8 Reasons People Never Finish Their First Novel

From the perspective of a book publishing company, when we hold sessions with people that have considered writing a novel we usually find that many have started and given up in the past. We asked them why and here are the most common responses:

1. Lack of motivation: Writing a novel is a challenging and time-consuming task that requires a lot of motivation and drive. If people don't have a strong reason to finish their novel, they might lose interest and give up.
2. Fear of failure: Many people are afraid that their novel won't be good enough and that they will be criticized. This fear can prevent them from finishing their work and sharing it with others.
3. Distractions: In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get distracted by the endless barrage of information and entertainment available online. People may find it hard to focus on their novel when there are so many other things vying for their attention.
4. Lack of planning: Writing a novel requires a lot of planning and organization. Without a clear idea of where the story is going, people may become bogged down and struggle to finish.
5. Life events: People's lives can change rapidly, and unexpected events such as a new job, a move, or a family crisis can disrupt their writing and make it difficult for them to continue.
6. Writer's block: Writer's block is a common issue faced by many writers, and it can make it difficult to move forward with a novel. When writers are stuck, they may feel discouraged and abandon their work.
7. Lack of support: Writing a novel can be a lonely experience, and it's important to have a supportive network of friends, family, or other writers to help keep writers motivated and on track.
8. Impatience: Writing a novel takes time and patience, and many people may become discouraged when they don't see progress quickly enough. They may become frustrated and give up, especially if they compare their progress to that of other writers.

In conclusion, writing a novel is a challenging and rewarding experience, but it's not for everyone. If you're thinking about starting your own novel, it's important to be prepared for the challenges that you may face and to have a plan in place for overcoming them. And remember, the support of a community of like-minded individuals can make all the difference.