Writing a novel can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve been stuck in a creative slump. If you’ve begun a novel but can’t seem to finish it, then this article is for you. In this article, I will discuss practical tips and strategies for continuing to write your novel, even when you’re feeling unmotivated or you have writer's block. Through some simple steps, you’ll be able to get back on track and finish your masterpiece. So, if you need some help to stay motivated and productive, continue reading for 5 tips that will help you continue writing your story!
Set a Daily Goal & Milestone
Writing a novel can be a daunting task. To make it more manageable, create a goal of how many words or pages you'd like to write each day. Setting a daily goal when writing your story is important because it keeps you focused and motivated. Having a goal each day helps you to stay on track and not get overwhelmed by the task of writing an entire story. It also helps you to track your progress and measure your success as you go. Achieving small goals each day brings a sense of accomplishment and will help keep you motivated to continue writing.
Write the End First
For some writers, it may be helpful to write the end of their story first. If you are working on the beginning or middle of your story and feel stuck, you should consider writing down the final chapter. The process of writing a novel doesn’t need to be linear if you know where you want your story to go. When writing my book I often "shifted" around the order of my writing, so that I always remain interested in my own story. In fact, writing the ending of your novel before finishing the rest of the story has many benefits. Not only will it give you plenty of time to get creative, but it could also prevent your ending from feeling rushed or uninspired. When you're still passionate and enthusiastic about the project, you can create a much more powerful and compelling ending that readers will remember.
Take Mini Breaks
It is always important to take breaks when trying to write a story, as it can help with the creative process. Taking breaks helps to keep the mind fresh and allows you to come back to work with a renewed sense of focus and enthusiasm. Taking a break can also help you to step back and look at the work from a different perspective, allowing you to identify areas that need improvement and come up with new ideas. Plus, taking a break can help you to clear your head from any distractions and to give yourself the necessary space to come up with a plan for your story. Breaks can also be beneficial for reducing stress and nerves, which can often hinder your creativity, and can lead to a better overall writing experience. Overall, breaks can help to keep you motivated and energized throughout the writing process, allowing you to produce higher-quality work. All in all, taking breaks when trying to write a story is an essential part of the creative process.
Get Feedback
Feedback is a very important tool for any creative writer! It helps provide an outside perspective that can help you identify and address issues that might not be apparent when you are too close to your own work. It can help you identify plot holes, recognize when characters are not behaving in a realistic manner, or even point out when a scene or a line of dialogue just isn't working. Feedback can also provide you with an understanding of how well your story is being received and what improvements can be made in order to make the story better. It can offer insights into the characters and plot that you may not have considered. It can help you strengthen the characterization or build stronger plot points. Overall, feedback is essential to improving your writing and helping you grow as a writer. It can help you identify flaws in your work and make it stronger and more impactful. It can also offer valuable insight into how others perceive your work and help you refine it to make it even better.
Join a Writing Group
Writing can be a lonely task. Joining a writing group can be a great asset when writing a story. Having a group of peers to discuss writing ideas, receive feedback, and brainstorm plot points can help you to develop a stronger story with more depth and detail. Plus, a writing group can help to keep you motivated and on track with your writing goals. Finally, a writing group can provide a sense of community and camaraderie which can be beneficial for staying focused and inspired on your project. Listed below are some different writing groups you can join!
Blue Pencil Writing's Pinterest Group
Online Writing Organizations
A School Newspaper
Camp NaNoWriMo
Writing Workshops
As a writer, it is difficult to maintain motivation at all times. It is normal to need to relax or take breaks, but you should always pick up your novel again after a well-deserved break. The five tips described above will ensure that you see your story through from start to finish.