How to finish the novel in the drawer

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could bring an unfinished novel out of the drawer, edit and submit it? 

So why don't we?

I'm assuming you're an accomplished writer who has benefitted from critiques by other writers whose work you admire. Perhaps you've completed a course an evening class, belong to a writing group or maybe you've completed an MA. It doesn't matter, we're all in the same boat.

Editing a book, however long, is a big task, too big, needing changes to dialogue, names, and even plot. Dialogue and names are easy but changes to the plot are serious because then you'll need to alter every other chapter to be consistent.

I can't get back into that space; my life is different now. I can't read all those sources that I took ages to find. If I do they don't seem as inspiring.
I have too many other things to do.

So what is the answer?

Not having time is just an excuse. Do you feel alive when you're being creative.? To rejig your priorities, you need a pattern interrupt:

Go on a writing retreat with other aspiring writers. Their enthusiasm and determination will rub off on you. 

If you need the visual prompts, take a scrap book of images and cuttings with you, some people use Pinterest.

I can't afford an Arvon course.

Persuade your writing friends to share the cost of a weekend break. Take your partner as long as they leave you in peace for a   few hours every day.

When you return home you could have that sense of needing to find a little time every day to keep the novel ticking over in your mind. If so, set a simple goal for the following month such as revising just two pages a day.  Trick yourself by starting before the first of the month. Take the novel manuscript printed out or on a laptop on the train. As long as you can sit down on a train you can usually get something useful done. Visit distant relatives by train. Do everything to maximise editing time.
Complete the first edit. The next step is for the next blog...