How long should a proper novel take to write?

[Andre Jute]

The question is raised by an aspirant, L.S. Engler at
http://lsengler.com/tag/andre-jute/

How long should a proper novel take to write?

[K.A.]

NaNoWriMo = one month.

About 6 months preparation than ---> out it pops.

Kidding, really.

I've only finished the two. The first one took 10 years, the second one 30 days.

[Andre Jute]

The second one proves you didn't waste your ten years.

[K.A.]

Oh, you read it already? LOL

It is funny the pieces of the puzzle that I needed. Like learning how to outline before you write.

Or as Steven Covey said: Begin with the end in mind.

Now I find that outlining is fun, because I get to twist things around.

[Sharon]

In my admittedly limited experience, it takes as long as it takes...

[Claudine]

Sharon wrote: "In my admittedly limited experience, it takes as long as it takes..."

This.

[Amos]

It's hard to say how long it takes as I'm never sure when I start a novel. I started a short story about 15 or 20 years ago. I have no idea when. It went too long so I quit halfway through. I always thought about it in the back on my head. Last year I decided it might make a fun novel. I 'popped' out what will likely be 3 novels in 6 months with a 2 month break in amongst that. So did it take 4 months or 20 years? I have a feeling it's the latter. lol. I might even publish it.

[Sharon]

That's a good one Amos. I've got another rattling around in my head. When I get at it I will be really into it and mega disciplined. For me it is organic...

[K.A.]

I think of 'starting' when I get it printed out, sit down and say 'time to finish this one.'

[Matt]

There is no fixed answer. Novels aren't necessarily even done when you think they are. I am needing about a year and a half each although the first one I published took five years -- mainly because I often wasn't working on it.