How to Finish a First Novel
Starting a novel is easier than finishing it. As your characters become more real and you become engaged in their lives, it may start looking like drawing it all to a close is more than you can do. However, the finish line is within reach if you remain dedicated and follow a few steps.
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Instructions
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Outline your novel so you know where it is going. Chart your characters' journeys and they are more likely to reach their detinations.
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Make a scene chart. Draw five boxes across and several rows, with boxes equal to your chapters. Develop scenes in each, with a turning point marked at the fifth, 10th and 15th boxes. This will help you see what is going on in each scene and where you need to go.
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Write every day and create daily goals. Keep a page or word count in mind and work towards it.
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Work on another section of your novel if a scene is too difficult to write. When you come back to it tomorrow, you may find that it's now much easier.
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Finish your novel by keeping quiet. If you talk about your story more often than you write, the inspiration might be gone when you're ready to put it on paper. Instead, put the energy into writing.
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Stay focused. Don't let anything or anyone stop you from reaching your goal. Keep at it until you can type"The End."
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Tips & Warnings
Before you start your novel, learn as much as you can about writing. Take writing courses and read in the genre you plan to write in, and you will have more to draw from as you finish your first novel.
Read the work of an author you admire for inspiration, but once you start your own novel, put that fiction aside to avoid unconsciously copying an author's style.
Start and don't stop. Keep writing no matter what.
Resources
- Find advice on finishing that first novel at Steampunk.
- Outline and write your novel with the Snowflake Method from Randy Ingermanson.
- Check Justine Larbalestier's blog for tips on using a spreadsheet to chart your novel.
- Author Paul Saevig offers advice and tips on planning and finishing your novel.
