When do you stop writing

[ChrisHarrison]

When do you decide it's time to stop writing that novel? You've edited, rewritten, proof read, beta read, corrected typos, errant PoVs, plot holes, tied up loose ends, crossed every i and dotted every t. But knowing that no human being can create a work of perfection you're aware that your novel is still not perfect. At what point do you say that's it, I can't go any further with this.

[Gyppo]

When you're sick of it.  Not just fed up, but truly sick of reading it again and again.  By which time something new has usually been clamouring for your attention for quite a while ;-)

Gyppo

[Don]

Eventually, you reach a point where further editing just makes the story different, not better. If that's the point you're at, let it go.

As Gyppo said, surely another idea has gone begging.

[Pale Writer]

You stop when you believe in your writing. Until then, it's practice, practice, practice.

[umair7]

You stop when you believe in your writing.

I never have that moment 

[Pale Writer]

I was about to eat breakfast when I came across your reply.

Never believed? Of course you have. You wouldn't have picked up a pen if you didn't believe. It's only how the final product will be received which cast your doubt. Don't worry so much.

I have always found it strange to cage a writer's imagination. Writing against the borders of whether it's romance or mystery, fact and fiction, and the rules, geeeesh - like telling a painter to only paint by number.

It's okay to doubt, but don't let it impede your goals.

Have a nice day.

Pale

[ChrisHarrison]

You stop when you believe in your writing. Until then, it's practice, practice, practice.

Let's assume you already believe in your writing. How do you decide when the novel is finished?

[Wolfe]

When they send me the check.

[bri h]

When they send me the check.

 

[Pale Writer]

When to decide the novel is finished? That's why it's important to have an outline of events. Point A to Point B is easier to get to because you know when you've arrived at the destination and so can stop.

[2par]

When your fingers tell your brain to stop thinking. Always trust your fingers.
(and get that check)

[bonitakale]

When you're starting to change things back the way they were in a previous draft.

[Neghe]

When it's finished.

[ChrisHarrison]

How do you decide it's finished?

[510bhan]

  Practice writing to deadlines -- then you'll have to have it finished by then. No one waits for late copy.