by Heidi McCahan, @HeidiMcCahan

 

We’ve all got ‘em—stories we just had to write until we flamed out somewhere in the murky middle. Now that unfinished manuscript taunts us when we glimpse the file on our hard drive. Or maybe you bravely revived that story about those characters who once consumed your thoughts, but now that you’ve printed out your unfinished first draft and read it, you’re embarrassed. It’s not what you’d hoped.

 

And now you’ve given up. Again. Shoved it in the dresser drawer and vowed to chase a shiny new idea.

 

I get it. Those partially finished manuscripts languishing on our laptops and lurking in our drawers feel like failure. But I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way.

 

Recently, I had the pleasure of selling a neglected, half-finished manuscript. This story is everything I described in the opening paragraph: an idea I once felt passionate about, featuring characters I couldn’t possibly forget, and a few chapters I felt were the best writing I’d ever done. Until one day the plot became too difficult to wrangle, so I abandoned the story and chased a shiny new idea.

 

Thankfully, an opportunity in the publishing landscape emerged, and this story caught an editor’s attention. Cue the confetti because I’ve signed a contract and I’m back in the race.

 

Except now I have a lot of work to do and even though the finish line is out there somewhere, I’m wandering off course. Here’s my plan to get from halfway there to the end.

Tame the Chaos: collect all the drafts, sticky notes, voice memos, dictated scenes, brainstorming posters, journal entries…all of it. Keep what’s relevant for completing the manuscript and toss the rest. If you can’t bring yourself to throw anything away, put these items out of sight. (A dresser drawer perhaps)? Holding on to the random bits and pieces of the story’s creative process can be too distracting. Tame the chaos by putting all your useful tools in one place.

Process the Feedback: if you have editorial notes, feedback from critique partners, thoughts and opinions from agents and editors, give yourself time and space to reconsider this information. Again, keep what’s useful and forget the irrelevant.

Erase the Tapes: the mental and emotional challenges of the writing life often thwart our progress. Perhaps you’ve shared this story idea with someone, and they’ve squashed it. Maybe you’ve pitched this proposal, and it’s been rejected. Or you might have an internal editor who is loud and incessant. Erase the tapes. Silence the negative thoughts playing on repeat so you can move forward.

Write a New Synopsis: a solid synopsis is a crucial part of this journey. If you don’t have a road map for your story, then you will probably struggle to complete the manuscript. A synopsis is not just for plotters and people interested in traditional publishing. Regardless of your publishing goals, the well-written synopsis will save you time and heartache as you work to complete your manuscript.

Check Your Foundation: if you’re lost in the murky middle, try double-checking your manuscript’s plot and structure. Often if I’m struggling with a first draft, it’s because I don’t have enough conflict in the story, or the hero and heroine’s goals lack definition.

Make a Plan: we are far more likely to achieve goals if we have a plan on how we’re going to get there. Establish a deadline for completing your manuscript, then break down the workload into manageable chunks. I recommend adding in extra time for unexpected scenarios: resolving plot problems, illness, the demands of a busy life season, etc.

Pay Attention: read a best-seller in the genre you’re writing and take notes. What resonates? What doesn’t? Look at consumer reviews and observe what readers adore. Scroll through social media, hang out in online reader groups and listen to podcast interviews featuring writers and readers. Absorb what readers find delightful about the genre and consider how you can apply this intel to your own writing. Becoming a voracious reader will serve you well in your writing career.

Have you ever struggled to finish a half-written manuscript? What are your tips and tricks for reviving a neglected story? Please leave a comment and let us know.

 

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The Bull Rider’s Fresh Start

This cowboy can charm almost anyone…

Except the mother of his surprise baby girl.

Former bull rider Landon Chambers has made mistakes. Big ones. But discovering that he’s the father of a sweet little girl might be the best thing ever. Now Landon just has to convince her mother, navy diver Kelsey Sinclair, that his wild, troubled cowboy days are over. But Kelsey’s not quite sure she can trust Landon with her little girl…or her cautious heart.

Heidi McCahan writes uplifting inspirational romance novels set in small towns. Readers fall in love with her flawed characters who desperately need second chances. A perfect day for Heidi includes a huge cup of strong coffee, dark chocolate, and reading books with happy endings. She makes her home in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world’s greatest goldendoodle. The Bull Rider’s Fresh Start, Heidi’s next novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, releases August 24, 2021.