Novel Writing and Sir Francis Drake

"There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory." ~ Sir Francis Drake

I came across the above quote a few days ago and was struck by how much it could also refer to completing a manuscript. A lot of people say they want to write a book. Some people start writing one, but for one reason or another, never finish it.

I think one of the reasons people either don't start or don't finish is due to how hard it is to write a 300 or more page novel. You have to make sure you have a compelling plot, interesting characters, enough of a storyline to get you through those 300 or so pages. This doesn't include learning or following the "rules" of writing such as point of view, telling vs. showing, and more.

For me the starting and finishing of the story are the most fun. Starting because the idea and characters are new and exciting. The characters usually can't wait to tell me their story. The words flow like water. Writing the end of a story is pretty much the same. Of course, I know the characters and their story by now, but it's still just as exciting as writing the beginning.

It's usually the middle the story that is hard to write. You have to maintain the momentum of the plot. You have to ensure what you're writing is moving the story forward, making sure you are including important plot points etc. This is where I think most people stop writing.

When you do finish that manuscript despite all the pitfalls, missing muses, and sagging middles along the way, it really does feel like a huge accomplishment no matter how many books you've written previously. To paraphrase Sir Francis, it does yield a feeling of true glory.