Attempting to write a novel in thirty days is a tremendous undertaking. Award-winning author Karen Wiesner insists that anyone can do this by using her system. In her book, First Draft in 30 Days: A Novel Writer’s System for Building a Complete and Cohesive Manuscript, she reveals how she keeps ahead of her writing deadlines and continues to write prolifically.
According to her website, she is the author of 68 novels written in 11 years. Her books have been nominated for and/or won 92 awards. She is contracted for several multi-book series and novels with her publishers. She writes in many genres, including mystery, police procedural, romantic suspense, and nonfiction. Ms. Wiesner is a member of many writing organizations. She is also a talented artist and designs many of her own covers.
Write a Book In a Month
The book begins with brainstorming and developing ways to come up with creative writing ideas. Once the writer has created a plot for the novel, it’s time to begin developing characters and writing the outlines.
The unique idea within this method is that each day of the month is assigned a task. Days 1-6 are devoted to outlining. Days 7-13 are given to research. If not much research is needed, the writer will be ahead of schedule. By Day 24, a formatted outline of the novel should be complete, and remaining days are left to evaluation and revision.
This system produces a formatted, detailed outline, which is essentially a first draft of a novel. The only remaining task is to go back through the outline and flesh out each scene. Since all the plot problems have been worked out during the first 30 days, the writing should go quickly and smoothly.
For more support on the second half of the process, Karen wrote From First Draft to Finished Novel. This book goes even deeper into her method and shows the writer how to turn the formatted outline into a well-written manuscript.
Novel Writing Forms and Charts
The book includes four appendices that are useful for scheduling daily work. The forms can be used to develop character sketches, plot sketches, research notes, and story evolution. By creating a template of these forms and charts on the computer, a writer can customize them to meet individual preferences.
Chapter Ten covers Ms. Wiesner’s method for outlining the writer’s career. She has forms and charts for project goals, yearly and multiyear goals, and promotional goals. This added bonus helps develop a plan that keeps the writer focused and efficient.
According to the book, First Draft in 30 Days, anyone can make this system work for them. Karen Wiesner offers classes based on the book, for those who prefer more interactive learning. The schedule appears on her website under the Appearances tab. She also is the host of discussion groups about writing.
For a writer looking for a method to write a novel quickly, this book is one to consider. It's an essential tool for succeeding at NanoWrimo, National Novel Writing Month. Even if it is not used strictly on a thirty-day schedule, the method, charts, and forms will benefit writers looking for a way to write a novel in an organized manner.
Wiesner, Karen, First Draft in 30 Days, 2005, Writer’s Digest Books, Cincinnati, OH
ISBN: 1-58297-296-6
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