How To Know

I get asked all the time, “How do you know when you’re done with your novel?”

All. The. Time.

Number one question.

My answer is easy. I’m done when I have no more notes and nothing else comes to me. When I write, I put everything into the book, holding nothing back for a sequel. Then, if later something doesn’t fit the storyline, I remove it and put it in a special little file that’s called, “No”, which I may or may not shop through when I start the next book. It’s all or nothing for me.

This, of course leaves me with tons of red notes in my timeline sheet. Once I’ve taken care of all those through multiple edit passes, and there are no more forthcoming, I’m done.

But that may not be so simple for another writer. Each writer is different, depending on the way their brain works. Also depending on the skill level. A beginning writer will go through the same basic routine, but much much slower. Our baby writer won’t even know what notes to make.

My first book took me well over 20 years to write because I had no idea what to do. So, I wrote it the best I could and submitted it to very painful critiques. Then rewrote. Again and again and again. I got sick of the novel. But I also read everything I could find about writing. Watched countless hours of videos and lectures.

Eventually I came to trust my vision for my book and my writing, though I knew I still had (still have) lots more to learn. I knew what notes needed to be written. Once I hit that point, I was able to see my “Done” moment.

So, my answer is easy. But getting there is the hardest road a writer will ever travel.