Write Well Day 24: Learn to finish

and congratulations on completing this online course; celebrate tonight

As writers, we often get caught in the middle—starting a project with excitement, but then losing momentum somewhere along the way. Whether it’s a lack of motivation, self-doubt, or the overwhelming nature of a big project, finishing what we start can feel like the hardest part of the writing process. But finishing is a skill, and like any skill, it requires practice, patience, and commitment.

When I wrote Arrival, the hardest part wasn’t writing the first chapter or even the middle of the book. It was the last stretch, where doubts crept in, and the finish line felt impossibly far. I had to remind myself that finishing a draft—no matter how imperfect—was an accomplishment in itself. The key wasn’t perfection; it was progress.

Photo by Andre Benz on Unsplash

Here are five tips to help you finish your writing projects, along with practical actions to keep you focused and motivated.