Hello Fellow Writers,
I am hoping for your sage advice on finishing my novel. The notion of writing THE END is very complicated for a former editor. My revisions have continued and my book has increased another 13,000 words. I want to develop my characters further and further. The plot becomes more in depth. The narrator has more to say. The setting descriptions can become more sensory. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I can’t seem to let go.
I am heading to Asheville in two weeks on a research and inspirational pilgrimage for my second novel. My goal was to have Circling completely wrapped before that new adventure begins. I really like finishing one thing before moving on to the next. Now I am wondering if I am doing Circling a disservice by forcing the end according to my arbitrary timeline. Or am I metaphorically delaying sending my baby away.
I truly can not decide. I am considering setting Circling aside to “breathe” while embarking on the first draft of my next project. My concern is that I’ll never “get back in” if I walk away and enter a new world.
Please advise writers friends. Finish it now or let it rest? How do you ever let a book go?
Paige Randall 
I have similar problems, every time I get to the end of a project I just don’t want to let it go. It’s best to let it end naturally but be careful of adding up extra filler or if its essential to wrap up the novel. If its really important maybe sit on it for a while. Sometimes when I do that new ideas come to me that really improve my writing.
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Good thoughts. Much to consider. Thank you!
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I’ve learned the hard way that I need to put projects away for a little while because it begins to feel like a huge knot that I need to untangle. So I go to something else. When I come back to the first thing, I can see it more clearly and it’s usually in better shape than I’d thought. And that also gives project two some time to simmer.
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Dawne thank you for this! I appreciate your perspective. This is starting to feel right to me.
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Its always a good idea to let it sit for a bit when completing a new draft whether its your first or tenth, you’ll come back to it with fresh eyes 🙂
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I think you may be right Franny. Some distance is probably going to be a good thing.
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Wow – hear this with love.
Finish the book and hold your breath. Many writers have a tendency to delay “The End” based on fear that it is actually the end. There will be new characters and new plots for the ones you have already fallen in love with. There will be more words to write. There will another “end”.
Finish your novel and give it to the universe. If needed, it will return it to you. Trust it. Trust yourself.
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My God you are profound today. And unusually kind. Almost like a Svengali. :÷)
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