First Novel....or something like that

[Mswritergurl74]

Hi everyone I doubt you've seen me around here much. I'm new and I haven't been able to get online much. I'm Miya.http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonhi.gif

My reason for starting this thread though is, because I've just started a novel that I guess could be considered my first and I was wondering what suggestions anyone has for making sure I see it through to the end.

I've started stories before, but I always seem to have trouble actually getting to the end. They always lose my interest and I'll just leave it and start something else or just take a break from writing all together. And sometimes its just because I have no motivation at all.

The same doesn't happen for fanfiction which I've written before and I'm wondering if that's because I have people who read and want more of the story. Does any one else seem to have this problem?

Anything anyone has to say would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Honey Nut Loop]

My advice is BIC-Butt in Chair. I think i'm right in saying that everyone has their ups and downs when writing a novel. Bits that flow and bits that just won't unstick. You just have to force yourself to sit in front of the screen and not let yourself do anything else until you've written something.

[jst5150]

Squash any romantic notion you might have about the stuff just "flowing to you." Writing is work. If you do your homework, research, and outline -- as well know your characters, locales and situations -- you should be motoring along. And stop with the self-doubt. Get it done first and let someone else tell you if it's good or if it stinks. No one can put the words on paper/screen for you. And if you keep finding yourself debating whether or not you'll reach the end, you won't. To quote someone of note, "The woman who believes she can and the woman who believes she can't are both right. Which one are you, ma'am?"

Jason Tudor, Freelance Writer
http://www.jasontudor.com

[HConn]

Writing a whole novel is not that hard. It's writing a good novel that's hard.

Motivation is something you create by sitting in a chair and writing. Same with inspiration. They don't come from outside of you. They are created by your dedication, craft and imagination.

Break up the novel into tiny goals. Make it something you can do every day, then do it. That's the only way to do it.

Good luck.

[katee]

I'm in the middle of my first novel, and I found the 'Learn Writing with Uncle Jim' thread invaluable.

[Mswritergurl74]

Thanks guys.http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif I'm going to try my best to keep going and get through the book. I'll let you know how it goes. If I have trouble I'm sure you all will be able to help me out.

[MarkPettus]

I suggest you find someone to read your work as you go. If it worked for you in fan fiction, it should work for you now.

Do you have a family member or friend who might enjoy your story?

This goes against established wisdom, but if it works, do it.

[DamaNegra]

I have the same problem you do. Either I lose interest or get stuck halfway across a novel, or I finish it, decide it sucks and throw it away. What works for me is hearing music that gets me in the mood, 'inspiring' music.

[Flapdoodle]

Hi everyone I doubt you've seen me around here much. I'm new and I haven't been able to get online much. I'm Miya.http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonhi.gif

My reason for starting this thread though is, because I've just started a novel that I guess could be considered my first and I was wondering what suggestions anyone has for making sure I see it through to the end.

I've started stories before, but I always seem to have trouble actually getting to the end. They always lose my interest and I'll just leave it and start something else or just take a break from writing all together. And sometimes its just because I have no motivation at all.

The same doesn't happen for fanfiction which I've written before and I'm wondering if that's because I have people who read and want more of the story. Does any one else seem to have this problem?

Anything anyone has to say would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

If you lose interest is it because you've reached a point where you've "lost the plot a bit"? Or there isn't enough happening to keep it interesting? This used to happen to me, so now I make sure that, at the least, I have the thing plotted out - not extensively, but at least a strong of idea of what the characters do and what the aim of the story is. Similarly with plot holes - they can be demoralising and have to be fixed, and caused a loss of interest. I plug 'em before I start.