Lots and lots and lots of people dream about writing a novel. Fewer people actually start. And fewer than that actually finish.
Writing a novel takes hundreds of hours, the ability to tune out distractions, forcing oneself to buckle down when the novelty wears off, and the mental perseverance to keep going when doubts and the am-I-crazies creep in.
There are lots of things that can stop someone from writing. What keeps you going?
Sheri Larsen says
Whoa, the am-I-crazies? Shh… Seriously, for me, being the feisty mother of four should say it all. I never give up anything I start…just because. And with writing, each day is a new start, a new mountain to climb, and a new way to push beyond my personal boundaries. I love creating and taking my audience along with me. It's exciting and extremely fulfilling. The more I write the more I discover about myself and the amazing people around me.
Angela_Cheerios and Pearls Necklace Stories says
I write because a storytelling is a big part of who I am. I write to get to know my characters better; to let them surprise me with who they really are and who they want to be. It seems like these characters take a life of their own and I am the one left with a new story to read. The story that magically found its way from my imagination to my computer screen.
Hollie Sessoms says
I keep thinking, "I really want to read this story." The only way that I'm going to be able to read it is to write it.
Southpaw says
What keeps me writing?
I have to know how it ends!
DG says
I think it takes more than just the dream of fame and riches to finish a novel. Anyone can start a novel. But just a few hours dancing around on the internet is likely to educate you in how difficult it is to be financially successful. So then, there must be something else that helps one plug along day after day. For me, it's my lunch hour, where I pop on my headphones and go to work on my laptop. I do it every day during the week without fail, so there's the habit thing. The rest of it is that I simply can't wait to find out what happens to my characters.
Lisa Kilian says
I have a blind, trusting faith in the universe that it compels me to do something then there's a damn good reason behind it.
Also, I notice that many people dream of the day their novel goes to the best-seller list and they can quit their jobs and write full-time. Well I've already worked full-time as a writer…and turns out, (be careful what you wish for) it wasn't at all what I wanted. So now, writing a novel isn't something that will get me out of the rat race (I'd like to keep my day job, thank you very much), but instead it's something to help me both escape from and better understand life and its people.
Trisha Wooldridge says
1) Usually, the characters or story won't leave me alone.
2) When I don't get to write, I feel disorganized and detached.
3) I have some of the most awesome and supportive cheerleaders.
4) The high from an all-nighter manic writing spree is flipping out of this world!
Thomas Burchfield says
Again, my Elizabeth. That, and the power and joy of creation. The thrill when I've written something thrilling; the laugh when I've written something funny; the swell when I've written something moving.
After so many years, it's a compulsion.
Heidi Thornock says
It's a good outlet for this stay-at-home mom.It helps keep me sane.
And sometimes the characters are screaming in my head to get their story out. With that going on 24-7, the only way to silence them is to write.
mkcbunny says
Wanting to see it finished.
SammyStewart says
Habit. Can't stop.
Anonymous says
Because I can't dance.
Arabella says
And yet, thousands upon thousands of people do complete novels, hence the level of competition in catching an agent's attention and getting that contract.
But I write because I enjoy it, and that's all.
Kate says
I'm having fun discovering these characters and how the story unfolds as I go along. I'm still working toward a first draft. About half way there.
Also, I want to know if I can write. Or not. I started my first novel attempt about two years ago. Scrapped it. Started another one. Scrapped it. And another…scrapped. What can I say, I'm a shameless murderer of darlings.
I won't know if this thing's actually worth reading until…I finish it. Rewrite it. Polish it. Etc.
We'll see when we get there. But I think this one's actually worth the trouble.
emmiefisher says
What keeps me writing is the idea of creating something that will bring joy to someone else. I'm always brimming with ideas and stories, but unless I get them down on paper, no one will ever see or hear them. And there is nothing better than opening a new book that you just can't put down.
And secondly, I've also found writing to be therapeutic when I'm going through a rough patch. It really helps me keep moving forward with my life and letting go of my past. So even if my work never sees the light of day, I still end up feeling better and more joyous than I had before.
Connie says
I write because when I write I feel like I'm doing what I was born to do.
Amie Boudreau says
What keeps me going is that to me writing is like air. I can not imagine life without it. It's all I ever wanted to do. I have one novel published, and am really wanting to republish with a different publisher now that my contract is totally up, but I want an agent this go round, and I haven't quit, but I hit a huge space of time with lack of motivation due to excuses and lack of confidence.
I am forcing myself back into the discipline of it, and trying to refocus because I want the success of it so bad I can taste it!
Ink says
I write because otherwise the stories will keep building up in my brain. The dam will hold back those waters only so long. Gotta watch those watermarks…
Rick Daley says
I genuinely like the stories for my works in progress and want to finsh them all.
Dawn Herring says
For my novel, I kept writing because I wanted to finish the story. The characters had to work out the issues and come to a satisfying conclusion. If I didn't finish it, I would feel like I left the people in limbo!
For my blog, I keep writing since I have readers who read my posts. 🙂 I also enjoying sharing my pov and insight into daily life.
For my journal, I write because if I don't, every else feels undone, as if my day isn't over until I record it.
Terry Towery says
Well, let's see. I quit drinking and smoking a few years back. And I'm happily married, so I don't chase women any more.
In other words, I am thoroughly addicted to being creative. Writing fills a void inside of me that those other things used to do.
I'm pretty sure it's healthier. But I could be wrong.
Milo James Fowler says
I usually like the stories I write, so that helps. And my Constant Reader (wife) always wants to know how they end. Besides, it seems like my writing gets better the more I plug away at it, so I've got nothing to lose.
Nancy Coffelt says
Fear of employment.
K. E. Carson says
Writing is the biggest passions in my life. There's nothing that even comes close to my love for the written word.
And I do0n't get grumpy when I don't write. I go into this state where I feel like I can't do anything, a mindless, numb state which makes me want to beat my head against the table to understand what's wrong with me.
I think it's some sort of nasty disease.
Linnea says
I'm incredibly stubborn. Once I start something I have to finish it – even if it takes years.
Karen Mahoney says
A lot of things keep me going. Coffee, chocolate, blueberry muffins, coffee… 😉
But one of the BIGGEST is because even now, even at my age, I want to prove my dad wrong.
Elena says
Revenge…and what's the best revenge? Success…
Mark Anderson Smith says
Love and commitment, in equal measure! I have wanted to write a novel since I was a child and have a story that I am passionate about. But it is only since I set myself a clear goal and commited to writing a simple 100 words a day that I've actually made some progress. I reach 50,000 words on my first draft today! Still a long way to go but it feels good to make progress 🙂
Ashley A. says
I have a job-job, so I don't write for money. When I am writing, I feel like I'm doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
Also, I must admit that I would very much like to be a star, and writing seems to be my best shot. Oh, and my rejection letters from prospective agents keep getting better and better.
Genella deGrey says
I enjoy entertaining the masses. (Not in a dirty way, mind you – although my stories can run pretty hot.)
😉
G.
Joi says
At first, it was the pressure of participating in NaNoWriMo every year. But now, I write just because I *have* to–the story won't leave me alone otherwise!
jonas wunderman says
Fear that if I dont do something "different" in my life I will end up like the rest of my family.
Lisa says
Sheer terror that if not now? Never.
Shari Weaver says
The story! If I don't finish it, I'll never know how it ends.
Cheree says
I just love writing. And besides, getting the words on paper is better than keeping the movie that only I can see playing in my head.
Dawn Maria says
What keeps me writing? Fear of what life would be like if I wasn't writing. I've dreamed of writing a book since I was a kid. Now I'm revising that book. I keep going so I know I tried everything to make my dream come true.
The Red Angel says
For me, language in the form of writing has always amazed me with its power. You can do anything you want with words, and the fact that when you are writing, you're the one in control makes me keep writing. The fact that I can express myself in the best way possible and know I can make a difference with my writing.
The Red Angel says
By the way, in pertaining to stories and novels, I keep writing them because of the message I want to convey…I have very strong feelings about certain values or things that I believe in and it's a joy to convey the message through characters that I hope will touch my readers.
Terry says
I don't know, maybe obsessive- compulsive personality disorder. Some mental disorder, for sure.
Christine says
Writing is the most exasperating exhilarating experience I've encountered. Other than raising a child, I consider writing to be the greatest intellectual challenge I can face because it never bores me. Oh, it aggravates me and it brings me tons of angst, but it always brings me unique surprises.
I can't stop even though I have no idea if I will ever be published. If I were writing for the money, I'd wouldn't have started.
And the only people who truly understand the way my mind works are the writers I know…
Jane Opal says
What keeps me writing is my belief that I am creating something beautiful that others will enjoy reading. If I don't believe that my words will have an impact on others, I lose my ambition.
– Jane Opal
Moira Young says
The knowledge that I have it in me, even if I'm not quite there just yet.
Genevieve says
I can't figure out what could stop me. This is my passion. I might spontaneously combust if I stopped now. Seriously. I have 4 books all coming out at the same time, and I'm equally devoted to each of them.
Validation sure helps, like on sites like Authonomy, Scribophile, and of course when you get requests from agents (and follow up phone calls! Yay!!), but I'd write anyway. I have to.
martha Ramirez says
My passion. I think I am addicted to writing! lol.
Lin says
I keep writing because I love the task of writing itself. I'll even do the boring stuff AKA research to be able to write. What it proves about me, what it says about me, what people will think of me because I wrote X – all of those fade into the background, and it's just me and my truest love, the English language and all its component parts.
Lydia Sharp says
Choose any of the above answers: ditto.
MaryC says
Simple – because I can't not do it.
Jen says
Stories are fascinating, there is one wherever you go, each person you pass by has one, and I feel that I am doing a dis-service to not share all the stories I have bottled up inside. I believe that some of them are too amazing to pass up (I know sound self-indulgent) my life story isn't all that amazing, but dreamland certainly makes up for it!
anne vinsel says
On good days, how much fun it is 😉 on bad days, the knowledge that if i don't stay on it, i'll get sick and that will be expensive and non-fun. i like a good combination of creativity and discipline, seems to be working so far.
Abby Stevens says
Not disappointing my family and my husband (who agreed to me quitting my job to write this novel) keeps me going. They believe in me with all their hearts and I am motivated to live up to their belief in me. Sometimes it's a lot of pressure, but it's good pressure in the end, because I do want to finish this novel (and I'm so very close!).