Overcoming Procrastination: A Guide to Finishing Your Novel

As a seasoned SEO professional for Google, my goal is to help you navigate the challenges of conquering your creative endeavors, specifically focusing on the countless excuses we make as writers. There are two critical elements in your daily life when writing a novel: the writing itself, and everything else. The latter, if not managed properly, can easily consume the limited time you have for your novel. Just as a thief of time, a writer must steal moments where they can to advance their project. Let’s delve into strategies to motivate yourself and get those words down.

Allow No Excuses

After reading this guide, take immediate action. Open a document, and start typing. If you don’t, it’s time to ask yourself if you truly have the self-discipline necessary to commit to your novel. Often, the term "want" is deceptive. It's not about wanting to be encouraged; it's about wanting to produce. So, are you ready to take the necessary steps to bring your novel from concept to completion, or are you letting procrastination prevail?

Carve Out the Time

Consider dedicating your weekends to your novel, free from distractions. This focused time can make all the difference. Think about what you want to write about. There’s no single answer, but exploring the "whys" and "hows" can help you clarify your intentions and turn your whims into a serious project. If writing a novel is indeed a whim, it might be wise to reevaluate your commitment. Are you genuinely serious, or are you merely avoiding the hard work?

Character Development and Outline

Start by creating detailed character sheets for your main characters, focusing on physical attributes, personality traits, and relationships, especially with the protagonist and the antagonist. Knowing your characters intimately will make the narrative richer and the storyline more compelling. Additionally, create a rough outline of your story, making it as simple as following Jack and Jill’s adventures up a hill, down the hill, and back to reality with Bob as a recurring character. Having a roadmap will guide your narrative and keep your creative juices flowing.

Lock the Door and Write

Once you have the necessary tools in place, lock yourself in a room, free from external distractions. Embrace that feeling of discomfort that comes with the initial stage of writing. Pour your thoughts onto the screen without editing. This raw, unfiltered content will serve as the foundational text you can refine later. Remember, like a baby learning to walk, falling is part of the process. Persevere and your discipline will grow stronger with each attempt.

Seek Feedback and Education

To enhance your skills, take a course on short story writing. Feedback from professionals can provide invaluable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. Treat this process like a baby learning various milestones: rolling over, crawling, standing, and eventually, running. Each lesson learned is a step toward your goal. By the time you achieve self-discipline, scheduling your writing time, and prodding your imagination, you will have the novel you’ve always envisioned.

Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Remember, everything else will always get bigger if you let it. Stay focused, and don’t let procrastination steal your time. With determination and consistent effort, your novel will become a tangible reality. Happy writing!