Why You Shouldn’t Give Up On Your Novel
Don’t give up on your novel.
Please welcome author Devin Berglund with tips and ideas to help you avoid procrastination so you can finally finish your novel.
Do you ever feel like giving up on your novel? Does it feel like inspiration is drifting away? Has doubt grabbed you by the throat and convinced you that your story isn’t good enough to be told?
Lately, I’ve had that exact feeling. I would procrastinate from writing when the fear would whisper lies like you’ll never finish that novel or your story isn’t interesting enough or your characters are too boring.
When those thoughts enter the threshold of your imagination, it is easy to say to yourself, “My story is dying and I can’t save it.” I believe you have a story, and trust me, your characters want their story to be told. I have found tricks and tips that help writers finish what they have started. Do you want to be one of those writers that finish what they start?
Facebook Isn’t Going to Finish Your Novel for You
The writer’s temptation goes by the name of Facebook, Twitter, and all of the other online social networking sites. They can be a blessing, but on the other hand, they can also be a curse. It’s easy to sit down at the computer to work on your story, but it’s even easier to click to Internet to see if you’ve gotten any notifications. A great habit to get into is tuning out social media and the Internet for your allotted writing time.
How to write: one of my favorite things to read online are other writer’s blogs. You know, the cool ones. I end up discovering all different kinds of writing hints, but the truth is that those things will never finish your novel. You may learn tokens of knowledge that help you along the way, but to finish that book, you have to actually sit down and write. That is a huge temptation that I deal with sometimes. One reason I envy the writers of old is because they didn’t have all the technology distractions that we have today.
”I’m Late, I’m late for a very important date.”
We all remember the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, and his favorite quote about being late for an important date, but I think we (as writers) are a lot like this rabbit. We go about our lives doing all the errands and daily chores that we must do, but it seems that it’s a different story when it comes to writing. We easily say “Oh, I just don’t have the time” or “I’m too tired” or “I have to do the dishes and the laundry.” Many people don’t realize they have the time. (If someone says they don’t have the time, they usually do.) We just have to make time for our writing and not waste the time we do have—even if it’s only a little bit here and there.
- Sit down with your schedule or your iPhone calendar and figure out what times will be best for you to write. A time when you can actually get a good chunk of writing in.
- Get your seconds in: squeeze writing in whenever you get 5 minutes. For example, I usually get a chunk of writing in while on the morning commute to work (on the train; please don’t try it in the car, although if you drive a lot, keep a voice recorder on hand and whenever a story idea comes, be sure to record it).
- Change how you write: I usually write with my computer at home, but while on the train, I write with pen and paper; it helps get the writing wires straightened out again.
“Do or Do Not; There is No Try”
Yoda was known for these famous words and they stand true for writers too. When it all comes down to it, you already know the secrets and tips to finishing your novel, but the question is how bad do you want it?
There are many reasons that you should finish your novel, but it all depends on whether those reasons are big enough to inspire you to reach your dream. If you want to finish your novel, then you must sit down and finish your novel. You will be thankful that you did.
- Write as much as you can.
- Don’t give in to temptation and laziness.
- And last but not least, write because you love to write.
What are a few things that have helped you finish your works in progress?
Devin Berglund is an American writer who is living abroad in Australia. She graduated from Minnesota State University of Moorhead with a BA degree in English/Mass Communications and a Certificate in Publishing. Her mind is spinning with enough ideas for a bazillion books, but she is currently working on a YA fantasy series. You can find her at www.devinberglund.wordpress.com or on Twitter @devinberglund.
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I’ve been soooo close to closing my Facebook account on several occasions, because it just distracts too much. It’s like a attention magnet
Yes, facebook, twitter, linkedin, and many other pages (even blogs) are such HUGE distractions!
Devin, your points are all worthy but the last one about writing for the love of it really resonates with me. I have gone through a period with a particular group where I was asked to make all kinds of changes to my ms. I made them but my heart wasn’t in it and in the end those changes weakened the story. What I have learned is to write for the love of it. I have to be totally invested in my work or I just can hardly put *** in chair to do it. Funny how some of this stuff that seems so simple after-the-fact takes years to learn!
I totally know what you mean. And I think that is a big “MUST DO” when writing a novel and finishing it. Sitting in the chair everyday and plunking out enough words a day until you reach your last word. Really glad you enjoyed this post!
Hi Devin!
Great post. I love the Yoda quote. I finish my novel(s) because they call to me. Even if I get stuck I skip that part and fast forward to another part that gets me revved up again. And then, in the rewrite stage I can go back and fill gaps. I feel like I owe it to my friends who have listened to my plotting problems for months to finish. They’re going to ask how it’s going and I don’t want to say I quit. I’m not a quitter. After all, if I say I’m a writer I need to write! And finish!
I’d love to know about your YA series. I wrote one too and am waiting for my agent to sell it. Mine is a paranormal suspense. What genre is yours?
(I’m from Freddy’s.)
Michelle
Hey!! Glad to see a person from Freddy’s!!
I would love to connect with you. When I get through my first edit, I may need beta readers. So, I would love to read yours too. This Ya Series will be somewhat fantasy/paranormal. 
I really agree with your points. I have found that I kind of write like that too… I tend to write the parts that excite me first and then fill it in later… It can be hard filling in sometimes. What do you do to make that easier?
The characters have a way of calling out… they want to be heard, don’t they?
Lovely post!
One thing that REALLY helped me get fired up about my own first novel was a challenge from my husband. He told me, “If you’re serious about this, write an hour a day. No exceptions.” Never one to back down from a challenge, I took his words seriously and started doing just that. Within a year, I had finished four manuscripts. Challenging yourself or receiving challenges from others can be a TERRIFIC way to get motivated.
That is an awesome way to stay on top. Because sometimes the “Getting Yourself to sit in the chair part” is the hardest part! I am happy that your husband gave you that challenge. It’s nice to have those around us who push us to write!
Hi, Devin! Great post, dear blue! Very good points and great reminders for this writer this morning. I do have mommy things that need doing and have to be done, but if I’d spend less time checking for notifications I’d get more writing in. Of course, sometimes, friends on FB are sources of inspiration like Brandon was for me yesterday or like Rob has been with his story praxis or Stephanie with her constant rising word count, or, or, or… You get the picture.
Love you, girl!
Ah thanks Linnette!!
Your encouragement is wonderful! I am glad you enjoyed the post. I definitely think that inspiration from friends is also VERY important to the writer’s writing! Love ya too, Blue!
Devin
Love your post! “Well, proud of you too!”
I am not a writer but being an Artist, I find the thing that drains my creativity is social media.
i am trying to use it as more of a tool to just show my work and bounce ideas off people. I draw most of my inspiration from the real world and enjoying the details of life. Also using art journals and the sound of paper and smell of pens inspires me to start and see the finished work!
Annette (Mom)
Thanks Momma!
I am glad you enjoyed the post too. 
I think there is just something about writing with a pen and paper. Where you see the ink leave the pen and mark the paper with stories! 
Great idea using a voice recorder to get story ideas as they come up in the car. I’m usually doing something else like driving or hiking when the ideas come!
My iPhone has a free app called iTalk that records with very good quality. I record my drumming classes, yet never thought to record my ideas. Brilliant!
Happiness,
Angela
Awesome! Glad the post was helpful! I will have to check out iTalk.
Sounds like a good app. 
I soooo needed to hear this, Devin! My novels have sat, untouched, for 2 weeks. I went on a beta binge for awhile, reading and editing other people’s novels, awaiting feedback from some of my beta’s. I have just not had the impetus to get back to it (really weird for me). This blog has encouraged me to press on even though the feeling isn’t there. Just sit down and do the work and the muse will show up. Thanks, again!
Hello LaDonna! I am super glad that this post has inspired you! I totally know the feeling that you are talking about! I would have to say reading a lot is another inspiring way to prep for your writing. But I am glad you have been encouraged! Keep up the work and you will get results!
This sums up my writing life right now perfectly. Thanks for the post, Devin.
I am glad you enjoyed the post!
Hope it helped some! Happy writing!
My novel-in-progress has also sat, untouched, for many weeks. I’m on the third revision, so I’m adding large scenes and deleting others which don’t fit into the arc that the story deserves.
It feels so daunting to juggle the work along with all the other things in life! It’s so strange because in University, I was able to fit those seconds in, wherever I was: work, home, or between classes. I wonder what changes to cause those times when writers slow down and feel as if they can’t push forward any longer. Either way, I plan to end it soon! Thanks for the supporting words!
I am super happy that you found support in this post!
Just keep on keeping on, but I totally understand you – I know the feeling. It seems that even after University life gets more hectic (and here in University you thought is was crazy!) lol… Have a great day! 