How to Establish a Writing Schedule for a Romance Novel
"Just get it done. Writing a romance is like anything else - if you love what you're doing, you'll make time to do it," says Sheri McGregor, author of two romance novels.
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Things You'll Need
- Writing Courses
- Antiglare Computer Screens
- Printers
- Computer Desks
- Desk Lamps
- Writing Papers
- Laptop Computer
Instructions
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Find a place where you can write that's private and well-equipped, with the right computer and software, pen and paper, desk and chair.
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Make clear to family and friends that you need - and deserve - privacy.
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Think about your physical and mental rhythms. Some of us are freshest and most creative in the early morning; some love the silence of the wee hours of the night. Write at the same time every day.
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Use meditative techniques to set aside distractions before you begin writing. Also, take advantage of your telephone answering machine. If you don't have one, buy one.
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Learn what makes your writing flow and use it. For some it's music; for others it's perfect silence.
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Use that time consistently without letting an off-day break your habit of writing at the same time and place daily. Sometimes life interferes.
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Think about your novel even when you aren't writing.
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Carry a small notebook everywhere to jot down ideas, dialogue and descriptions whenever inspiration strikes.
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Tips & Warnings
"Do what works for you and don't worry about what you think should work for you. Don't be too hard on yourself - nor too easy!" says Sheri McGregor, author of "Dream Catcher" and the forthcoming "Under One Roof."
"Do set a few goals - 'I'll finish that scene and write a sentence or two on the next before lunch,' for example. If you miss a goal, you'll make it up next time. I know some writers who set goals by the page count. I usually work on a chapter basis," McGregor says.
"If you're setting aside an hour each morning, don't answer the phone, the door or e-mail," McGregor says.
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Comments
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cygnetbrown
Oct 27, 2009
Great tips for pros and amateurs alike. Have you scheduled November for the 2009 NaNoWriMo? I'm devoting the entire month of November to writing a 50,000 word draft of my next novel. You've given great information that should help me to my goal. -
celticeagle
Dec 21, 2008
Great points! Wonderful article!
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celticeagle
Dec 21, 2008
Great points! Wonderful article!
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Nov 22, 2005
I used to jot down ideas in a small notebook or on sticky notes, but often I would have revelations and inspirations while driving my car, especially on long trips when I could allow my mind to associate freely. I bought a small digital voice recorder, and I carry it everywhere with me. I'm able to upload the recordings to my computer and give them file names for later review. The advantage is that I can record while walking or driving, and I can also be much more elaborate in my memos to myself. Often I find that I'm able to talk through a plot consideration or a story idea in moments, whereas I might otherwise choose to cut down the discussion if I were to write down my thoughts. This is also a great tool if you want to see how genuine your dialog would sound if actually spoken by the characters. Too often I find written dialog stiff or artificial, and this is a way to check the authenticity. As I finish my first romance novel, I find that I refer back to my recordings to verify that I have incorporated (or at least considered) the changes I reminded myself of over the past month or so.
