How do I know if a wip is finished? For example, I only have left a messy paragraph that contains a good idea I want to add but I just don’t like how it sounds and can’t find a way to make it sound better, and I feel like if I leave it like that the wip doesn’t look completed… I’m not sure to know what is lacking… Thanks in advance!
Thank you for your submission. I was a little uncertain about this question when you mentioned "paragraph," as I'm not sure if you meant "draft." However, I came to the conclusion that you were referring to including a story idea that you want to add, but it may not be fully developed to fit in your story. I hope I understood correctly and that I give you the right response. If you have any further inquiries, I'm always available to provide answers.
How to Know if a Work in Progress Novel is Finished
As writers, one of the most challenging aspects of the creative process is knowing when to deem a novel as finished. concept of "finished" may vary for each writer, but there are some general guidelines that can help you determine if your work in progress novel is ready to be put out into the world. I'll try my best to help you explore those guidelines and provide useful tips to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of when your novel is truly complete.
Defining a Finished Novel
Before delving into the signs of a completed novel, let's establish what it means for a novel to be "finished." In essence, a finished novel signifies that the writer has successfully crafted a cohesive story that satisfies both the plot development and character arcs. It implies that every loose end has been addressed, providing a sense of fulfillment to the readers. However, it is essential to recognize that each writer's process is unique, making "finished" a subjective concept.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to determining when a novel is done, there are some crucial factors to consider:
Have you answered all of your major plot questions?
The first indication of a finished novel is ensuring that all essential plot questions have been resolved. Your readers should have a clear understanding of the storyline and its development. Address any lingering questions and tie up loose ends to provide a satisfactory conclusion.
Have you resolved all of your character arcs?
Characters play a significant role in drawing readers into the world of your novel. Thus, it is important to ensure that each character's arc has been effectively resolved. Characters should experience growth, change, and overcome their conflicts. Evaluate if your characters have undergone meaningful journeys and if their arcs contribute to the overall narrative.
Does the ending feel satisfying and complete?
The way a novel concludes can leave a lasting impression on readers. The ending should provide a sense of closure while leaving room for interpretation, if desired. Ensure that your novel's ending resonates emotionally, providing a fitting conclusion based on the story's overall tone and themes.
Have you read your novel aloud to yourself or to someone else?
Reading your work aloud can help identify any issues with sentence structure, flow, and pacing. By vocalizing the words, you gain a different perspective and can recognize any inconsistencies or areas that may require improvement. Additionally, consider sharing your work with a trusted listener who can provide valuable feedback from an external standpoint.
Do you still feel excited about your novel, or are you starting to feel bored or disengaged?
As a writer, your passion for your work should continue to burn bright until the very end. Examine your own emotions and gauge whether you still possess the excitement and engagement that compelled you to embark on this creative journey. If you find yourself growing bored or disinterested, it may be an indication that further work is required to rekindle the spark.
Seek feedback from beta readers or critique partners. (Great tip for your situation)
To gain an outside perspective on your novel, consider involving trusted beta readers or critique partners. They can provide valuable insights, highlighting areas that need improvement or clarification. By exposing your work to fresh eyes, you can obtain constructive criticism that ultimately enhances the overall quality of your novel.
Take a break from your novel and come back to it later.
Sometimes, distance is necessary to gain clarity. After completing your manuscript, set it aside for a while and engage in other activities. This break will allow you to approach your work with a fresh perspective when you return to it. Consider taking note of areas that stand out to you upon revisiting, as this may serve as an indicator of any remaining improvements or necessary edits.
Reasons Your WIP Might Be Lacking The ✨Spark✨
The plot is not clear or engaging.
The reader should be able to follow the plot easily and be invested in the outcome.
If the plot is confusing or boring, the reader will likely lose interest.
The characters are not well-developed.
The reader should be able to connect with the characters and understand their motivations.
If the characters are flat or one-dimensional, the reader will not care about what happens to them.
The setting is not well-described.
The reader should be able to picture the setting in their mind and feel like they are there.
If the setting is vague or poorly described, the reader will not be able to immerse themselves in the story.
The writing is not polished.
The prose should be clear, concise, and free of errors.
If the writing is clunky or full of errors, the reader will be distracted from the story.
The ending is not satisfying.
The ending should wrap up the plot in a satisfying way and leave the reader feeling fulfilled.
If the ending is rushed or unresolved, the reader will be left feeling unsatisfied.
How to Enhance the Appeal and Viability of Your Story Idea
In regards to your question, if i'm not mistakn i think you were saying you had a story idea and you couldn't quite polish it enough to fit it in your story but you feel as if you need to have it in your story
Consider the genre of your story. What kind of story are you trying to write? Once you know the genre, you can start to think about how your story idea fits within that genre. For example, if you're writing a mystery, you'll want to make sure your story idea has a strong sense of suspense and intrigue.
Think about the characters in your story. Who are the characters in your story? What are their motivations? What are their goals? Once you know your characters, you can start to think about how your story idea affects them. For example, if your story idea involves a character who is trying to solve a mystery, you'll want to make sure the mystery is something that the character is invested in solving.
Consider the setting of your story. Where does your story take place? What is the atmosphere of the setting? The setting can play a big role in creating the tone of your story. For example, if your story idea involves a character who is lost in a forest, you'll want to make sure the forest is described in a way that creates a sense of danger and suspense.
Think about the conflict in your story. What is the conflict in your story? What are the stakes? The conflict is what will keep your readers engaged. For example, if your story idea involves a character who is trying to save the world from an evil alien, you'll want to make sure the conflict is something that the reader can relate to and that the stakes are high.
Revise your story idea until it fits your story. Once you've considered all of these factors, you can start to revise your story idea until it fits your story perfectly. Don't be afraid to make changes and experiment until you find something that works.
Here are some additional tips:
Use strong verbs and adjectives. This will help to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
Be specific. Don't just say that your character is "lost." Say that they are "lost in a dark, stormy forest."
Use sensory details. This will help the reader to feel like they are there in the story.
Keep the reader guessing. Don't give away too much too soon.
End with a bang. The ending should leave the reader wanting more.
The question of when a novel is truly finished does not have a definitive answer. Ultimately, it is up to the individual writer to decide when their work is ready to be shared with the world. By following these general guidelines, you can develop a better sense of whether your novel has reached a point of completion. Remember that it is acceptable to acknowledge imperfections and move on to your next project. Furthermore, even after publication, you may continue to refine and enhance your work. Embrace the ongoing progression of your novel, and always remain open to making changes as needed.
Don't be afraid to let go of your novel, even if you're not completely satisfied with it. Moving forward and exploring new ideas is a natural part of the writing process.
Keep in mind that your novel is a work in progress, even after its publication. Opportunities for improvement may arise, so be open to making changes and updates as necessary.
If you're still not sure if your novel is finished, don't hesitate to reach out to other writers for advice.
There are many online forums and communities where you can get feedback on your work.
The most important thing is to find a community of writers who support you and who can help you to reach your full potential as a writer.
Copyright © 2023 by Ren T.
TheWriteAdviceForWriters 2023
