Can I write a novel in a week?

Highly doubtful. And I'm going to give it a try anyway.

It all started a few days ago, reading Dean Wesley Smith's blog. I should have known better. The man is like a cowboy-computer cross. 100 books? Oi. But it was his guest post elsewhere that got me really thinking. He wrote an entire novel in a week. That's right – from phone call to send, it was one week.

Now, I am not Dean Wesley Smith. For one thing, I'm on the cute side, as opposed to the rugged good looks side of the fence. Secondly, dude, that's DWS. Dude. I've seen folks make fun of him for having written Star Trek novels. These folks don't do it in my presence. He's lived my dream.

But, here's the thing. The Engineer and the Expendable Minions are going on a trip next week. Monday to Friday. I will have the house completely to myself. I have the week off work. All of the usual reasons that I could never write a lot will be removed.

I'm going to give it a go. I'm going to cheat and work on Tranquility's Grief. I already have ~41K of my ~110k novel. I have an outline. I know what's going to happen. So, let's give it a go. What's the worst that happens? I "only" write 15,000 words? I "only" write 5000 words? I figure there is no possible way to lose. And I have a lot to gain.

This is where you come in. I'm taking (virtual, non-money) bets. That's right: I'm starting a betting pool for FULL bragging rights. Think you know how many words I'll pull off next week? Add a comment. Plunk your virtual money down and let's see who's the winner!