Overcoming the Challenges of Completing Your First Book

“A good writer refuses to be socialized. He insists on his own version of things, his own consciousness. And by doing so he draws the reader’s eye from its usual groove into a new way of seeing things.” ― Bill Barich

Last Friday, my wife Michelle and I had dinner at Texas Roadhouse here in Enid, America. After dinner we sat at the bar and had drinks, of the alcohol variety. While doing so, we struck up a conversation with another couple at the bar. They were just a little younger than my 69 years. When they discovered I am retired, the wife asked me what I did with my spare time. I told her I write. That I am an author and spend my free time writing novels. The husband told me he had started writing three books but never finished them. They were leaving at that point of our conversation, so I did not get a chance to ask him why he had not finished any of his books.

This got me thinking. Why do people start and never finish writing their first book? I hear that a lot from people when they find out I have written several books. Research shows 97% of people who start to write a novel, never finish the first draft. The success rate is higher for those writing nonfiction, which makes sense because you are arranging words to describe things that are true - not trying to create from scratch a book length story. I believe there are several factors involved in not finishing that first draft of a novel.

• Writing a fiction novel takes time and is a lot of work, especially the first book.

• Having an idea for a novel that can be fleshed out beyond a short story can be daunting - writers often discover the ink well runs dry before the book is finished.

• Over thinking the process.

  • Am I doing this right?

    • Who defines right? It should be you, the author. This factor is the reason I chose the quote from Bill Barich to start this post. I have had classes in creative writing, in short story writing, in novel writing; and, I was a member of the Oklahoma City Writers' Club for several years, only to discover that what works for me is not what I found in those classes or the writers' club. What works for me does not have to be what works for you. Take the classes and join the groups if you think they will help you finish that first draft, that first book. Be who you are as a writer. If you choose to buck the norm, write your own version of things, such as I do, then by all means "...draw the reader’s eye from its usual groove into a new way of seeing things."

  • Will people like my book?

    • This is a tough one to get past. Writing is very personal. Michelle is writing short stories and poetry. She tells me self-doubt is her biggest reason she hasn't published a book. I tell my stories because I have no choice. Writing for me is like breathing - involuntary and necessary. But, I am human, I do care about whether people will like my books. If you want to be a writer, be brave, finish that first draft, that first book, and put it out there. Until you do, you will never know if people will like your book or not.

  • How do I make my first book a bestseller?

    • I can't help you with this one. I write because I want/need to write, having a bestseller was never my reason for writing. Not that I would turn down the "Bestseller" medallion for my books' front covers if my book sales earned one. If this is your goal, then go for it. But, don't let the fear of not having a bestseller stop you from completing your book.

  • What if no one buys my book?

    • I promise you someone will buy your book. Even if it is only you. Book sales do not an author make. Completing a book makes you an author.

  • Do I need to plot my book?

    • A book does not have to be plotted. I never work off of a plot. I come up with an idea for a book then let the characters and the setting dictate the story. If you feel you need the structure of plotting your book, then plot away. There is no right or wrong here.

  • Why is what I have so far not nearly as good as the books I read?

    • A first draft should be no more than getting the stream of thoughts down in some form. The first draft will never be as good as the edited and polished products that sit on the shelves of bookstores and libraries. Nor should it be.

The last factor "Over thinking the process" is, in my opinion, the main reason 97% of aspiring writers' never finish that first draft. Don't worry about all the components involved in writing and publishing a book. Write the first draft. Polish the first draft into a finished novel. Publish the novel. Smile, you have now moved beyond simply being a writer to author. Now, pat yourself on the back for pushing through and joining the other 3% who finished their first draft, first book.