Thread by @Joannechocolat

We haven't had #TenTweets for awhile. People keep telling me this, so let's have #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects. Follow the hashtag to collect them all!

https://twitter.com/KarenKts11/status/1453324628588433413

1. So you've already got three unfinished projects on the go, and along comes another shiny new idea to lure you away from completing them. Why do you do this? Is it just you? (Spoiler, no: we ALL do this.) #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

2. But here's the thing. Just because we all do this doesn't necessarily mean we should. Part of being a better writer is knowing when to abandon a project that isn't working, and how to persevere with a project that is. Here's how. #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

3. First, look at your unfinished idea. Why do you want to leave it? Is it for a good reason, or is it just because you've reached the stage of your project at which you really need to work at it? #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

4. Writing projects are a bit like a relationship. The first part is exciting: falling in love, learning all about the other person. The next part is less about excitement, and more about about commitment. Are you a commitment-phobe? #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

5. If so, you need to get over it. Writing isn't all about that sudden initial flash of inspiration. It's also about hard work, rewriting, and working through the pain barrier. #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

6. Finishing can be scary, too. Finishing a project means that you have to proceed to the next stage - letting someone else read it. But if you don't do that, your work will never be read... #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

7. Are you unsure how to finish because you haven't put enough work into planning your project? If so, go back to the beginning; get to know your characters better, and decide where you need to take them. #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

8. Are you afraid your project isn't good enough? If so, look at what's wrong with it. This is where you get to revisit your plotting, your structure, your worldbuilding. Most things can be fixed if you know where the problem is. #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

9. Do you need more research to make your story convincing? If so, take time out, and do it. You'll come back to your project feeling more in control, and with knowledge at your fingertips. #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

10. Sometimes you just fall out of love with a project. And sometimes a project simply dies. Don't feel guilty if that happens, or feel that you've wasted your time. Ideas can be recycled, and besides - nothing you write is ever wasted. #TenThingsAboutFinishingProjects

If you enjoy these occasional threads, you might want to check out my book, TEN THINGS ABOUT WRITING. amazon.co.uk/Ten-Things-Abo…