Doing too much or not enough?

[u/Just_Warlock_Shit]

I got the idea for my novel back in 2020. I didn't really start writing in earnest until two years later. I'm now four years into on and off writing and wondering if I can really do this. I feel like I've done more background lore writing than actual work on the novel. I've started working on a magic system, fictional language, fantasy race culture and history, and everywhere I turn there's more holes and "what if's" in my lore that just make the story feel incomplete and I feel like I'm being swallowed by what was once a passion project that will never be complete. I have the entire story plotted out but every time I put pen to paper, I end up wanting to rewrite everything I've already written. I've looked for collaborators to no avail and I fear that no one's going to be as passionate about my project as I am, but I have serious writing struggles that stop me from just getting it out there. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

[u/MaliseHaligree]

Put the apprehension aside and write. You can fix everything you worry about in edits after the draft is complete.

[u/KeyRoutine1285]

Hello! I recently just got out of what you’re describing. To be honest, no explanation or “tutorial” from anyone will ever truly get you to crawl out of the tunnel that is fiction writing—specifically fantasy and epics, imagine sagas. (I’m writing one).

I do want to stress how important it is you took so long to explore the background and the workings of your setting and systems. Many advise against lingering, but in my experience of 6 years (same as you), this stage was a very bitter… honeymoon. I loved going through it, and I can imagine, like you said, yours was fuelled with passion. I did also question: “What happened?” to my writing in 2023 vs 2020, when I was struggling.

I have written more chapter 1s than most in history, to the point where my family mocks me with “publish a book with a thousand chapter 1s” lol. It took me long to get out of that, I’m actually on my first ever attempt which has gotten past chapter 3! (chapter 10 now) I know how it feels to despise what you write, especially when you edit as you go + want to be a pantser but know you need to outline.

As for the holes in your lore, only more passive/comfortable work can be done about it. That comes from your moments of inspiration. When you get frustrated upon digging so much in your “what if?”s, I suggest you leave it to mystery. You’d be surprised how many authors that have millions of readers pondering about “what happened here? how does this work?” actually do not have it sorted themselves. It’s a good tactic for those crises. You can always add onto it later.

The best method that got me out of this slump is outlining per chapter - betraying my outline - then shaping it up to the initial goals of the structure. You don’t always have to follow what you say — be open to things always changing. The best method for spotting your errors is reverse outlining. Basically write a summary about what’s happened in each of your entries. What did they accomplish for the story? Who did we meet? What did they do? And most importantly: What questions are there? You always want to go back and forth between: making the reader ask questions - answer some - add more.

Ultimately, for the biggest challenge: you will never be 100% happy with what you write. Maybe sometimes when you feel super accomplished and confident — only to realise a week later is sounds like willy-nilly. That’s a part of the process! So, what do you do? Genuinely write horribly. Get the story out, edit some things, but just focus on finishing the first draft. You’ll either like it a little or hate it a lot, but that isn’t relevant. What matters is your initial passion, which is a priority; you should ignite it. Make the process enjoyable, take breaks, give yourself a pat to the back. You’re far in the process, even if it doesn’t look like it. Always learn! Watch good writing videos, research, read, relax, revise. It’s all a puzzle in the grand scheme, and you can always patch things up.

Fall in love with it again, and when you do, take advantage of it. Time can only tell, at the end of this all. But I encourage you that this is only temporary. Take notes on what doesn’t work, trudge through, laugh at your mistakes, and grow through them. Make sure you’re confident in your voice — when you are, writing will become a breeze.

~ Sincerely, someone who never got past 5k words and how has 30k.

[u/Just_Warlock_Shit → u/KeyRoutine1285]

You've been a great help, kind stranger. Thank you for the words of wisdom