How to Write a First Draft of a Novel in a Week
Although I do not recommend this for everyone, it is possible to write a first draft of a novel in a week, provided the novel is short enough. The bulk of my first drafts of my two novels were done in ten days and a week respectively. These novels were around 70,000 words each. I would never claim that the steps below will work for everyone--I can only tell of my own experience.
1. Before you begin writing your novel, have a list of your main characters and their character traits as well as a short summary of each chapter. In my case the summary was three or four lines consisting of the main events in the chapter.
2. Find a place without distractions, preferably in a beautiful setting. I wrote at the Weymouth Center in Southern Pines, NC, which sponsors free residencies for North Carolina writers. If something like that is not an option for you, rent a cabin in a state park or a hotel room with a great view. It is best if you have a place outside where you can relax or walk.
3. Get up with the intention of writing--and after breakfast, start right away.
4. Do not censor yourself. Travel into the world of the novel and live there as you write. There will be plenty of time for revision after you finish.
5. Write for a full hour, then take a walk outside. If there is something else you find relaxing, do that. My walks took about 20 minutes. After you finish your break, write for another hour. Only break the cycle for meals.
6. Write down any ideas for additional chapters or for deleting chapters in your original outline--this process continues the entire time you write.
7. Internet access is okay, especially for information you may need for your book, and checking e-mail is fine. Do not fall into the trap of continually surfing the web--tempus fugit!
8. My goal was 30-40 pages a day, and most of the time I succeeded. Your goal will depend on your speed of writing--it may take you longer than a week to write an entire first draft, and that is okay.
9. When you leave, set aside the finished draft for at least a week. Get some rest. Then you can worry about the many revisions that are essential to create a quality work of fiction--and that will take many, many weeks!
1. Before you begin writing your novel, have a list of your main characters and their character traits as well as a short summary of each chapter. In my case the summary was three or four lines consisting of the main events in the chapter.
2. Find a place without distractions, preferably in a beautiful setting. I wrote at the Weymouth Center in Southern Pines, NC, which sponsors free residencies for North Carolina writers. If something like that is not an option for you, rent a cabin in a state park or a hotel room with a great view. It is best if you have a place outside where you can relax or walk.
3. Get up with the intention of writing--and after breakfast, start right away.
4. Do not censor yourself. Travel into the world of the novel and live there as you write. There will be plenty of time for revision after you finish.
5. Write for a full hour, then take a walk outside. If there is something else you find relaxing, do that. My walks took about 20 minutes. After you finish your break, write for another hour. Only break the cycle for meals.
6. Write down any ideas for additional chapters or for deleting chapters in your original outline--this process continues the entire time you write.
7. Internet access is okay, especially for information you may need for your book, and checking e-mail is fine. Do not fall into the trap of continually surfing the web--tempus fugit!
8. My goal was 30-40 pages a day, and most of the time I succeeded. Your goal will depend on your speed of writing--it may take you longer than a week to write an entire first draft, and that is okay.
9. When you leave, set aside the finished draft for at least a week. Get some rest. Then you can worry about the many revisions that are essential to create a quality work of fiction--and that will take many, many weeks!
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Bits and Pieces: Book Reviews and Articles on Writing, Horror Fiction, and Some Philosophy
The blog of Michael Potts, writer of Southern fiction, horror fiction, and poetry.
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