When it comes to writing a novel the biggest challenge for me hasn’t been coming up with ideas, or even finding the time, but staying motivated to continue. When writing short fiction, especially pieces that I can finish within a day or two, you get the satisfaction of seeing your completed story almost instantly. With a novel, you don’t get that instantly, or even soon. You might not get that feeling for years, and that can be incredibly daunting.
It’s like a 100-meter dash compared to a marathon. In the dash you see the finish line before you start, you put your effort into that short burst and see your results right after. With a marathon you have those same bursts of energy, but they are followed by moments where you slow down. When you can’t see the finish line, it’s easy to burn out in these slower moments, to take them as an opportunity to quit. The same goes when writing a novel. You might write 5,000, 10,000, or 50,000 words, when you hit that low. You’re wondering if it’s really worth it to go on. In moments like this it’s great to have someone close to you who you share your writing with, who supports and motivates you to keep going. But if you don’t have that person, or you’re choosing to keep your writing private until edited, the low can hit even harder.
It’s okay to doubt yourself, and it’s okay to wonder whether finishing your novel is worth it. They take a lot of time, and you need to be sure that is time you want to, or can afford to, give up. When I’m thinking this way, I like to remember why I’m writing my book. Thinking about that big book deal or imagining what actors would play your characters can be a lot of fun, and those are great aspirations to have, but there is satisfaction in finishing a book alone. Even if it doesn’t go on to be a movie, even if it doesn’t go on to be a bestseller, even if it doesn’t go on to be published. There are millions of people who say that they can write a book or that someday they will, but they don’t. Finishing that book is a huge accomplishment, and if you can be satisfied with that and make it your first and primary goal, the words will come with it.
I want to get published, I want to be a bestseller, but if that’s all I’m thinking about then on my low days I won’t be able to stop myself from thinking about the unlikelihood of it. So, right now I’m just thinking about finishing my book. That’s step one, and when we get through that, we’ll look around and see where to put our foot down next.
Remember, marathons aren’t always about coming in first, just cross the finish line and you’re already ahead.