A good time to stop writing is when…
When I am working on a writing project that is going to take more than a few days, I will usually stop writing for the day at some logical place in my work. This means that I will finish up a paragraph or section of writing before calling it quits for the day. However, as often happens, I find it difficult the next day to pick up where I left off. Why? Because I find I have written myself into a box.
Stopping mid-sentence
One method I’m experimenting with is stopping my writing in mid-sentence. Many well known authors use this technique, including Cory Doctorow, who believes in stopping a daily writing session once you reach your goal for the day, even if it is mid-sentence. You can read a quote by Mr. Doctorow on this blog post from Readerville.
Stopping when you’re feeling really inspired
Another well-known author used a similar technique in his own writing. Ernest Hemingway stopped his writing for the day when he felt inspired and was on a roll with his writing. I read about this technique on this blog post from Writing Quotations & Writing Tips.
Benefits of above methods
It might appear to be counter-intuitive to stop writing when you’re on a roll. But this method has worked well for me and I find that the inspiring ideas I have one day while writing, become more refined and inspired the next day. Or, as sometimes happens, my mind will mull over such inspiration between writing sessions and I will discover that my initial idea, the one I was so excited about, probably wouldn’t work and I need to move in a different direction.
Give it a shot! When you are working on a longer writing project, stop writing mid-sentence or when you are feeling really inspired.
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- Warning: Don’t lose your momentum while writing!
- When do you give up writing a piece of fiction?
- Inspired and creative writing: Writing while tired
- What’s your writing medium?
- Why writing fiction can be so complex
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