How to Write a Novel in 30 Days
Tips, Tricks and Tools for NaNoWriMo and Other Novel Success
Nov 4, 2008
Everybody knows the secret to writing a novel, just like eating an elephant, is to write one word, and then another word, and then another word… and don't stop until you reach the end. But there are a few tips that can ensure novelling success whether you're writing as part of a program like NaNoWriMo ("National Novel Writing Month") or going it alone.
Set Aside Time Every Day
It helps to make a plan. Not necessarily planning the plot or characters of your novel – although most writers say that helps – but setting aside time every day to write. An hour or two daily quickly begins to rack up words, paragraphs, even chapters!
It may be helpful to remove yourself from your usual writing space to keep from getting distracted by other unfinished projects, or turn off the internet so you won't find yourself browsing the web midway through novel hour.
Many writers find it helpful to plan to write at the same time and place every day. That kind of consistency becomes a habit that makes the writing flow smoother.
Don't Be Dissuaded by Setbacks
It's inevitable that on your way to a best-seller, you might hit a few bumps in the road. If you're going to take them as they come, it helps to be prepared. Anticipate that there might be one or two (or a dozen) days when you're behind on your goal output, be that in words, pages or scenes. It will happen. Don't let it stop you from continuing to write.
By the same token, you may find that parts of your novel-in-progress don't live up to your expectations. Accept it, and move on. If you try to edit, you'll only lose time and make finishing your novel that much more difficult. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect; you can fix all that in editing, after this month for creating your brilliant draft is up.
If your characters start haring off in their own directions and doing, not what you want them to do, but whatever they want, don't worry – your novel is doing what hundreds of other novels have done before and becoming vivid enough to take its own, unexpected path. It's to be expected and is usually a very good sign. Keep writing.
Put Your Inner Editor in Prison
One of the biggest hindrances to any kind of creative effort is that pesky, depressed little inner voice that tells each prospective great that their writing is awful, their artwork unimpressive, and everything they might make is ugly. Better to just give up now and go home.
The trick to writing a novel in thirty days is to ignore that "inner critic" or "inner editor." It may help to draw, paint, or sculpt your inner editor and then lock it in a box while you're composing the draft of your novel. Alternately, just being aware of the critical voice of your inner editor can be enough to put it aside, ignore its complaints, and write on.
The Real Secret
Write one word. Then another word. And another word. Keep going until you reach "The End."
Reference: For More Assistance
Baty, Chris (Founder of National Novel Writing Month), No Plot? No Problem. Chronicle Books, San Francisco, 2004.
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