You might have started writing your novel with a burst of inspiration, only to find yourself stuck, overwhelmed or distracted by life’s demands. If you’ve stalled, don’t worry – here’s how you can finally finish that draft.
1. Reconnect with Your Original Vision
Start by revisiting the reasons why you began writing this novel in the first place. What excited you about it? Reflect on the initial spark – whether it was a theme, a scene or a character. Write down these thoughts to reignite your passion for the project. Sometimes, reconnecting with the original vision can help you see the path forward more clearly.
2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
One of the biggest hurdles in finishing a draft is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scope of a novel. Staring at a blank page can be daunting. We suggest breaking your writing down into manageable chunks. Set small, specific goals – like writing 500 words a day or completing a chapter each week. Bite-sized objectives can make the process feel less daunting and keep you moving steadily. By the end of our Jumpstart Your Novel course, you’ll have completed the first 10,000 words of your novel and a polished synopsis that signposts where to go next. That’s two huge accomplishments to tick off!
3. Revise Your Outline
If you find yourself lost in the plot or unsure of your next move, revisiting or creating a story outline can be a real game-changer. A solid structure helps you map out the trajectory of your story, ensuring that each scene drives the story forward. Consider where you left off – does your original outline still make sense, or does it need adjustments? A clear roadmap can help you navigate the rest of your draft with confidence. Don’t be afraid to reshape your novel and make big changes, it’ll make the writing easier in the long-run.
4. Dive Back into the Writing
Sometimes, the best way to get back into a novel is simply to start writing. Let go of your inhibitions and don’t worry about perfection – focus on getting words down on the page. Set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just 10 minutes. As you build momentum, you’ll find it easier to slip back into the rhythm of your story. You might benefit from our anti-procrastination tips for writers.
5. Join a Writing Course
If you’re struggling to finish your draft or need guidance on how to keep going, consider enrolling on a novel-writing course like Jumpstart Your Novel. Structured tutor support, individual feedback and a community of fellow writers can provide the motivation and tools you need to push through.
6. Don’t Let Editing Stop Your Forward-motion
As you work toward finishing your draft, don’t get lost in perfecting each line or reworking your opening pages. Editing is a whole new stage – to be tackled in a separate pass.
That said, don’t be afraid to make changes, cut scenes, or ditch entire sections as you write – do what you need to bring clarity to your story as you go.
7. Stay Accountable
Accountability can make a significant difference in your writing progress. Share your goals with a friend, join a writing group or participate in an online community or writing challenge. Regular check-ins and encouragement from others can help you stay focused and motivated to finish your draft. At PWA, we run weekly Sit and Write sessions to help our alumni focus on the task at hand in the company of fellow writers.
8. Celebrate Small Wins
Finishing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate your progress along the way – whether it’s completing a difficult chapter, reaching a word count milestone or overcoming a hurdle in your plot. These small victories will keep you motivated as you work toward the ultimate goal of finishing your novel.
Ready to Revive Your Novel?
Reviving a neglected novel requires patience, persistence and a clear plan. By reconnecting with your original inspiration, setting achievable goals and seeking support when needed, you can breathe new life into your story.
If you’re ready to take your novel from a dusty draft to a polished manuscript, consider joining our Jumpstart Your Novel course. Together, we’ll help you shape-up your ideas, refine your plot and develop a realistic writing routine you can maintain once the course is over.
Don’t let your story flounder any longer – take the first step today and bring your novel back to life.
