Every writer has them—a physical file or a computer folder full of abandoned writing efforts. Whether it’s poetry, short stories, a feature article, a non-fiction book, or a novel, these unfinished projects can trigger emotions ranging from embarrassment to frustration. But what if you had just kept going? Could that novel be a bestseller if you’d only gone the distance? The question is: can an abandoned writing project be pulled out of retirement, knocked into shape, and sent out into the world? Given the right conditions, I believe it can.
Like any renovation, the first step in reviving a writing project is taking a good, hard look at what is in front of you. Even if parts of it make you cringe, does it have good bones? Is there a great foundation buried in there somewhere? Can you remember what inspired you to start writing it in the first place? Are there parts that are solid and just need to be shined up? If you think there is something worth salvaging, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Once you’re committed to finishing your project, spend some time re-mapping it. Maybe there’s a plot hole that needs to be resolved or further research to be done for nonfiction. Grab some paper and a pencil and write down what needs to be fixed. This is a great place to start because you don’t actually have to do anything new; you’re just identifying existing issues. Yet an hour spent writing will still feel like progress and, in most cases, it’s enough to build a sense of momentum and get the creative juices flowing again. You might not have all the answers yet, but you’re back in the game.
Like any renovation, the first step in reviving a writing project is taking a good, hard look at what is in front of you. Even if parts of it make you cringe, does it have good bones? Is there a great foundation buried in there somewhere? Can you remember what inspired you to start writing it in the first place? Are there parts that are solid and just need to be shined up? If you think there is something worth salvaging, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Once you’re committed to finishing your project, spend some time re-mapping it. Maybe there’s a plot hole that needs to be resolved or further research to be done for nonfiction. Grab some paper and a pencil and write down what needs to be fixed. This is a great place to start because you don’t actually have to do anything new; you’re just identifying existing issues. Yet an hour spent writing will still feel like progress and, in most cases, it’s enough to build a sense of momentum and get the creative juices flowing again. You might not have all the answers yet, but you’re back in the game.
Another way to create momentum is to thoroughly edit what you’ve already written. As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, editing can feel easier than writing because you’re working with something that already exists. There’s no pressure to create from scratch, so you can sidestep the procrastination that’s been keeping you from your project. As you revise and refine, new ideas begin to emerge almost by osmosis. A new scene or paragraph here, a few previously missed details there, and suddenly your project is back in production. Even if you suspect you’re slightly tricking yourself into it, that really doesn’t matter. What matters is that the words start flowing again.
For some writers, a thorough edit and a few relevant additions will be enough to see the project finished. Maybe it’s a non-fiction book that just needs to be updated to reflect new technology or have a couple of chapters added to bring it to the present day. For others, the inevitable moment will come when you have to create fresh content. Remember, though, you’re coming at it from a different angle than before. You’ve had time to step back and rethink; your foundation is much stronger, and your vision is clearer. Remember, too, that your writing skills have no doubt improved in the time since you started. Instead of seeing the unfinished project as a reminder of failure, see it as an opportunity to apply what you’ve learnt in the meantime. It has just been waiting for you to come back to it.
Ultimately, there is no magic formula for returning to and completing an abandoned writing project. The story won't finish itself, and there are no shortcuts that can replace the time and effort needed to bring it to the finish line. However, stepping away from a project for a while often gives you the unexpected advantage of seeing it with fresh eyes. You may notice solutions to problems that once seemed impossible, discover new ideas for strengthening the story, or simply regain the enthusiasm that was missing before. By approaching your manuscript with a growth mindset—accepting that every draft can be improved and every obstacle can be overcome—you give yourself the best chance of making meaningful progress. In many cases, that renewed perspective and willingness to keep moving forward are all you need to get back on track and finally complete the project.
For some writers, a thorough edit and a few relevant additions will be enough to see the project finished. Maybe it’s a non-fiction book that just needs to be updated to reflect new technology or have a couple of chapters added to bring it to the present day. For others, the inevitable moment will come when you have to create fresh content. Remember, though, you’re coming at it from a different angle than before. You’ve had time to step back and rethink; your foundation is much stronger, and your vision is clearer. Remember, too, that your writing skills have no doubt improved in the time since you started. Instead of seeing the unfinished project as a reminder of failure, see it as an opportunity to apply what you’ve learnt in the meantime. It has just been waiting for you to come back to it.
Ultimately, there is no magic formula for returning to and completing an abandoned writing project. The story won't finish itself, and there are no shortcuts that can replace the time and effort needed to bring it to the finish line. However, stepping away from a project for a while often gives you the unexpected advantage of seeing it with fresh eyes. You may notice solutions to problems that once seemed impossible, discover new ideas for strengthening the story, or simply regain the enthusiasm that was missing before. By approaching your manuscript with a growth mindset—accepting that every draft can be improved and every obstacle can be overcome—you give yourself the best chance of making meaningful progress. In many cases, that renewed perspective and willingness to keep moving forward are all you need to get back on track and finally complete the project.
