Why You Should Abandon Your Novel

Summary

The article discusses the challenging decision for novelists to abandon a book they are working on when it no longer feels viable or compelling to complete.

Abstract

The article "Why You Should Abandon Your Novel" addresses the difficult reality that novelists sometimes face: the necessity of abandoning a project. It acknowledges the significant time and emotional investment writers make in their novels, but also the occasional need to let go of a book that may no longer be worth pursuing. The piece references well-known authors like Stephen King, who have also considered abandoning their work, emphasizing that even the most successful writers may start and stop multiple projects. The article suggests that it's acceptable to abandon a book if the passion for the story is lost, or if insurmountable issues arise with the plot or characters. However, it also cautions against giving up too quickly when faced with common writing challenges that can be overcome with perseverance and revisions. The author encourages writers to focus on projects that inspire them and to not view abandoning a book as a failure, but rather as a natural part of the writing process.

Opinions

It is normal for writers, even renowned ones, to consider abandoning a book project.
Writers should assess whether their lack of enthusiasm for a book is due to a temporary obstacle or a deeper conviction that the story is not meant

Are you giving up, giving in, or taking a break?

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio for Pexel

This is one of the many unpopular topics for novelists. It seems impossible to abandon a project in which we have invested hundreds of hours. How can we even think of letting go of something we have invested in our heads and hearts?

Yet, it is a topic that does happen more than we like to think. Even if it hasn’t happened to you, have you ever considered trashing that book as you have run out of what to do with it?

Many articles address this sensitive issue, and I’ve tried to pull the pieces I think will be most helpful to you.

Even the best take second and third looks at their books and consider passing on them. According to an interview I came upon in Esquire magazine from another source, Stephen King said he considered not finishing his bestseller, Billy Summers.

If you haven’t read King’s book on writing, I highly recommend it. But let’s get back to you and your book and why you may consider going into the trash.

It may surprise you, but more books get dumped by well-known authors than you probably realize. If you write enough, you will most likely start and stop many books along the way. Not all will be winners and enjoy that deep satisfaction of being solid and worthy of completion.

Have you heard other writers tell you they began a book years ago? Does that surprise you? If you are like me, I have to complete what I start. I could never let a book sit for years. What you don’t know, however, is that while that particular book was languishing in the proverbial draw for years, the writer completed two other books in the meantime.

So, we ask again: Is It OK To Abandon A Book.

My answer is yes. If you don’t have fire in the belly to stay with it, then take another look. If you don’t believe this story must be told, there is no point in flogging yourself to write something you don’t want to.

Good grief: Writing anything is difficult, and a novel makes that even more difficult. Put it away. It wasn’t meant to be if you never get back to it. Or, in my world, it wasn’t “Beshert:” It wasn’t meant to be.

Just be sure, though, that you are not giving up too soon. Did you run into a tough spot, and you may have to give it more thought or rewrite a section. Just because you ran into a glitch doesn’t mean you should throw it away at the first sign of trouble.

We know writing is difficult, so you need to understand fully whether you have run into a molehill you can come out the other side intact or that you no longer have the love and grit to climb that mountain.

Don’t think you are the only writer considering shelving your new novel. You are not. And you are not a failure when you give up on a particular book. How could you know at the beginning that your book would take a direction you didn’t see coming. It happens a lot.

Please, don’t beat yourself up about it.

Accomplished writers know when to call it a day. It would help if you had your energy for the projects that make sense and have power. It is not intelligent to beat yourself up over a book that will not work. You are wasting vital energy that could be used for books that turn you on.