The Transformative Power of Completing Your Creative Writing Project
- J.H. Jones
- 23 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Creative writing is a journey filled with twists and turns, and while the destination may sometimes feel elusive, the act of finishing your project is where the real writer magic happens. But getting to "The End" can be so challenging!
I know this to be true: In November, I completed the third edit of my gothic mystery/horrormance. And I had to battle with inner resistance every step of the way! I'm sure a writer coach could share some insight about what's going on for me and why I make it so hard for myself, but the bottom line is I find it challenging to complete my work.
With gratitude, I know I'm not alone. Some writers have said to me they get stuck in the middle and can't continue at all. A writing acquaintance told me he gets caught in a doom loop: he avoids finishing anything by writing a lot, then trashing his work, and starting over again. In podcast interviews, I've heard authors describe how new ideas get in the way of finishing in-progress works and they drop the current project to chase a new one.
In whatever way it happens to you, the result is always the same: You never bring your project to completion.
If this sounds like something you're struggling with, you're missing out on a valuable experience that will help you grow as a writer (that is, finishing your work). But it doesn't have to stay that way. You can get to the end, if you shift your focus from achieving an unattainable ideal of perfection to simply completing your story task.
Why is completing a writing project so important?
When you work towards finishing a writing project, you engage in a process that strengthens your narrative muscles. Each word, scene, or chapter you write, contributes to your understanding of storytelling. You learn about pacing, character development, and the intricacies of plot structure. Even if the final product doesn’t match your initial vision, the experience of seeing the story through to its end is where you gain invaluable storytelling experience that hones your writing skills.
The act of finishing your project also challenges your notion of writing safety. By fulfilling your commitment to get to the end, you'll feel like you're taking a risk and moving beyond your comfort zone. Yet, the shift will lead you to unexpected breakthroughs in your writing, which will pay off benefits to your current work and your future projects.
Completing a story also fosters a sense of accomplishment. There’s something incredibly satisfying about typing “The End” after days, weeks or months of laboring over words. It doesn't matter if the project isn't perfect, as you define perfect. The feeling of achievement can boost your confidence and motivate you to tackle the next steps and future creative ideas with renewed vigor.
How can you make sure your finish?
A writing group and/or a writer coach are two terrific methods of setting yourself up for success. For the writing group, you need to share your task goal and engage with your writing buddies so they can help you stay on track. My recommendation is to try an accountability group. If you're not familiar with this type of group, imagine setting incremental goals over specified periods of time, like weeks or months, and a team of writerly folks cheer you on, celebrating your wins and ready to help you when the going gets tough.
If a group of people feels too overwhelming for your writing practice and goal, however, consider an individual writer coach. (Not a coach for the substance of your story or book, but someone who is going to question your status quo, add to your positive mindset and help your build a stronger writing practice.)
Some writers think that working with a coach is a long-term commitment, but coaches foster lots of different arrangements--the same way that writers' goals are all different. Many coaches are willing to engage with their clients for a specific goal and time-period. I've had a terrific experience with a writer coach, who helped me approach my work with focus. As a result, I moved from being stuck to making progress. And other writers have shared personal reflections about the benefits they've experienced with writer coaches--even when they only connected for a handful of weeks. So, if you're having a hard time finishing, it's worthwhile to consider a coach. (Send a message if you're looking for a coach recommendation.)
I wrote about this topic because finishing is hard for me. My project, my gothic story, is something I really want to finalize in order to share with readers. I've dithered around a lot--which I hope has made it a better story--but I don't want to abandon my work, which continues to tempt me. So, writing this post helps me commit to finishing it and bringing it life in 2026.
My hope is this post conveys some excitement about completing your writing projects to you, too. The skills you develop, the sense of accomplishment you gain, and the creative growth you experience are all invaluable to your writing career. Finishing, even when the work is not perfect, is where the real writer magic happens. (And remember, there is help--groups and coaches.)
Use your wand on the comments button to let me know if you're close to finishing a project so I can send you lots of good vibes!