Working on long-form fiction has taught me that inspiration is helpful, but consistency is what actually finishes novels. Even small, imperfect writing sessions add up when there’s a clear direction for the story. On days when motivation dips, structure and routine tend to carry the work forward far more than waiting for the “right mood.” Today’s reflection: when writing feels hard, do you usually push through, pause, or step back to reassess the story?

When developing fiction projects, I’ve seen different approaches to early drafts, some writers focus heavily on plot, others on character depth, and some on voice before anything else. From your experience, what deserves the most attention in the early stages of a novel to avoid major rewrites later on?Plot structure, character development, or narrative voice? I’d really value hearing different perspectives.

From working on long-form fiction projects, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern: most novels don’t stall because the idea isn’t good enough, they stall because the structure isn’t clear, time runs out, or the writer loses momentum halfway through. Once the plot, character arcs, and direction are properly mapped, the writing process becomes far more manageable and enjoyable. I’m curious, for those working on fiction right now, what tends to slow you down the most: planning, consistency, or bringing the story to a strong finish?

I'm gonna start introducing new people to the group every week, just to provide another way for people to feel welcome and able to get started. For this batch I'll be doing everyone who joined since the 3rd, so there'll be some already-active folks in here - forgive the pings, I reckon it's just good to start as you mean to continue. If you see your name here (or heck, even if you don't), feel free to say hello in the comments, we're a friendly bunch. A warm welcome to: @Bob Ellison, a self-described daydreaming bookworm with an overactive imagination! (I know the feeling) @Amanda Penfold, coming to us from London! @Christine Hastings, writing historical fiction, specifically fantasy-flavored/reimagined Tudor England! @Sarah Smith, creative, introverted, and also from London! @Kirsten Ivatts, who's been a wonderful presence in the group thus far, sharing poems, longer works, and a lot of discussion! @Ricky Brown, a profoundly spiritual poet who's made me aware of a lot of other writing groups here on Skool! @Amazing Drafts, someone focused on giving people feedback to help their writing get better! @Andrea Winter, a Christ-loving teacher! @Marco Avila, a veteran of the Marines who's used those experiences to make some really good stuff he's shared here! Poems, longer-form work, all sorts. @Mennahz Glorious, someone also hoping to help writers in a professional/editorial sense! @Ryan Hart, a jack of all trades and master of one (which I also share mastership of, believe you me!) @Jessica Huckabay, who's also been a very good presence in the group thus far! Shared the first chapter of a sci-fi/fantasy novel she's working on and has also planted the seed of 'do more writing prompt stuff' in my brain.