All my years of writing, I’ve generally struggled with completing novella/novel-length projects. I’m definitely much more of a world-builder/idea generator than a start-to-finish author; some of it has to do with pernicious perfectionism, I fear (you can’t screw up a story you don’t write! Ha, very foolish, I know), but some of it has to do with urges to explore different genres in different seasons— i.e. I’m more likely to dwell on grungy scifi in the rainy spring months, high fantasy in the autumn months, etc.
With work, home life, and other hobbies taking up much of my time, it’s very easy to fall into that trap of starting a hundred new projects rather than committing every week to finishing one or two projects I’ve already started. I know a level of plain and simple self-control is necessary, but I do find it hard to focus my energies in one place regardless. Any tips for grounding myself in one project instead of letting my inspirations run away with me? (Thanks!)
I know it’s been a minute since you posted this question, but I thought I’d chime in as well.
I think that a good plan is really helpful in those situations. When you’ve developed the story ahead of time and you have a high degree of confidence that the story will “work,” it’s much easier to push through.
When our confidence wanes, it’s so easy to just set something aside and pursue the next shiny object. When the target is rock solid, it’s so much easier to keep your eyes on the goal and continue to move consistently and intelligently towards that one goal.
