How to Write the First Draft of a Novel in a Month

Every November writers across the country pick up their pens or plug in their laptops and prepare to write a novel in a month. The annual NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) has grown to include writers from around the world. Every year, many of the participants do complete their novels. With a little determination and a few plot ideas, you too can write the first draft of your novel in a month.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencils or computer

Prewriting

1. Buy a box of manila folders. Label each folder with a chapter number and write up a short outline for each chapter to glue inside the appropriate folder.

2. Create a timeline of the plot. Post it on the wall above your work space where you will see it every day. This will help keep your novel on track.

3. Develop character sketches. Enjoy creating these people--consider their pasts, their jobs, their hobbies and their families. Look for magazine pictures of people who resemble your characters.

4. Add the sketches to your manila folders. Tuck personal information into the folders where your characters make their initial appearances in the novel. Add their movements to your chapter outlines.

5. Turn off that voice in your head--the one that tells you not to write anything until it's perfect. You'll have to ignore him this month.

Writing

6. Steal time from your schedule. If you're going to write your first draft in a month, you'll need to say "No" to many people and activities. Writing your novel will have to have top priority.

7. Write. Forget about grammar, punctuation and spelling, and just get the words down on paper. A goal of 3,000 words every day should give you a novel of at least 90,000 words in 30 days.

8. Celebrate. Wherever you are after your 30 days are up, stop and celebrate your success.

Tips & Warnings

• When your month is over and your first draft is complete, take time to edit and rewrite where necessary.
• Don't beat yourself up if you don't finish in a month. How about writing your first draft in six weeks or two months?

[toby30]

on 10/6/2009 Thanks for this concise direction. I'm on it!