10 Things Keeping You From Finishing Your Book
Writing a book is a journey full of creativity, passion, and—let’s face it—plenty of challenges. No matter how deeply we love our stories, there are countless ways we can unintentionally stand in our own way. Whether it’s overthinking every decision or waiting for the perfect moment to start, these habits can quietly creep in and slow down even the most motivated writers. But the beautiful thing is that once we recognize these roadblocks, we can take intentional steps to move past them and reignite our momentum.
The good news is that I’m here to help point out the obstacles in your way. After working with hundreds of writers on their novels, I’ve seen firsthand what keeps us stuck—and more importantly, how we can push through it.
As a writer myself, I understand the struggles you face, and I’m here to help you clear the path to your creative goals. Writing a book doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle, but first, we need to acknowledge what’s standing in the way.
10 things that might be sabotaging your writing.
1. You don’t have a plan
Writing without a plan can make the process feel chaotic and overwhelming. You might sit down with the best intentions, but without a clear roadmap, it’s easy to lose focus or get stuck. While spontaneity can spark creativity, having a plan in place helps you navigate those inevitable moments of doubt or confusion. A plan doesn’t mean rigidity—it’s for creating boundaries and a structure that allows your creativity to flow more freely.
And sorry, but “write a book” is not a solid plan.
Action Plan: Start by setting small, manageable goals. Whether that’s writing for 30 minutes a day, completing one chapter per week, or outlining a rough draft, your plan should break your larger goals into achievable steps. Use tools like a writing calendar or project management app to track progress.
And remember, plans can evolve. Give yourself permission to adjust your goals as you go, while still holding yourself accountable to your overall vision.
2. You’re overthinking it
Overthinking can be one of the biggest barriers to finishing your work. You may find yourself stuck on a single sentence or obsessing over whether your plot is 'good enough.' This kind of paralysis prevents forward momentum. Often, the need for everything to be perfect hinders progress and silences your authentic voice. Instead of over-analyzing every choice, try to let go of the idea that it needs to be flawless right away.
Action Plan: Shift your mindset from perfectionism to progress. Remind yourself that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to exist. A single line from The Artist’s Way transformed my thinking this week: “Great Creator, I will take care of the quantity. You take care of the quality.” This simple but powerful idea reminds us that our job is to focus on producing the work, while the refinement and beauty will come later. By letting go of the need for perfection, you can allow yourself to write freely and make room for creativity to flow.
Set a timer for short writing sprints (such as 20 minutes) where your goal is simply to get words on the page without judging them. You can also practice freewriting exercises to loosen up your thoughts and combat the fear of making mistakes.
Give yourself permission to make a mess, knowing that revision is where the magic happens.
3. You’re getting lost in research
While research can be a valuable part of the writing process, it often becomes a form of procrastination. You might convince yourself that you need just one more article, book, or historical fact before you can move forward. But the truth is, endless research can trap you in a cycle of preparation without action. There comes a point when you have to stop gathering information and start writing.
Action Plan: Set clear boundaries for your research. Dedicate specific times to researching and separate them from your writing sessions. If you’re working on a project that requires ongoing research, make a note of what you need to look up later, but don’t let it interrupt your writing flow. You can always fill in the gaps later. Try using placeholders in your manuscript (like [insert fact here]) to keep the momentum going without getting stuck in the details.
4. You’re too attached to your first draft
It’s natural to feel attached to your words, especially if you’ve spent significant time crafting them. But holding on too tightly to your first draft can make you resistant to feedback or revision. Every writer has to accept that the first draft is just the beginning. The real magic often happens in the editing phase, where you refine your ideas and shape them into something stronger. Remember, it’s about making the story better, not perfect from the start.
Action Plan: Approach your first draft with a mindset of curiosity, not finality. After finishing your draft, take a step back for a week or two. This distance will help you return with fresh eyes and a more objective perspective. When you start revisions, focus on big-picture elements first—like plot structure or character development—before getting lost in the details.
Don’t be afraid to cut scenes or make bold changes. You’ll find that detaching from your first draft allows you to see the full potential of your story.
5. You’re letting the opinions of others dictate your choices
Feedback is essential, but relying too heavily on others’ opinions can dilute your voice and make you second-guess your decisions. While critique is a valuable tool for growth, it’s important to distinguish between helpful insights and suggestions that take you away from your vision. Writing is an act of vulnerability, and allowing too many external voices into your process can make you lose sight of why you started the project in the first place.
Action Plan: Be selective about who you ask for feedback. Seek out people who understand your vision and offer constructive criticism that aligns with your goals. Before implementing any changes, ask yourself whether the feedback truly resonates with you or if you’re making the change out of fear or doubt.
Sometimes we have too many voices involved and it leads to confusion and analysis paralysis. Keep a journal of your original ideas and intentions to remind yourself of your purpose when the noise of external opinions becomes too loud.
6. You’re looking for someone to do it for you
It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for the perfect piece of advice or strategy that will solve all your writing challenges. But the truth is, no one can write your book for you. Mentors, coaches, and peers can offer support and guidance, but at the end of the day, the hard work of putting words on the page is yours alone. Looking for shortcuts often leads to disappointment and procrastination.
Action Plan: Take ownership of your writing process. Set aside time each week to reflect on your progress and hold yourself accountable for the work that needs to be done. Establish clear boundaries for seeking advice—limit how often you turn to others for help so you don’t use it as an excuse to avoid writing.
Trust your instincts, and remember that every writer faces uncertainty. The key is to keep moving forward despite it.
7. You’re not using your community or building one around you
Writing can feel like a solitary pursuit, but community is one of the most powerful tools you have. If you’re struggling to finish your book, it may be because you’re not leaning on a support network that can offer accountability, encouragement, or even feedback. Your writing community doesn’t have to be large, but having a few trusted people who understand your journey can make all the difference.
Action Plan: Actively seek out or build a writing community. Join online writing groups, attend workshops, or start a critique group with friends or fellow writers. Set up regular check-ins or writing sessions with your community to hold each other accountable. Writing alongside others, even virtually, can increase motivation and help you stay focused. Make sure your community is a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel supported.
Not sure where to find a writing community? Join us in The Residency! Whether you're just starting out or looking for a low-pressure space to stay engaged with your creativity, The Residency offers the perfect environment for exploration and growth. Join us today (it’s free!) and discover a community of writers ready to support you!
8. Your goals are either too big or not big enough
Setting goals is crucial, but if they’re too ambitious, you risk feeling overwhelmed and giving up. On the other hand, if your goals are too small, you may not feel motivated to push yourself. Finding the right balance is key to making consistent progress. Goals should be challenging enough to inspire you but realistic enough that they don’t feel impossible.
Action Plan: Break large goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of saying, “I’ll finish my novel in three months,” break it down into chapters or word count milestones. Celebrate the small wins along the way to keep your momentum going. If your goals are too small, try adding a layer of challenge—like writing a certain number of words per day or trying a new genre.
This balance will help you stay motivated and avoid burnout.
9. You’re waiting for the perfect conditions
It’s tempting to think you need the perfect setting, time of day, or burst of inspiration to write. But waiting for these ideal conditions often means waiting forever. Life will always have distractions and challenges—whether you’re managing kids, navigating neurodivergence, or juggling a demanding job—and writing requires working through them.
The truth is, there is no perfect time—just the time you create for yourself.
Action Plan: Practice writing in less-than-ideal conditions. Set a timer and commit to writing for 10 minutes, even when you don’t feel like it. Try writing in different environments—coffee shops, libraries, or even your car—so you can adapt to whatever circumstances arise. The goal is to train your brain to write anywhere, anytime, rather than waiting for the stars to align.
10. You’re not prioritizing your writing
With busy schedules and competing responsibilities, writing often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But if you want to finish your book, you have to treat writing as a priority. Consistency, even in small amounts, adds up over time. By prioritizing your writing, you honor your creative process and give your work the space it needs to grow.
Action Plan: The key to finding more time to write is learning how to carve out writing time within the life you’re already living. Make writing a non-negotiable part of your daily or weekly routine. Set aside specific times each week dedicated solely to writing, and protect that time from distractions. Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day or 3 hours on Tuesday after the kids go to bed, commit to showing up consistently. Use tools like time blocking or accountability partners to ensure you stick to your schedule.
The more you prioritize writing, the more progress you’ll make.
Okay, that was a lot!
If you’re feeling a bit seen or uncomfortable, sit with that for a minute and dive deeper into why. These points aren’t meant to call you out—they’re meant to call you forward. Recognizing the habits that might be sabotaging your writing is the first step toward transforming them. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every time you take a small, intentional step, you’re moving closer to finishing that book you’ve been dreaming of.
Give yourself grace as you navigate this process. Writing is a journey, not a race, and the more you honor where you are, the more equipped you’ll be to keep pushing through. You’re capable of more than you think, and your story is worth telling.
So, take a deep breath, make a plan, and get back to your writing—you’ve got this!
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Tiffany Grimes (she/they) is the founder of Burgeon Design and Editorial, a queer founded boutique editing and design house for the creatively audacious. At Burgeon, we specialize in book editing, coaching, and web design for the individualists, nonconformists, and trailblazers of the literary world. If you’re a maverick, outsider, rebel, renegade, dissenter, disruptor, or free spirit, you’ve come to the right place.
