Comments on: How to Establish a Writing Schedule for a Romance Novel

on 4/23/2007 I would also like to suggest getting some software that will help you keep your story focused and on track. I use Newnovelist (www.newnovelist.com). This keeps me structured in my thought process while giving me the creative freedom I need to finish what I am writing.

on 11/22/2005 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.