Any one els have an unfinished book?

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   wrenfrost56posted 13 years ago

   I have been attempting to write a science fiction book for about 5 years now.
   I really believe I will finish it, I was just wondering has any one else have a book or novel they have been working on for a while? Why do you think it has taken so long and do you think it will ever get finished.

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      manlypoetrymanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes...I'm still trying to figure out all those answers myself...I'll let you know what I come up with. I was so excited for the first two rough drafts of a two-part book I was working on...now I am stuck on a final draft...on the first two paragraphs... (My book is supposed to happen a few years in the future...But by the present year of 2009...I can see a lot of things coming to pass...that were concepts in 2003...when I first started writing the book!)

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         wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I was really excited when I first started my book too and when I am in the zone and words are flowing well I still get that rush. Unfortuately it does not happen as often as I would like!
         Don't worry about time passing by I am sure your ideas are radical enough to stand the test of time. Hang on in there.

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            manlypoetrymanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Yes...it is thrilling...when your "in the zone"...Thanks for the positives!

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         Jeramiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I have self published a small book that I had been working on for several years. The publishing co kept wanting more money for this promotion and more for that other promotion. I may have left them too soon or I may have saved myself a lot of what would have otherwise been wasted money. I am ignorant of such things as promotion of a book and am dead in the water. I also spend too much time earning a living and with family issues to get very excited pursuing that other endeavor. If you have read any of my forum comments or hubs you would guess that this book is about un-interpreting end time prophesy. And yes I have been watching those things unfolding lately
         Oh well I guess that I will still be painting houses when I'm eighty.

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         gary777gposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I hate when that happens...

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      dohn121posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I do.  I have one unfinished novel in which I wrote a total of 6 hubs on titled, "I, Fraternity" which may have to wait as I'm currently rewriting and re-editing a 452 page novel I completed last year (I'm trying to trim it down a bit).  I'm also currently working on a novella and my short-story which I showcased here at HubPages, "Revenge, Inc." which, was originally a stand-alone short story might expand into a novella or a graphic novel...I'm just am not sure if it will happen sooner rather than later.

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         wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Wow! I'm struggling with one, you must be very busy!

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            dohn121posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I do have some hubs you can read that helped me get into the "mode of writing" that has helped me.  If you are serious about your book and are serious about completing it, you really should get into a habit of writing it:  Should you get the chance, please read this hub:
            
            How to Write a Novel and Find the Voice Within
            
            Another Hub of mine that might also help is:
            
            Why I Write: A Reflection
            
            In getting into a habit, the first week or 10 days will be the toughest, but stick with it and it'll be as second-nature as brushing your teeth or making a pot of coffee every morning.  Set a time in which works for you.  Both your mind and body will adjust to the schedule you choose.  You'll find that you're ready to write each time you sit down to do so.

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               wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks for the advice and hub references, will do.

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      cosetteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      yes.
      
      several, actually...

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         wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I have half and part written work all over the place. How do you manage yours?

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      privateye2500posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I have THREE and I have the same trouble.  I get 3/4 done...then drop the pen...or keyboard.
      
      I don't know why either....sigh...it sucks.
      
      Maybe I just can't come up with a decent enough ending - that works for 2 of mine but the third is a MANUAL!  LOL!
      
      Maybe I'll just jump to screen play instead.

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      mohitmisraposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Took me years to put my book together till I was satisfied, kept editing for years as well.
      
      A good book can take many years to write and the most important thing is for you to be satisfied with your work.
      
      Forget time when you write , I lost track of time. Your work will be complete when it has to .

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      kidd1053posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I have several works in progress as well, and I just started posting some of it.  Check out my hubs for what I have so far.  It's a romance, but it has some true-to-life humor as well.  Don't let the first part deter you, it's supposed to be flowery.  It's all for effect, and it sets up a for a laugh

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      Jarnposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      There are three books that I'm currently in the process of writing, one is finished and needs a rewrite while the others have been scripted and I just need to find the time to put together the rough drafts.
      
      In addition to that I've got four books that I never finished, for one reason or other. The first was when I was fifteen, and it was really more a hack and slash attempt at high-fantasy, but was much too long and never had a resolution or clearly stated hurdle to be overcome. One was a fictionalized version of friends and I in our adventures in college, and I lost interest because I had to undergo chemotherapy and was pretty much dead to the rest of the world for about a year. My second oldest story was a science-fiction book that takes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. I never finished it simply because it wasn't an effective use of my time. That particular genre has only the one publisher, and if the publisher didn't accept the book then I was SOL and wasted a year or so of my spare time. To that end, I'll come back to it once I've got a few major publications on my belt so I don't seem like so much of a risk/nobody to the publisher.
      
      I think the biggest issue with not finishing a book is real life. It gets in the way. And if you don't sit down and start writing right now while the story is still fresh and exciting in your mind, it's going to take a monumental effort to get back to it later. Strike while the iron's hot, I suppose.

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      Glenn Stokposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I have been working on a self-help book on relationships for several years now. Over a year ago I had a psychologist review what I thought was my final draft. He gave me so many pointers for improvement that I became overwhelmed. I appreciated everything he had to say and I didn't want to publish my book until I worked on every comment he gave me... elaborate more here, change that there, give examples with your thoughts, etc.
      
      So in early 2009, I decided to get cracking and finish by the end of the year. In order to stay motivated, I decided to create a Twitter account and post each step I was taking to complete my book. I figured that if people are following my every move, then I would need to keep showing that I am working on it and not procrastinating. That works for me. Your nature may be different, but you need to find some way to stay motivated.
      
      I also order a print-on-demand copy every time I made major changes. I find it helpful to sit down with a real copy to review. Each time, I do this I find more things to fix, to change, or to elaborate on. This helps me make it a better product by the time it's done. Friends ask me, "when will you stop making changes?"  I think I'll kmow when I can't think of any more to add, no more corrections to make, then I'll publish it. But my Twitter followers help me keep moving forward.

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      B.C. BOUTIQUEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      yes, I have a pile of Non-Fiction and historical writings I work on slowly, none are finished, and I am not sure if they will be..I do have one published ( not under my real name though ) ..
      
      Who know's, maybe I will get one of many finished..I get going on too many subjects at once to ever really finish, and when I think I am finished I always have more to add...lol

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   sunforgedposted 13 years ago

   yes..you want to finish it for me?
   
   
   no really, after a few months of not working on it,(or most creative stuff) I have to completely restart in order to have any chance of completing it.

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3. 55

   wrenfrost56posted 13 years ago

   Lord no
   I have started various chapters from scratch, several times but I couldn't imagine starting the whole thing from scratch. I often worry I might throw something good away, so have paperwork everywhere. It's a labour of love.

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   BloodRedPenposted 13 years ago

   I was first published in 1977. I started in sifi. But moved into nonfiction. I work from start to finish on the first draft. then spend weeks cleaning it up with mini breaks and holidays. Don't beat youself up taking so long just focus

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      wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thats so cool that you have been published, I bet thats a great feeling. Thanks for the advice, I try not to beat myself up about it but I have this whole story and charicters so vividly in my mind, it's so frustrating that its taken so long to adequetly put into words.

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         Pearldiverposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         The answer to that problem is easy Wrenfrost... Buy a rheem of blank paper - a couple of pencils and a rubber.
         
         Instead of seeking the words... sketch the scenes throughout each chapter. It doesn't matter how good your artwork is, as long as you can understand what your mind's eye is telling you.
         
         Carry on (without a thought of putting a script to it) and draw the Whole story. Pin the pages in order to a display wall. Take a couple of days off and then start viewing your pages.
         
         As you view them this way; you will find words & thoughts that relate to each page. Jot them onto each relavent page. In no time you have the entire script in place. Then Type and type and type (by the way: This is original content!)

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            Katelyn Weelposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            That's a great idea.. I've been fidgeting with a sci-fi for the past two years and it seems like it's way too complex, I'll never sort it out into a concise storyline. The drawings sounds like the perfect solution to refresh how I'm thinking...I've drawn maps and characters, but hadn't thought to draw scenes..

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   bloodnlatexposted 13 years ago

   I've got a couple horror stories I've been toying with for a couple years.  I'll work on them when I get time, then something comes up and they get put on the back burner.  I'll get them done, in time.

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      wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Horror, cool. You know I never would have guessed.

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         bloodnlatexposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         It's a hidden guilty pleasure of mine...Don't let it out though, I need to retain my serious rep aroung here...

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            wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Of course, your secrets safe with me

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   torimariposted 13 years ago

   I have a graphic novel I've been working on here and there. I'm not as concerned with the art right now as finishing the writing part. There will be 3 parts and I only have one done...just haven't been inspired to write though I believe, it has an interesting story. Hmph!

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      Ian Ganahlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I'm working on a graphic novel right now. I'm in the same position in regards to not having and/or worrying about the art work right now.
      
      I'm working on Episode 1 of a sci-fi series, and am struggling to finish it.  It's mainly due to poor time management on my part, but also sometimes it's hard to remain motivated.
      
      I do want to finish it, so I guess I just need to discipline myself more and make a daily schedule and hope to stick with it.
      
      I'm considering self publishing it once I am done.
      
      Has anyone self-published a graphic novel before?  If so, do you have any advice or tips? I've been doing my homework in this area very consistently, but there may have been attributes I have overlooked.

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7. 81

   Tom Cornettposted 13 years ago

   Just finished mine...it took 4 months to write 23 chapters and 3 months to write the last one.  Just wasn't in the mood to write it.

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      Janettaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Tom, that's awesome!!! way to go pal!

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      wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      7 months all in, congrats.

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   Janettaposted 13 years ago

   Finishing something I've started writing is a difficult thing for me. I've always had a tough time finishing projects. I'd start something I was passionate about then abandon it, thinking it had turned to rubbish and wasn't worth my time anymore.
   
   I am now happy to say I am almost finished with my first book. What will happen after it's finished, we'll see. But the fact that it will be complete is the biggest accomplishment for me. I basically have had to force myself to change my way of thinking. I'll take a break for a bit if I get to that point where I can't stand to look at it anymore and eventually, I'll get that desire to start working on it again. Also, I have to talk myself out of listening when my head says my story is crap and I should give up on it. I have to push through that and keep going. And I've made a pact with myself that I will stop working on several projects simultaneously. When this one is finished, then I will move on to the next.
   
   I also can't tell you enough how much it can help to have a support system, too. Cindyvine gave me some great advice once--send your work to a friend you trust as you go along. It can help give you the incentive to finish and help in some editing.

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      wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Great job well done, like you just finishing my book will be reward in its self. It would be a shame not to share it and get it published though. Have you thought about getting it published?
      Thanks also for the advice I will probably try that.

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   Crazdwriterposted 13 years ago

   I have two short stories finished...need to proofread and edit. Then I have 10 unfinished stories and I am working on all of them but on 1 I am getting close to hopefully finishing it soon. But with my brain who knows! lol

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      wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      There is nothing wrong with your brain CW, good luck! I hope it won't take years like mine!

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         Crazdwriterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         hehehe there is always something wrong with my brain...trust me I have a hub on it well kind of on it about how random mythoughts really are. doesn't help when i want to write on one story...my brain jumps through the others at the same time HAHAHA

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            wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I can imagine that gets pretty confusing!

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               Crazdwriterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Actually thankfully it isn't confusing. As weird as it might sound I don't get confused when my brain jumps around like that. it's just like how I am reading a few books, like 4 or 5 and yet when I pick one up to read it again I know exaclt who is who, what has happened, and where I left off. it's some kind of weird wiring in the brain I think lol

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                  wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Thats such a gift.

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    bloodnlatexposted 13 years ago

    My problem is that I have no attention span.  I have like a ton of stories written, but they are all only like four sentences long.

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       Crazdwriterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       lol my problem is too many damn stories in my head and sometimes no desire to write.

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    anujagarwalposted 13 years ago

    I too have one, initially I was too excited and wrote down more than 50 percent of my ideas but then got busy in some or the other thing. Now since 3-4 months, I have not written anything on that. Now I wonder when I'll start it again, but I really want to get it published.

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    dohn121posted 13 years ago

    I guess that I was fortunate in someways in that I knew the ending to my novel before I ever started it.  It was certainly a challenge in either case--like knowing what the cheese was before stepping foot inside the maze.
    
    I finished my first novel in March, 2008.  It took me a total of 8 years, working on and off.
    
    Don't ever quit, guys.

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       anujagarwalposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       That must be a great feeling after get published. Well I have started in 2009 itself, so I think it is going to take some more time.

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    fierycjposted 13 years ago

    Yeah, I got a sequel to my first book, The Remnant unfinished...but i'm not giving up on it...the first one took about 620 pages...this one will take more...I just need more mind-time, is all...

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    Jackson Riddleposted 13 years ago

    I have a couple of modern plays going on at the moment, have dabbled in writing novels but I only really feel authentic when I produce long-winded dialogues between a couple of people.

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    Hope Wilbanksposted 13 years ago

    I have a few unfinished fiction books. One in particular I have a full synopsis and about half of it written, but I just never have been able to finish it for whatever reason. Another one I started I actually had an editor email me and ask me to send her the first three chapters and I wasn't finished with them. I'm beginning to think it's pure laziness that I don't finish SOMETHING.

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    dahoglundposted 13 years ago

    Actually I have three novels in various stages of completion, two mysteries and one a historical novel based on  an ancestor of mine. The prime reason I have not finished them is that I am still weak on plotting and getting old enough to doubt I could ever get them published in my life time.

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    Bard of Elyposted 13 years ago

    Several - a book on weeds (with an interested publisher), a book on foraging for herbs and wild foods in the Canary Islands and an autobiography!

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    Enelle Lambposted 13 years ago

    Yes, I have a fantasy fiction book that I have had in the works now for an embarrassingly long time! However, during that time, I finished and published two others (one self help, one childrens book) so don't beat yourself up about how long it is taking to complete it. I fully intend to complete it, there are just other things that intrude LOL...
    Don't give up!

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    wrenfrost56posted 13 years ago

    Wow! It's good to know I am not the one to have a few things going on and thanks for all your help and advice, I will gratefully take it all on board.

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    BeccaHubbardWoodsposted 13 years ago

    I've been working on an idea for a good year now, and I just can't seem to make it materialize. I've written several chapters and always seem to come to an impasse. I have two little ones and every time I sit down to try and write, someone screams or vomits or starts bawling (ah, the joys of motherhoood).

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       wrenfrost56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Tell me about! Sometimes there is just not enough hours is the day.

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    autiejposted 13 years ago

    AN unfinished book? I have FOUR OF THEM in progress - have been for years. I joke often about "leaving Evan sitting in a truck" because that is the last place I left one of my characters. Whenever I'm getting ready to pick up my black pen instead of my red one (I'm an "always-$1-a-page" freelance book editor, so that is why I haven't been able to focus on my own writing), I joke, "Hey, honey, I'm gonna go let Evan out of the truck."
    
    Writing is a process, and sometimes life gets in the way - especially when you need to earn your month's rent! Good luck to all of you out there, and I expect all of you to send me your novels for editing when you're done. A buck a page is a bargain!
    
    Good luck, fellow writers! :-)

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    Revive@OwnRiskposted 13 years ago

    I actually just started. That's why I came to hubpages. My only lament is that I don't have more time to write, so it may take a while.
    
    Best to all of you! This is a big project! Hoping great things for all of us.

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    bpo-outsourcingposted 13 years ago

    I have mine..I didn't finished it due to busy schedules. My friend Alfred who thought me on writing. At first I do write if I am in my mood to write but lately I do write every time I love it and I need to. As time goes by I did it every tiem I am in home..But for now I will do my best to finished what I have started:) Thanks for reminding me:)

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    stefferposted 13 years ago

    i have a few of them on my computer
    
    it's not really a novel or anything it's more like an e-course.
    but with so much to do, and so little time, i often don't come to the writing part.
    
    my course will consist of 25 books,20 videos and some audio's.
    only 2 books are finished now and 5 videos in a month time.

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    Marisa Wrightposted 13 years ago

    I've been told by several published authors, that the hardest part of writing is to actually finish.  That's why they don't recommend newbie writers submit anything for publication until they've actually completed the novel - there's nothing worse than submitting a query, getting a "bite", then being unable to deliver, because that publisher will never give you a second chance.
    
    I have one novel that I finished, then I asked for feedback from other writers and was told the first half was sensational and the second half an anti-climax.  As soon as I heard that, I knew they were right - I'd made a decision at that point to "tweak" the plot, because I thought it would make the book more "saleable".  I should've known it woudln't work to force the characters in a direction they didn't want to go! 
    
    So now I'm faced with throwing away 30,000 words and starting again - it's so daunting that I haven't been able to face it for 2 whole years!
    
    My tip - be wary of adopting other people's strategies for getting the book finished.  I have another story with about three chapters written.  I decided I'd try an idea suggested by someone else, and mapped out the story right to the end.
    
    Result - I've never written another word.  I'm normally a seat-of-the-pants writer, and I write to find out what happens to my characters.  Once I knew how the story finished, I had no interest in writing it!

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    Petra Vlahposted 13 years ago

    Writing is a job; it requires dedication and discipline.
    
    The total of my published books is 8 (5 books of poetry, 1 book of interviwes with celebrities, 1 book of short notes and thouights about everyday life, and 1 book of memories)
    
    In the last few years (late 2006) I started writing in English wich is a double challenge to say the least.
    Everything takes a lot longer and at times is painful (I have more dictionaries in my house than pair of shoes in my closet). I am checking and re-checking everything which slows me down considerably as you can imagine.
    
    I have 2 finished books of poetry and I am doing the editing in what I consider to be my best work yet - a series of short true stories (some of them published on Hub Pages).
    
    In my "Disposable people" book the stories could be read independetly, but if the chronology is followed it is the true story and the "painting" of my entire life.
    
    Writing could be a great satisfaction or an incredible frustration. If you believe you have it in you keep going and the rewards will come. Best of luck.

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