How do I finish a story?

Question

I keep starting novels, but never seem to retain an intrest in that particular idea, moving on to another almost immidiately. I've tried almost everything I can think to do, but am out of ideas.

Answer 1

I would suggest before you start a novel, write a list of the events you want to happen, and don't start writing the novel until you write the ending you want in the list. An example of what I mean-

He post the question that had been haunting him
A while later a mysterious person answers
He takes the advise
He finished all of his novels

(Sorry if that is really lame)
Also, don't move to another story and just leave the one you had been working on. Instead, for the one you are wanting to move to make the list like I suggested and continue writing the one you were working on, even if you only write a few sentences a day. And try not to write more than two stories at a time, anything else should be made into a list.
Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Other than forcing yourself to finish the book, I don't know. I've been working on volume two of a four-volume set for about two years. Volumes one and three are finished, but I must finish the second one before working on the last.

I'm well over 100,000 words in the unfinished volume, yet I can't seem to bring it to an end either. I know what must be inserted, but my initiative lags. This may be your symptom too.

Perhaps you allow other events get in the way of finishing the book--as I do.

As you can see I have no direct answers, but a hope that I can light a fire under my saddle and get the story completed. I suppose self-determination coupled with a lot of self discipline is the only way.

Meanwhile, there are many short stories needing to be written. Life is still good. One day something will come along that will prod us into the story's completion.

Answer 3

For now, put the novels aside. Write a few short stories and perhaps a screenplay. It takes me a year to write a novel and only about 3 months to write a screenplay & sometimes just a day or two for short stories that I've sold. I've never sold a novel but I've sold 3 screenplays since I realized that I had the same problem as you---by the end of writing my novel---if I ever made it that far---I was sick of it. Short stories & sceenplays are faster paced. In fact, writing screenplays is how I got interested in filmmaking, which is what I do now. Hope this helps, friend.

Answer 4

Publish each unfinished "novel" sequentially but promote them as a collection of short stories. Modestly claim that you are attempting what James Joyce did with Dubliners. The conceit alone will get a lot of attention even if you do end up looking like a fool. No offence intended but, I mean, who can compare with Joyce?

Answer 5

I used to be like that until I realized that I need immediate feedback. I need to write something and pass it off to someone, get some sort of feedback, whether constructive or just supportive, and then I can write more.
I also immerse myself with my characters and plot line and get to know them completely before picking up another idea.
But if you're one for immediate feedback like myself, I found a nice niche in www.fictionpress.com, a writing site where people share their poetry and prose with others. It's just a simple place for, well, immediate feedback. If you're interested and are looking for something more constructive, I recommend www.critiquecircle.com.
If you're looking for something more to push you forward, from the end of July to just a week ago, exactly one month, I wrote a 33 chapter, 40k word novella, thanks to fictionpress and immediate feedback.
Good luck with your writing!

Answer 6

write the end and you finish the story.

Answer 7

you were not meant to write if you cannot finish at least one novel.

try short stories.