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Confession time again: I have started several novels that I never finished.
Considering I’ve often written about finishing your novels and just getting the words down and worrying about the rest later, this may be a little surprising to some of you. But it’s true, and it’s something that I’m actually quite unashamed of.
Most times, these starts are a false start of sorts—more of an exploration of an idea than an actual attempt at writing out a novel. But I have fully plotted WIP ideas from start to finish, written a page or two, then decided I didn’t want to write it after all. On two occasions, I have written more than a couple thousand words, then realized with some disappointment that it wasn’t working.
So there. I’ve said it: I don’t finish every novel idea that I start.
The thing is, that initial writing for me is part of the exploration process. I could have plotted out my most epic novel yet, but if the voice of the protagonist doesn’t work for me, I immediately lose interest and move on to something else. For me, character is king, and if I don’t find an intriguing voice to tell the story, then it’ll remain a snippet of writing and some jotted down ideas.
This is why I don’t really call a first draft an actual draft or WIP until I’ve hit 10,000 words. Even that isn’t necessarily a guarantee that this is a novel I’m going to finish, but the odds are astronomically higher after that milestone because I’ve gotten a good feel for the characters and usually if I’ve made it that far, I know something’s there.
Now, I’m well aware that not everyone works the same way I do, and so I want to hear from you: what is your exploration process like? Do you finish every novel idea that you start?
Twitter-sized bites:
Considering I’ve often written about finishing your novels and just getting the words down and worrying about the rest later, this may be a little surprising to some of you. But it’s true, and it’s something that I’m actually quite unashamed of.
Most times, these starts are a false start of sorts—more of an exploration of an idea than an actual attempt at writing out a novel. But I have fully plotted WIP ideas from start to finish, written a page or two, then decided I didn’t want to write it after all. On two occasions, I have written more than a couple thousand words, then realized with some disappointment that it wasn’t working.
So there. I’ve said it: I don’t finish every novel idea that I start.
The thing is, that initial writing for me is part of the exploration process. I could have plotted out my most epic novel yet, but if the voice of the protagonist doesn’t work for me, I immediately lose interest and move on to something else. For me, character is king, and if I don’t find an intriguing voice to tell the story, then it’ll remain a snippet of writing and some jotted down ideas.
This is why I don’t really call a first draft an actual draft or WIP until I’ve hit 10,000 words. Even that isn’t necessarily a guarantee that this is a novel I’m going to finish, but the odds are astronomically higher after that milestone because I’ve gotten a good feel for the characters and usually if I’ve made it that far, I know something’s there.
Now, I’m well aware that not everyone works the same way I do, and so I want to hear from you: what is your exploration process like? Do you finish every novel idea that you start?
Twitter-sized bites:
Do you finish every novel idea you start? @Ava_Jae doesn’t, and here’s why. (Click to tweet)
Why one writer doesn’t call a WIP an actual draft until she’s written 10,000 words. (Click to tweet)
13 comments:
I always take notes about new ideas, but if I start writing something is because I have decided how long I have to work on it and to publish it when it's ready. If I'm not sure about this, the idea is not ready to become a novel, so I don't even start.
That's an interesting way of handling it. Thanks for sharing your experience, Carla!
I've finished them and then abandoned them. That was probably the worst of it. But yeah, I've chucked many ideas mid-stream and composted the leftovers into new projects.
I haven't finished every novel I've started.....yet. I think I have only one that I'm actually "abandoning". I.e., I don't like the project as such, so I'll mine it for material at a later time.
I've been writing novels since I was eight years old and I've probably only finished two, and they certainly weren't that good. Usually a new idea comes along, and it's always better than the last.
I've done this with many projects, and you're right in that it is nothing to be ashamed of. For every story/poem/song/thought that gets worked to completion there are dozens (hundreds? thousands?) that never get past the dozen hours worth of work or so. Some get returned to or amalgamated into other works; some are still wandering the ether. I've really enjoyed the few times that I've come across an old idea and was able to make something of it, as if I'd been working on it unconsciously all along.
Hmm, I've done that too--finished novels, then moved on to something else and left it to sit (possibly forever). But I thoroughly believe that even if every WIP doesn't get polished, you still learn from the experience nevertheless.
Mining for material is a great use of abandoned projects! Thanks for sharing, Jen. :)
Hmm, sounds like you may be dealing with some Shiny New Idea Syndrome. That can definitely complicate matters and make completing novels even more difficult. I understand what you mean about the new ideas often being even better, though.
Hey there! I completely agree--I think writing out the ideas, even (maybe even especially?) those are put away before completion is all part of the process of getting to the work that does make it to completion. And if you can take those incomplete ideas and incorporate them into something else, even better.
Most of the time I dump a project before I start writing. Then again, I'm an architect, as they say. So I know my world and characters very well before I start. That way I know in advance if I'll like them.
Yet, I do get that for some people it works better to get a feel of the story/characters through writing. Also, I don't think we should see that as a failure. I think Stephen King once said that he gets lots of story ideas but only writes those who stick with him for some weeks/months.
PS: Sorry, I fucked up that comment section of the previous post. Somehow I keep ending up with different ways of logging in xD
Oh wow. I completely understand what you mean about losing motivation. When you start to dread your writing sessions, you know it might be a good time to take a step back and re-evaluate what you're doing.
On a happier note, I wish you the best of luck with your new WIP!
I have dumped several projects before I started writing, but I've also dumped projects after I've started the experimental writing stage. I suppose for me, some need a little more testing before I decide whether or not to continue with them.
P.S.: I have yet to come across any messed up comment sections, but I forgive you all the same. :)
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