How to Finally Finish That Book

They say we all have a book in us right? Not if it never gets completed. But it is possible to finally finish one, so pick up that old unfinished book and dust it off or start a new one, its time to complete it.

First Grab that idea by the horns and don’t let go

The hardest thing seems to be not changing your mind and focusing on that one idea. Sure you may have a million other ideas for books but thats not the point is it. If you must, write them in a notebook, then close it and forget about it. This book, this idea, don’t change your mind, don’t start another book, pure and simple write it, keep going even if you’d rather be writing another one.

Second set aside a time and place to write

Now there’s no point in simply saying – I’ll write when I have the time, if you are serious about finishing it, then you need to set aside at least an hour – preferably more, a day, every day, without fail. So turn off the TV, unplug the net if it helps (not yet) and write.

Third you WILL get writers block

It’s inevitable, you will sit down and nothing will come, you know what the trick is? Carry on anyway, even if you are writing absolute crap, it doesn’t matter – that’s what the first edit is for, just write, keep on even when you know its not good, because after a while, and not even that long, the good stuff will just start coming out and then you’re on a roll. You can force creativity, because its always there, just hidden occasionally.

Fourth don’t TRY and make it longer

It can be daunting thinking of how long a book has to be, and the thought of having to fill all those pages can be enough to make you pack up and give up. Worse is trying to fill the spaces with unnecessary writing. Don’t worry about the length, ignore it, forget about it. Write what you want, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly those pages fill, you may even have to cut it down at the end. And guess what, if its too short, that’s what the edit is for.

Fifth let others read it

I know you think – its just not good enough, its not ready, but publishers and agents are going to read it, so might as well get used to it, let your other half, your parents, your best mate read it, let them give you their opinion, it might actually be helpful to you, after all they are the reader you are writing for. Ask them “does this seem too contrived” they will be honest.

Sixth Use the internet

Writing can get a bit dry, and once in a while you need inspiration, find a page of interesting words, you don’t have to use them but they may inspire your own words.

Seventh if you are struggling remember why…

Why do you want to write the book? Write down all your reasons, write at least 20 if you can, and then choose the three most important and make it into one inspirational reason. That’s your reason…stick it to your computer so you don’t forget. It’s your reason for never giving up.

And most important set a deadline

Set yourself a realistic but strict deadline, say 10 months time for your first draft, write it in the calendar, tell everyone you meet that your novel will be done by then and then do it. It may be done a bit sooner or may take a little longer, but write to that deadline, it will give you something to aim towards and then EDIT EDIT EDIT, but thats another story.