How Long?

[Kristen]

Sometimes I feel horribly frustrated, as I stumble along through my various projects. They never finish themselves up. I've been working on one of my novels for nearly three years, and there's no hope for completion. What I am supposed to do? Is there a time limit for these things? Am I failing, in this whole writing buisness?

[GW]

Kristen
It's easy to get discouraged, but as far as I know there is no time limit, unless you have an editor who has to have your edits, yesterday.
It took 4 years to get my book published the first time(E book format). That company went out of business and I was able to get my book republished in less than a year(in paperback).
That's 5 yrs. Somedays I only had time to write for 15 minutes.
You asked. "What I am supposed to do?"

My suggestion is to first put everything on hold for a week or two,(no writing, or thinking about your book) then go back and reread what you've written. If you've outlined your book, you can check what you got with that outline. If you have no outline, look for possible places that have cause you to stumble along. Find your main theme (plot) and as you find each stumbling point, ask yourself this. Is this necessary and does it help move the story along. If not then delete it. Your job as a writer is to take us from point A to point B or even Z, telling us what happens along the way and do it in an entertaining fashion.
I'd also suggest that you read other books in the genre you're writing in (if you ar not doing that already). Why? It will show you what the publishers are currently buying and how other authors are telling their stories. I'd also (if you haven't already)read current books on writing.

You asked. "Am I failing, in this whole writing buisness?"
My answer is no, fustrated or disillusioned may be, but not failing. The only way to fail is to quit writing.
I hope this helps.
G W Pickle