I admit I'm lost

[Original Cyn]

Ok, I'm on the last chapter of my novel and somehow I feel like I've lost where the story is going. Its making me second guess the entire book I've written up to this point!
I'm not sure how to get it back on track. Any ideas???

[kaytie]

Take some time away from the novel. The length of time is up to you, but take at least a week.

Then go back and reread your novel from the beginning.

Pay attention to the story you started with, and as you read brainstorm ideas for an ending that will satisfy the premise you set up in the first 50 pages.



It's not unusual to find by the end that your story doesn't quite line up - it has been several weeks or months (or even years!) since you wrote those first pages.

And that's okay.

Now that you're most of the way through, you can revise until you get the streamlined, solid story you're looking for.

I hope that helps! Sorry I can't be more specific but you're the one who knows the story so you're the only one who can make the decisions.

Good luck!

[Original Cyn]

Thanks for the tip...I did that a few times before and rereading the pages seems to help get back on track.

[kaytie]

Another thing you might try is writing out a synopsis or a list of key plot points. Sometimes the act of summarizing can show problems in a narrative.

Congrats on almost being done!

[Original Cyn]

thanks girl, appreciate the help!

[ASBPunkin]

let us know how it turns out

[mrsdalloway]

I think making a list of themes and plots (or whatever you 'divide' your novel into in your mind) might help. Maybe taking a few days off and doing something that 'inspires' you... reading your favourite author, listening to music, going for a walk on some field... I don't know, I guess that's what I would do.

What's your novel about?

[Original Cyn]

Hi guys, thanks for all the good advice.

So its rolling along now...I got back into the flow of it and yet I realize 2 things.

1) Its turning out alot shorter than I thought it would (only a little over 200 pages)

2) I had it in my mind to start it as book 1 in a 3 book trilogy but it sort of feels like it won't be able to stand alone...that might just be self doubt creeping in. I guess I'd have to reread it to find that one out.

To answer your question mrsdalloway, its a dark fantasy that chronicles the journey of a lowly galley slave with no memories of the past who comes to find out he is kin to one of the greatest demon hunters in the world.

[sharon.gmc]

How did it end?