Writing Novels

Lesson 1: You Can Write A Novel in Thirty Days

Scheduling Your Writing

If you plan to write for money, sticking to a writing schedule is important. To successfully complete this course, it's essential. For some writers, this discipline gives them the push they need to follow through with their ideas when the energy that accompanied that initial spark has waned.

It's a good idea to set aside a block of time to write when you are most alert and least likely to be interrupted or distracted. In order to complete your 50,000 words by the end of this course, you'll have a quota of 1,667 words per day, weekends included. If you choose to take weekends off, you'll write about 2,273 words per day. I recommend making writing part of your routine every day. You may choose to do it all in one sitting, break it up into several blocks, or write when you can throughout the day. The longer you can spend at a stretch without becoming mentally exhausted, the better for the depth of your story and the success of reaching your goal.

Where you write may greatly influence your ability to keep at it. If you are easily distracted, you may do better in a back bedroom or at the library. But if you don't do well in isolation, your kitchen table or a booth at a coffee shop might be a better choice. Some libraries or cities offer special accommodations for writers such as desks or cubicles for rent.

Writing may feel difficult at times, but it should always be enjoyable. The emotional pain you experience while facing a mental challenge in writing should be approached in the same way as physical pain in an athletic challenge. You can do it!

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