only to lose interest in the subject the next week.
If good poems can take months to revise and complete, it should come as no surprise that the best novels may take years and years of work. Beginning novelists should not feel pressured to write thousands of words each night, nor should they plan too ambitious a schedule. Every writer needs to find a pace that works well for them, but commit to it--lest they write 15000 words in one week but only 300 the next.
Commitment is Necessary
Plenty of people, professional writers or not, get the idea in their heads to write a novel. What separates the successful writers from the unsuccessful is not necessarily talent nor education; rather, anyone who completes a 50+ thousand word manuscript has managed to commit to their work.
There will be days when writing seems difficult or impossible. Unfortunately, if one puts off the novel for more than a day or two, the book project may fade out as other commitments and activities take its place. While one should not focus completely on a novel, they should also keep it on their list of priorities--and make sure to write a section of it, however little, at least every three days.
Outlines – Do They Help or Hurt?
Many writers consider it common sense to write an outline before beginning a novel. It helps them to decide just how the plot and characters will turn out, and makes the future of the story definite instead of unpredictable and confusing. For such writers, an outline is a helpful aid in completing a novel.
However, outlines may have the opposite effect for another group. They may see the outline as a constrictive tool that infringes on their creative drive. When the whole novel is plotted out, there might be less of an incentive to write due to the lack of interest in the developing story.
Thus, while nobody should feel forced to write an outline, beginning novelists who prefer structure and certainty in life may find it beneficial to write an outline before beginning their story.
Make Sure to Have Fun!
Most people like to keep doing the things they enjoy. That same theory applies with writing. If a story becomes convoluted or boring for the writer, they may have little incentive to continue on with it. But if the writing process is truly enjoyable, the joy of composing the novel may be the only incentive they need.
If one despises the process of sitting down at their computer and typing a chapter, novel writing may not be the best activity for them. With this in mind, novelists should do all they can to have a good time while they write their story. It just might result in a finished manuscript at the end.
