After a decade of claiming to be “working on a novel,” I still haven’t queried a single manuscript. This reality stems from several interconnected challenges that have shaped my writing journey.
The Perfect Storm of Obstacles
The learning curve for novel writing proved far steeper than anticipated. As a perfectionist by nature, I underestimated the complexity of crafting a full-length narrative. Each discovery of what I didn’t know sent me back to the drawing board, creating an endless cycle of revision and self-doubt.
My approach lacked focus and consistency. Rather than committing to a disciplined writing schedule, I drifted through the process, treating it as a hobby rather than a serious pursuit. This scattered methodology meant that projects languished for months without meaningful progress.
The Multiplication Problem
The most significant obstacle has been scope creep. What began as a single science fiction novel grew beyond my capabilities, leading me to abandon it for a mystery thriller. That project, while more manageable, suffered from similar expansion issues.
My decision to write an homage to Stieg Larsson’s work exemplified this problem. The concept evolved into an ambitious six-novel universe before I’d completed a single manuscript. Though I’ve since scaled back to four books, the core issue remains: I’ve prioritized world-building over finishing individual stories.
The Completed Manuscript That Wasn’t
I did complete a novel approximately one year ago. However, the feedback was universally negative, triggering a prolonged period of discouragement that effectively halted my writing. This setback revealed another weakness in my process: the lack of beta readers or critique partners during the drafting phase.
Moving Forward
The period of creative paralysis appears to be ending. I’ve returned to writing with renewed focus, splitting my attention between a mystery novel (first act complete) and a promising science fiction premise. The key difference now is recognizing that persistence, not perfection, will ultimately determine success.
The goal is clear: complete a query-ready manuscript. After ten years of false starts and abandoned projects, the only path forward is the one that leads to “The End.”
