I find that’s a tough question. For the first time, I’ve delayed publication of a book for three weeks. Deep Winter was supposed to be out on the 2nd of November. I’ve got a solid, edited draft. I could have published. But I’m delaying until the 24th.

Because it doesn’t feel right. That’s the part you can’t teach. There’s something not quite right. I know this feeling. I’ve had it many times before. I get irritable. I have a hard time working. I stare at the words, trying to figure out what is missing. I “wargame”. I try to figure out what I’m missing. Because I am missing something.

Writing is more about emotion than logic.

Often what is missing is something small; it might even be a single sentence. But it often has a profound effect on the story.

My subconscious is punishing me. I have to work on whatever is causing my mood to come to the surface.

Ultimately, though, as a painter once replied to the question: “How do you know the painting is done?” His answer: “You don’t. Sometimes you just have to stop.”

How about you? When do you know a book is finished?