Why I Struggle to Finish Writing My Books (And What I’ve Realised)

Most writers think finishing a book is the hardest part.

I don't, and this morning an unpleasant realisation descended on me.

I know why I don’t like finishing the books I’m writing - it’s because I don’t like the next bit.

I love the creating, the storytelling, even the editing, but when it comes to marketing… uh oh. No thanks. I’m not comfortable blowing my own trumpet or asking people to part with their money in exchange for something I wrote.

It’s not that I don’t believe in the strength of my books. I do. I think they’re really good (ooh, I can blow my own trumpet after all!). I’ve loved writing about Billy, Manya, Gran and their adventures around the world. The plot has become rather intricate and I’ve had to take tons of notes to make sure there are no issues with timing and setting.

In Book Four—The Chameleon of Carisbrooke—the stakes are even higher. A hidden blueprint. A possible missile. And Frank, who’s been guarding secrets for many years.

The story moves between the Isle of Wight, which first inspired the book, and Berlin - where I spent New Year checking details I’d completely got wrong (so it’s lucky I went!). I might set the next one somewhere more exotic and sunny.

But here’s the thing I’ve realised: finishing isn’t really the problem.

It’s what comes after. The moment where the story stops being mine and starts being everyone else’s.

And I suspect I’m not alone in this.

Whether it’s writing, teaching, or any kind of creative work, there’s often a part we quietly avoid, the part where we have to put something out into the world and risk being seen.

Maybe that’s the real challenge.

If you’re a writer (or working with young writers), you might recognise this too. That moment where a piece is almost finished… and yet somehow doesn’t quite get there.

If you’d like to be part of the end stages of my book, I’m looking for a small group of beta readers - people who’d be happy to read an online copy and leave a short, honest review.

You don’t have to have bought the book to leave a review.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, do get in touch at cb.boxofbooks@gmail.com

If you’re teaching or supporting young writers, this is something I see often—students loving the creative part but struggling to finish. It’s one of the things I focus on in my Crazy Creatives course: helping children move from ideas to completed stories with confidence.

If you enjoyed my blog, you might enjoy this one too: Write boldly. Break the rules. Have Fun

And if you need to catch up on the series, here are the links to the first three books:

It's Raining in Moscow and I Forgot my Umbrella

If I Got Fifty Quid I Could Rescue my Dad

The Southwold Checkmate