What to Do With a Story That’s Still Being Written

In the world of storytelling, writers often grapple with a unique challenge: managing a narrative that is still evolving. This can lead to a mix of excitement and frustration, particularly for those working on their first draft or revising an existing piece. Understanding how to navigate this dynamic process is crucial for maintaining momentum and clarity in your writing. In this blog post, we will explore practical strategies for managing an unfinished story, offering insights that can help you remain focused and inspired.

Understanding the Unfinished Story

Every story begins with a spark of inspiration, but when that inspiration doesn’t fully translate into a cohesive narrative, it can feel overwhelming. It is important to recognize that feeling lost in the chaos is a normal part of the creative journey.

Many writers experience the fear of never finishing their story or being dissatisfied with the outcome. According to a survey from the Writers' Guild, about 76% of aspiring authors feel stuck at some point in their writing process. Understanding these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them. Acknowledging that stories will evolve is crucial for embracing the writing journey rather than fixating solely on the destination.

Identify Your Story’s Core Idea

Before diving into revisions or further developments, reconnect with the core idea of your story. Ask yourself: what sparked your motivation? What themes or messages do you wish to convey? This central idea acts as a compass that guides you through the complexities of your unfinished narrative.

For example, if your story revolves around the theme of resilience in the face of adversity, keep that message front and center. Write it down and place it where you can see it regularly. This will help eliminate distractions and keep you focused on what matters most.

Create a Flexible Outline

An outline can be an invaluable tool when dealing with unfinished works. The key, however, is to ensure it is flexible. Think of your outline as a roadmap rather than a rigid schedule.

Break your story down into acts, key plot points, and character arcs. For instance, if you’re writing a three-act story, list out what pivotal moments occur in each act. An outline should allow room for creativity; if a character develops in an unexpected way, adjust your outline accordingly. In fact, according to productivity studies, 82% of writers who use outlines find it easier to maintain narrative flow.

Embrace the Art of Freewriting

When you feel stuck, try embracing the technique of freewriting. Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes and write continuously, letting your thoughts flow without worrying about grammar or coherence.

This approach can unlock creativity and reveal hidden ideas you may not have been aware of. You may uncover new character motivations or plot twists during this unrestrained writing. After the timer goes off, sift through your writing for ideas that you can incorporate into your narrative.

Experiment with Different Perspectives

Revisiting your scenes through the lens of different characters can yield surprising insights. If your story feels stagnant, try rewriting a scene from another character's viewpoint.

For example, consider a scenario in a mystery novel where the protagonist is led to believe someone is guilty. Rewriting the scene from the perspective of the accused character may uncover their motivations and challenges, bringing the story to life in new ways. This technique not only enhances character depth but also enriches your overall storyline.

Seek Feedback Early and Often

The perspective of others is one of the most valuable resources a writer can have. Sharing your work with a trusted friend, writing group, or beta readers can offer insights you might have overlooked.

Plan regular feedback sessions to discuss your evolving story. This will create accountability and encourage you to keep writing, knowing others are invested in your progress. According to feedback studies, 89% of writers who frequently seek critique happen to produce higher-quality work. Always take feedback to heart, but remember to stay true to your original vision.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting achievable goals is crucial as you embark on your writing journey. Whether your objective is to write a specific word count each day, complete a chapter by a certain date, or revise a section weekly, having clear targets helps structure your efforts.

Celebrate small victories, as these moments of progress can be incredibly motivating. For example, if you manage to write 500 words a day consistently, you could complete a rough draft of a 60,000-word novel in just 120 days. Like a marathon, pacing yourself will help prevent feelings of overwhelm.

Allow Yourself to Take Breaks

Writing can be an intense and emotional endeavor. If you find yourself struggling, it might be beneficial to take a break. Stepping away, even for a short time, can provide much-needed perspective.

During your break, explore other creative outlets. Try drawing, painting, or reading, as these activities can recharge your creative energy. When you return, you may find renewed enthusiasm and clarity for your project.

Revise with Purpose

Revising is a crucial aspect of shaping your story. Revising with a clear purpose means addressing issues proactively before they become larger problems.

Focus on one element of your writing during each revision session: character development, pacing, or dialogue, for example. By honing in on specific aspects, you can prevent feeling overwhelmed and achieve a more polished narrative. Studies show that writers who focus on specific elements during revision improve their clarity and coherence significantly.

Acknowledge the Messiness of the Process

One of the most freeing realizations for any writer is that the writing process can be messy and chaotic. Embrace the imperfections in your story; they signal that you are in a state of growth.

Striving for perfection can stifle creativity and lead to frustration. Permit yourself to produce a rough draft filled with flaws, knowing that the revision stage will allow you to refine your work into something compelling. Remember, even the most successful authors had to endure messy drafts before finding clarity.

Accept That Stories Can Change

As you write, your story will likely evolve in unexpected ways. Characters may develop their own voices, and plots may twist in unforeseen directions.

Instead of resisting these changes, embrace them. Be open to the idea that your original concept may transform into something more profound. This willingness to adapt can infuse your narrative with authenticity and depth.

Consider Alternative Formats

If you reach an impasse with certain aspects of your story, explore writing in alternative formats. Transform your narrative into a screenplay, a series of blogs, or even a graphic novel.

This new perspective can unlock your creativity and help clarify plot points or character motivations while reaching diverse audiences. Various formats are also a way to experiment and approach your story from a different angle.

Surround Yourself With Inspiration

Finding external inspiration can invigorate your writing process. Reading books in your genre, watching films, or quoting great authors can spark new ideas.

You might want to create a vision board filled with images, quotes, or scenes that motivate you. By surrounding yourself with inspirational elements, you can cultivate the drive needed to push through challenges in crafting your narrative.

Reflect on Your Progress

Regularly reflecting on your progress can serve as a powerful motivator. Consider keeping a writing journal to document your milestones, such as completion of a chapter or overcoming a difficult plot point.

Revisit your entries to draw encouragement, especially during times when inspiration seems scarce. Reflecting can also help you appreciate how much you have achieved and learned along the journey.

Join a Writer’s Community

Connecting with fellow writers offers invaluable support and camaraderie. Join a local writing group or an online community where you can share your unfinished story and gain encouragement from others who understand the intricacies of the writing process.

Being part of a community can alleviate feelings of isolation during your creative journey. Sharing experiences, tips, and challenges can open doors to new ideas and foster meaningful connections.

Trust the Process

Above all, trust the writing process. Crafting a rich and engaging narrative takes time, patience, and determination. You will face obstacles that may seem formidable, but understanding that these challenges are part of the journey can offer comfort.

Embrace the unpredictability of writing. Even renowned authors faced hurdles and setbacks. Trust that your story is unfolding precisely as it should.

Embrace the Journey Ahead

Managing a story that’s still in progress may feel daunting, but it can also lead to a fulfilling experience. By embracing the writing journey, allowing for flexibility, and seeking support, you can transform your unfinished work into a narrative that resonates with authenticity and creativity.

Ultimately, the key is to keep writing. Each sentence, paragraph, and chapter brings you closer to completing your story. So, grab your pen or laptop, and let your creativity flow—your compelling narrative awaits.