write a novel in one month

Writing a novel in a month: 10 tips for plotters and pantsers

Streamlining your writing process is useful. Whether you’re gearing up for a novel-writing challenge such as NaNoWriMo, or simply have a personal deadline. Here are 10 tips for writing a novel in a month:

Post author By Bridget McNulty
16 Comments on Writing a novel in a month: 10 tips for plotters and pantsers

Writing a novel in a month - NaNoWriMo | Now Novel

1. Make preparations, even if you’re a pantser

Aspiring authors often describe themselves as either ‘plotters’ or ‘pantsers’. Pantsing (writing ‘by the seat of your pants’) without an outline has pros and cons. On the one hand, you have the freedom to follow your story down any surprising avenue without a rigid outline limiting options.

On the other hand, the advantage of plotting is that you have a guide to help you if you get stuck. You can make it as rigid or as flexible as you like, and keep it like a map in your back pocket, one that shows you through the densest thickets of your story.

Types of preparation you can make if you’re a pantser:

Character profiles and interviews: Brainstorm details about your characters. Interview them as though they were public figures or celebrities. What memorable anecdotes do they have? What were the most formative experiences in their lives?
A good writing schedule: The only way to finishing writing a novel in a month is to have a regular writing regimen. Divide the word count you need by the days available. NaNoWriMo recommends participants aim for 50, 000 words in a month. In a 30-day month like November, that’s roughly 1667 words per day. Block out, in a a calendar, when you will find this time.
A synopsis of your central idea: Even if you don’t have a complete outline, a synopsis of the central idea generating your novel will help you to keep in mind the most important details of your plot. [Use the prompts in Now Novel’s Idea Finder to brainstorm your own central idea now ]
A list of characters and the relationships between them: As a pantser, you might only discover some of your characters along the way, as you take your starting cast into new territories and situations. Yet list the characters you know you want to write about already

The NaNoWriMo rules stress that you cannot use any previously written material towards your NaNoWriMo target word count (NaNoWriMo’s recommended 50, 000 words). You are allowed some preparation and outlining, however, so here are some more tips:

2. Write a general synopsis: Know where your novel is headed

The problem of not outlining is that it’s easy to work yourself into a corner, plot-wise. If you’ll be writing a novel in a month, you’ll need to have a clear concept of the general arc and purpose of your story from the outset.

To start preparing, write a synopsis of your story idea in two to three lines. Include the ideas you have so far for major objectives for your central character(s) and any primary conflicts. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

For example, for Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby , we could write a synopsis that reads something like this:

‘In Long Island, New York in the 1920s, war veteran Nick Carraway rents the house next door to a mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby. Carraway enters Gatsby’s social circle, eventually learning scandalous secrets that culminate in tragedy.’

3. Summarize ideas for each scene’s purpose when you write

Writing 1667 words or more per day is an ambitious target. You need to use every bit of writing time productively.

Avoid having to backtrack a lot to make scenes more purposeful and link them to your story’s main themes later. Instead, try summarizing each scene’s purpose before you start writing it.

This will help because instead of just launching in blindly, you’ll create direction before each writing session. On a blank page, write a header ‘Scene Summary’. Underneath it, note what you intend to happen in the coming scene. For example:

‘Party arrives at the ancient forest and must pass through to continue their quest, yet they discover an eerie, grim truth at its heart. Death of [Character X], yet party can’t stop to grieve as they must reach [Location Y] within the next two days.’

This will ensure your story has a sense of continuity and that each scene drives towards an important goal that furthers the overarching story arc.

Although pantsing means not having an extensive plot outline, avoid stumbling in total darkness. Shine a torch a little ahead of you as you go using scene summaries. This will help you find your way to the 50,000 word mark.

This approach is also useful if you do have a more extensive chapter outline, and you can refer back to your outline as you go to make sure you remember broader continuity, and not only internal scene consistency.

4. Divide your book into structured parts

A pitfall of writing a novel within a month is that you likely won’t have much time for structuring or re-structuring the narrative. You could, for example, end up with a 15,000 -word beginning and middle, leaving 35,000 words for the closing chapters of your book. This could leave your story feeling end-heavy.

During the preparatory phase, consider target word counts for each part of your book. If you plan on using three act structure, then you’ll write roughly 17, 000 words each for the start, middle and end of your novel.

Keep a tally of your total word count. As you write, take note of where you are in relation to your 17,000, 34,000 and 50 to 51,000 word count targets. This way you’ll know when you need to bring more complications into the narrative arc or amplify the buildup to your story’s resolution.

Infographic - NaNoWriMo - writing a novel in a month | Now Novel

5. Do preparatory journal-writing

If you are preparing to write a book in a month, in spare moments write in a journal about your story idea, the themes that interest you, and any ideas for crucial scenes. Note things such as:

Why you want to tell this story in particular
What you think the hardest part of writing 50,000 words in a month will be ( staying motivated ? Creating story structure?)
Ideas for how you will overcome these challenges
Any places or subjects you need to research generally for the book

Keeping a journal is a great writing habit to form in general, since you’ll have a centralized source for snatches of ideas and inspirations you can dip into whenever you feel stuck.

6. Plan how you will stay motivated and focused

Motivation and focus are two crucial components of writing a novel. There are various strategies you can try to keep yourself fired up to write. For example:

Create target-specific rewards: For example, for every 1000 words take a brief walk somewhere scenic or relaxing, or do something you enjoy that isn’t too time-consuming for 15 minutes (do yoga, watch a stand-up comedy clip – anything that will give the problem-solving portion of your mind a rest)
Partner up with a writing buddy or writing coach: External motivation and accountability are effective. Find someone who will encourage you and gently remind you of your shared objective.
Chunk writing sessions more: 1667 words in a single sitting might seem daunting, but if you find a few ten-minute sessions per day you can divide your word count into smaller, manageable units.
Make a checklist of milestones you can tick off: Creating a visual reminder of how far you’ve come as you go will fortify the psychological sense of reward as you progress to your goal

7. Decide what type of outline you’ll use if outlining

If you don’t intend to ‘pants’ your way through your book but will outline instead, decide what type of outline you’ll use. Options include:

Chapter by chapter summaries: Write just a paragraph or even a few sentences for each. Limit detail to essential features of character, location and event
Single-page synopses: A one-page synopsis of the whole story is typically something you’ll write at the end of completing your first three chapters at least, but attempting one at the start is a useful exercise for seeing which parts of the story are clear in your mind already and which will need more work
Three-act structure: Dividing your story into three acts like a play can help you balance your beginning, middle and end so that one does not drag on

Read this post on outlining for further ideas, but remember to keep the outlining phase brief and take shortcuts – you’ll want to spend the bulk of your month on the draft itself.

8. Maximize your writing productivity

Whether you’re participating in National Novel Writing Month or rushing to meet a contest deadline, take steps to ensure you stay productive. We often think we’re ‘quickly checking social media’ but small time-sinks in the day add up. To make sure you keep writing, consider measures such as:

Setting a timer for your writing sessions: Don’t get up until your session is up
Work out your most productive writing times: Do you get the most done when your household is still asleep, for example? Consider small lifestyle changes (such as waking up half an hour earlier) if they’ll help you meet your goals. Make a list of these changes and paste it somewhere prominent to remind yourself to stick to your regimen

There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to becoming a productive writer. Yet these additional suggestions could kickstart your writing process.

9. Limit distractions

We often think ‘I’ll just quickly check social media’ or discount other small tasks as fleeting and speedy. Yet the minutes you spend on social media or on other non-essential tasks during the day do add up. Here are ideas for ways to limit distractions when you’re writing a novel in a month:

Install social media blocking apps in your internet browser : You can get browser extensions that enforce you to limit your time browsing through status updates and albums
Find a space with minimum interruptions: That family WhatsApp or IM group constantly distracting you with cute videos? It can probably wait. Take an hour to write in a quiet part of your local public library with your phone switched off.
Don’t allow shiny, new ideas to tempt you: Some of us are brilliant at starting and not as brilliant at following through. New ideas are the procrastinating perfectionist’s best friend. Yet resolve to focus on this one idea only, for now

10. Allow yourself to be ‘bad’

If you’re writing under time constraints, there is a good chance your work won’t be perfect. If you’re doing NaNoWriMo for you, or entering your first manuscript publishing competition, accept a rushed first (or final) draft could have some major flaws. Treat this as a step towards your next rewrite (or even your next novel, your ‘debut proper’). Letting go of expectations will free you to focus on the most crucial tasks: Exploring, creating, and getting the writing done.

Join Now Novel to find writing friends for mutual critique and encouragement. Or partner with a writing coach, one-on-one, to get your novel done.

Writing styles: 10 tips to master ways of writing
10 steps to writing a book: 100 writing tips (Part I)
10 steps to writing a book: 100 writing tips (Part 2)
Tags how to write a novel in a month , NaNoWriMo

By Bridget McNulty

Bridget McNulty is a published author, content strategist, writer, editor and speaker. She is the co-founder of two non-profits: Sweet Life Diabetes Community, South Africa's largest online diabetes community, and the Diabetes Alliance, a coalition of all the organisations working in diabetes in South Africa. She is also the co-founder of Now Novel: an online novel-writing course where she coaches aspiring writers to start - and finish! - their novels. Bridget believes in the power of storytelling to create meaningful change.

16 replies on “Writing a novel in a month: 10 tips for plotters and pantsers”

Thanks for the tips! I’ve decided to give nano a try this year. My typical word count is appx 500 words per day, so 1666 will be a challenge!

It’s a pleasure, Conrad! All speed with your NaNo novel. Break it up into smaller chunks, 10 X 167 words is a lot easier than 1666.

I’ve never done NaNoWroMo before, but would like to try this year. I’ve been wanting to do it for years! Worst case, at least something will get done!

That’s a great attitude to have, I’d say. I think using it as a springboard to commit to your story and get stuck in is the best way to go about it.

I missed it last year, but am thinking to give it a go this year. Xx

Do it! As Christine said below, the worst case scenario is you’ll have more of your book written than before.

Thank you, Bridget, ?I am doing it this july at camp nanowrimo. ?

This information as always is very useful/

Thank you, Memphis.

Great. I will thank you for the insight. Do you all offer assistance for how to get a writing copyright?

There’s a good Q&A with a copyright attorney over here on Jane Friedman’s blog you might find helpful, Memphis: https://www.janefriedman.com/qa-on-copyright-with-an-attorney/

I’ve been writing this novel for a few years now, and I’m down to my last two chapters. My biggest issue now is finding a editor and someone to give me major feedback.

Congratulations on getting this far, Memphis. That’s fantastic. Feel free to submit extracts in the members area of the site for critique. We do also offer editing services, otherwise you could find a beta reader through a writing forum. I hope you enjoy the final stretch!

[…] https://www.nownovel.com/blog/writing-novel-one-month-nanowrimo/ […]

What a great post! National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, is one of the most unique novel writing contests.

Thanks, Wayne. Are you doing NaNo this year? Good luck if you are.

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How to Write a Novel in a Month With Your Crazy Schedule

Can you write a novel in a month?

It may have seemed like a lofty goal at first, but now you’re hearing about people with full-time jobs knocking out 50,000 words in 30 days.

You’ve got a friend who just finished National Novel Writing Month while also shuttling kids to soccer practice and computer camp.

And your third cousin’s babysitter just self-published the book they wrote on winter break.

If so many people are taking on this challenge, does that mean it’s somehow easier than you thought?

Nope! It’s hard. It’s a bold endeavor and everyone who completes does so because they are either:

Blessed with a lot of free time,
Super driven, or
Fully committed to a solid strategy.

I suspect you’re here because you’re already super driven to make your dream of becoming an author a reality. That’s already one out of three.

But just to make sure you have the best shot at writing a novel in a month, you might as well equip yourself with a solid strategy, too. This article will help you do exactly that.

First, let’s clarify why this objective is worth pursuing in the first place.

Why is Everybody Trying to Write a Novel in a Month?

Overhead view of writers gathered around a table with laptop computers.

So what’s the deal with attempting to write a novel in a month? Is there some kind of magical equation here? Is 30 days the amount of time it should take to write a novel or something?

Nah. One month just happens to be a reasonable-but-challenging goal that caught on after writer Chris Baty challenged himself and 21 other people to write 50,000 words in July of 1999.

That experiment grew into National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a worldwide challenge that hundreds of thousands of people take on every year.

And what does one get out of the experience, other than a finished first draft?

It Forces You to Just Start

All writers know how easy it is to avoid the blank page. We’ll draw maps and research our protagonist’s career for months just to put off the terrifying step of writing a first draft.

By committing to this 30-day goal, you give yourself a starting gun. When the calendar page turns, you have no choice but to jump in.

It Gets Your Inner Perfectionist to Just Chill for a Minute.

You’ve got to write 678 more words before your lunch break is up. There’s no time to obsess over finding the exact right word.

It Helps You Find Your Routine

If you don’t already have a regular writing routine , this challenge will force you to find one. By writing every day—or almost every day—you’ll build new habits and learn what works best for you.

It Expands Your Idea of What’s Possible

The beauty of setting big goals is that even if you “fail,” you’ll probably get a lot closer than you thought you could.

Maybe you get 40,000 words instead of 50,000. Maybe you don’t reach your goal but you do create a daily writing habit. No matter what, you win.

Does It Have to Be NaNoWriMo? And Does It Have to Be 50,000 Words?

No and no. You can decide to write a novel any time you want, setting any word count goal you like. In fact, most novels are well over 50,000 words. (But keep in mind that the bigger your word count, the harder it’ll be to reach your 30-day deadline, especially with a full-time job .)

If you want to participate in an official NaNoWriMo challenge , you’ve got options. NaNoWriMo happens every November (write 50,000 words in a month). And Camp NaNoWriMo (set your own goal) happens every April and July.

However you tackle this goal, here are some tips for the journey.

How to Prepare for Month of Noveling

An open graph paper journal showing the days of the week.

The best way to ensure a successful 30-day novel challenge is to prepare for it. Anticipate roadblocks, streamline your routine, and at least give some thought to what you plan to write.

You can even turn this prep time into its own mission, like Dabble did with the 60-Day Challenge .

Here are some great ways to set yourself up for success.

Choose Your Technology

What tools will make your writing process easier? Consider things like:

Programs that help you fight distraction, like Freedom or SelfControl
A Pomodoro or word sprint timer for timed writing sessions
Whatever program you plan to write your novel in
An all-encompassing writing tool like Dabble (You’ll learn what “all-encompassing” means as we continue.)

You may not want all of these tools. Some writers do their best work armed with only an egg timer, a word processor, and their own willpower.

But if there’s a program out there that might help you stay organized, focused, and on track, now’s the time to check it out.

Create an Outline

I’m not here to tell pantsers they can’t write a novel in a month if they don’t convert to plannerism.

But maybe consider at least arming yourself with a vague outline. Even just nailing down a few major beats will ensure you can go into this challenge knowing that at the very least, your story works .

I personally do best with a full scene-by-scene outline. I might change the plan here and there as I write, but a comprehensive outline allows me to sit down and get right to typing—no on-the-spot plotting needed.

Screenshot of a novel outline made using the Dabble Plot Grid.

Dabble Hack – Dabble’s Plot Grid is an incredible tool for plotting your novel beforehand. It can be as complex or bare-bones as you want. Use it to track everything from character arcs to alternating timelines. And your Scene Cards will be right at your fingertips as you start drafting.

Plan Your Schedule

Decide when you’re going to write before the month begins. Put your writing sessions in your calendar and plan to honor them the way you would any other appointment.

Share your schedule with loved ones. Ask them to take it as seriously as you do.

Set a Daily Goal

If your goal is to write a 50,000-word novel in a month, you’re looking at about 1,667 words every day. That’s assuming you write every day.

What if you can’t write every day? Or you’ve decided to use your month to write a 75,000-word novel?

You’re going to have to do some math. Divide the number of words you want to write by the number of days you’ll actually be writing. The answer is your daily word count goal .

Now, let’s say you’re only able to write thirty minutes a day on weekdays and plan to make up for it with long weekend sessions. You can set different targets for those different days. The important thing is to give yourself a target to work with every day so you can maintain a steady pace.

‍ Dabble Hack – Dabble has this awesome Goal Tracker that allows you to establish a target word count, deadline, and days off. Then Dabble calculates a daily goal (no math for you!) and keeps you updated on your progress as you work. This feature even syncs with your NaNoWriMo account.

A screenshot of Dabble's Goal Tracker showing a user's word count goals for writing a novel in a month.

Simplify Your Life

Can you get away with skipping out on a few social engagements during your month of frantic noveling? Can you schedule a few playdates that get the kids out of the house? What would bare-minimum cleaning look like? Plan to do that.

The more responsibilities you have in life, the likelier you are to get yanked off track by your sense of obligation. Decide ahead of time which duties might be shirk-able.

Most importantly:

Keep Loved Ones in the Loop

Guess who’s dying to support you in this adventure?

Your family. Your friends. Everybody who loves you and wants to see you fulfilled.

Now, that probably doesn’t mean your spouse wants to live a single-parent life for the next 30 days. But you can probably count on your loved ones to do things like:

Leave you alone during your writing sessions
Not take it personally if you turn down a dinner invitation
Encourage you when you feel stuck or overwhelmed

Let them know what it would mean to you to write a novel in a month and how they can help you achieve that goal.

Connect With Other Writers

If you’re doing National Novel Writing Month, you can connect with fellow writers in the NaNoWriMo forums . You can also find more of your community in the NaNoWriMo space of Dabble’s Story Craft Café.

Or, if you’re creating your own “write a novel in a month” challenge, let your writer friends know about it. Maybe even invite them to join you.

Plan to keep your writing community close during this endeavor. They’ll be a great source of understanding and encouragement when things get tough.

‍ Dabble Hack – Check out the Story Craft Café to make connections with other writers. This community is a great place to share insight, get inspired, and establish mutual accountability. You can even use Dabble’s free Word Sprint tool to schedule group sprints during your month of novel writing.

How to Knock This Thing Out in a Month

You’ve done everything you can to make this month go as smoothly as possible. Now you just have to sit down and do the thing.

Here are some tips for continually pushing through even as challenges arise.

Eliminate Distractions

Write behind a door that closes and possibly locks. Put on headphones. Turn off your wi-fi. Fake your own death so nobody tries to contact you.

Do whatever you need to do to avoid the most tempting distractions.

‍ Dabble Hack – If you’re writing in Dabble, switch your view to full screen and start typing. Everything except your manuscript will automatically fade away. It’s just you and your words, like the literary gods intended.

Screenshot of a Dabble manuscript in dark mode with auto fade on.

Don’t Take This Draft Too Seriously

The job of a first draft is not to be brilliant. Its only job is to be words—imperfect words you can reshape into brilliance during the revision process.

When your inner critic claims your last sentence was trash, just cheerfully say, “Oh, I don’t doubt it.” And keep moving.

Use Habit Tracking to Stay Motivated

I already mentioned Dabble’s Goal Tracking feature, which is a great tool for staying amped. You get the satisfaction of seeing your progress in bar-graph form, and you get confetti every time you reach your daily goal.

If you’re not a Dabble user, come up with a habit tracking system of your own.

Record each day’s word count on a calendar. Keep a spreadsheet tracking how much time you put in and how much progress you made. Give yourself a sticker for every session completed.

Give yourself a daily reminder that you’re moving forward.=

Exceed Your Daily Word Count When You Can

If you meet your daily word count goal before the end of a writing session, keep going. Every time you exceed the day’s objective, you take the pressure off future writing sessions.

That way, if something unexpected arises—you get sick or there’s a family emergency—you don’t have to abandon your goal for the month. You can take a day or two to deal with the disaster and return to a still-very-reasonable daily word count goal.

Don’t Dwell

You know there’s a better word. A funnier line of dialogue. A cleverer way to introduce that character.

Find it later.

Now is not the time to obsess over where that comma should go or if her dress was scarlet or poppy red. Make a choice and move forward.

‍ Dabble Hack – Worried Future You won’t remember that you wanted to find a better word or fix that dialogue? Dabble’s comments and sticky notes features are an easy solution.

Screenshot of a Dabble manuscript with some text highlighted and a comment reminding the writer to consider changing a passage.

What to Do After You’ve Completed the Challenge

You’ve done it! You’ve written a novel in a month! Now what?

Celebrate Your Victory

Take yourself out for dinner. Open a bottle of your preferred celebration beverage. Try skydiving, nominate yourself to give a TED Talk, and tell your crush you love them because—as we now know—you’re an unstoppable beast who can survive anything .

Finish Your Novel

Many NaNoWriMo participants meet their word count while there’s still more story left to tell. If this is you, no problem. You still get to claim your victory. Once you’ve celebrated, go finish your novel. Then:

Put a little space between yourself and your first draft. Work on something else for a month or two, maintaining the routine you established during your month of noveling. (You don’t have to keep up the same intensity, though.)

Stepping away ensures that you’re able to read it with a fresh perspective when it’s time to…

Time to take the beautiful mess you spat out during your month of reckless writing and turn it into a literary diamond. You’ll do a few rounds of self-edits , then share your work with critique partners, beta readers , and editors to really bring out the sparkle.

If you feel overwhelmed by the work that still lies ahead, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’ve already done a huge thing.

You wrote an entire novel in a month . A month!

If you can do that, you can do anything.

Get Started!

You don’t have much to lose by trying to write a novel in a month. But you sure have a lot to gain.

A daily writing habit. More confidence in yourself as a writer. A finished (or at least partially finished) novel.

Even if you don’t meet your exact goals, these are all huge wins. So get to it!

And if you want to try the Dabble hacks you learned in this article, click here to snag a 14-day free trial. This gives you access to all of Dabble’s features, no credit card info required. So check it out and see if this tool could help you crush your 30-day noveling goals.

Abi Wurdeman is the author of Cross-Section of a Human Heart: A Memoir of Early Adulthood, as well as the novella, Holiday Gifts for Insufferable People. She also writes for film and television with her brother and writing partner, Phil Wurdeman. On occasion, Abi pretends to be a poet. One of her poems is (legally) stamped into a sidewalk in Santa Clarita, California. When she’s not writing, Abi is most likely hiking, reading, or texting her mother pictures of her houseplants to ask why they look like that.

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NaNoWriMo: How to FINISH Your 50,000-Word Novel [Step by Step]

It is never too early to prepare for the most challenging and exciting writing expedition of the year: NaNoWriMo 2020. NaNoWriMo stands for “National Novel Writing Month,” and it is precisely what it sounds like. Find out if it’s an endeavor worth your time in this complete Nanowrimo review.

The goal of this nonprofit organization is to help you write a novel in one month. Nanowrimo will take place in November, just like every other year. You can find the program at Nanowrimo.org.

To some, this may sound crazy; impossible even! The fact is though, since its inception in 1999, hundreds of thousands of people have been doing it each year. Copious amounts of writers from all over the world sit down and set out to write 50k words in one month.

Many are successful, but success doesn’t always come easy – you have to know how to set yourself up! Being prepared will give you a much better chance at “winning” with your Nanowrimo writing project.

You will also be able to easier learn how to write a novel . Many consider Nanowrimo a learning experience as its a helpful program for beginners and first time novelists. Learn how you can best utilize the program with the following Nanowrimo review.

NaNoWriMo 2020 Goals: 50,000 Word Count and Beyond

Not every novel is going to be the same length, and Nanowrimo knows that. They have chosen a number that is an average. For some, 50k words may only be half of a novel. For others, a 50,000-word novel is perfect to tell their story.

A 50k word count goal is enough to be challenging while also being realistic for most people.

Get Connected During NaNoWriMo 2020

One wonderful thing about Nanowrimo is the knowledge that you are not alone. So many people participate in this challenge, and they are not quiet about it.

Communities have been created on every avenue of social media. There are Instagram and Twitter hashtags, and lots of Facebook groups. However, the central hub of communication is the Nanowrimo forums.

There is a topic for pretty much everything:

[table id=27 /]

The forum is a fun and helpful place to go, whatever your Nano need may be. People there are active, friendly, and ready to help.

You will discover there is a noticeable sense of belonging throughout these message boards, as everyone traverses the adventure that is Nanowrimo together.

Learning how to write a novel has never been easier with the help of so many others.

Gather Your National Novel Writing Month Supplies

Nanowrimo is fun, but it’s also hectic. Being organized is crucial. Therefore it is a good idea to gather your Nanowrimo 2020 supplies before the month even begins.

Writing Method

The first step is choosing how you will write. Will you type your story on your laptop? Or will you stick to the old fashioned methods and write it out by hand?

Some find writing by hand allows them better focus and concentration. Some also find it very calming and therapeutic.

The only challenge with handwritten novels during Nanowrimo is having to count the words so you can keep track! It is not impossible, though, and many do it successfully each year.

Even if you are not handwriting the whole novel, having some pens/pencils and notebooks on hand is a good idea. You never know when you will want to jot down some notes or keep some research in front of you as you type.

One thing that many struggle with is finding time to complete the Nanowrimo writing challenge. Many are still in school or have a full-time job. Sometimes both!

If this is the case, you may end up sacrificing some sleep, and therefore, coffee is going to be essential. Or perhaps some caffeinated tea if you prefer.

So pick your poison, stock up, and have your favorite mug cleaned and ready to go for November first.

Some Noveling Tunes, Anyone?

Lastly, you don’t want to be slaving away in the wee hours of the night without some music! Most people benefit from writing with some tunes. It can help you concentrate and provide inspiration.

Figure out what kind of music helps you the most. Maybe you like some adrenaline pumping punk rock to get your creativity flowing.

Or, perhaps it’s the calming lilt of instrumental jazz that keeps you on task. Whatever your taste, put together a foolproof writing playlist and have it ready.

A Nanowrimo Template

50,000 words can feel intimidating for some, no matter how much reassurance they get that they can do it. There are many ways to make the month easier, and one of these is a Nanowrimo template:

This template will walk you through your story day by day. It will remind you how many words you should have written at any given point in the month.

It also provides you with some simple guidelines on what should be happening within your story at each word count range.

These are only guidelines, of course. You’re welcome to change things up, but having the template will take some of the pressure off, especially given the time-crunch you’ll be on.

Nanowrimo: Your Project

Once you have everything prepared and your workspace is set up, it’s time to figure out what you’re going to write about!

Nanowrimo was created for novel writin g, but that is not set in stone. If you are a brilliant poet, who wants to flex their rhyming muscles for the month, write a poetry collection!

If you prefer a short story over novel-length storytelling, go ahead and create an anthology. Non-fiction works are also acceptable. There are no real “rules” when it comes to Nanowrimo. As long as you are writing , you are winning.

Will You be a Plantser?

Planster is a funny word Nanowrimo came up with to describe one of three different types of writers .

First, is the planner . This is someone who outlines meticulously. They write down detailed character descriptions , and they have their entire plot laid out. They brainstorm like crazy in the month leading up to Nanowrimo, and they go in feeling completely prepared.
Next, there is the panster . This is someone who flies entirely by the seat of their pants. They have an idea, and nothing else. November first hits and they start writing without a plan. They follow their wild imagination wherever it decides to take them on any given day.
Finally, we have the planster . This person falls in the middle of a planner and a panster. A planster might do a little bit of rough planning. They know their characters and have a general idea of where the story is going, but they still let their characters run rampant come November first.

There is no right or wrong way to do this, but you should have a pretty good idea of what type of writer you are before the month begins.

Knowing how you are going to w rite your novel will allow you to plan and prepare to the best of your ability.

Nanowrimo: Use Tools to Help You

While your imagination and determination are the most important things to carry with you, there is no shame in using some writing tools to make the process easier! There are lots of different apps and software out there that are designed to help writers .

A great place to start is Squibler . Squibler will be a great addition to your Nanowrimo 2020 efforts as its purpose lines up with Nanowrimo’s vision. Squibler wants to help you finish your book in 30 days.

The process is simple and effective. It allows you to store your notes and ideas in a safe and organized place. You are able to filter your files by tags for easy locating when you need them.

Squibler also has a tremendous outlining tool. Chapters and scenes can be written in whatever order you wish, but easily dragged and dropped into a different place later if something needs to change!

Once your book is edited and complete, it allows you to export easily as a PDF or Kindle e-book, perfect for self-publishing on Amazon. It also helps you format for print publishing if that is what you choose, all while maintaining perfect image resolution.

Lock Up Your Inner Editor

There is really only one hard rule that Nanowrimo wants to enforce: no editing allowed! When you set foot onto the path of Nanowrimo insanity, your inner editor is not invited. 50k is a lot of words to write, and you only have 30 days.

The words you write aren’t supposed to be polished and perfect. They aren’t supposed to be publisher -ready. What they are supposed to be is there .

At the end of the month, you have 50k words to work with. You can edit and rewrite to your heart’s content in December!

Don’t worry if the sentence you just wrote sounds bad. Ignore the call of the backspace key and keep pushing forward.

Once a word is on that page, it stays there until November is over. In addition to helping Nanowrimo participants, this is also sound advice when learning how to write a book . Getting that first draft finished without too much fuss is a good strategy any time of year.

The words you write during Nanowrimo don’t have to be stellar. They just have to be there. So, it is most advisable to lock away your inner editor.

Nanowrimo: The Adoption Society

The Nanowrimo forums are packed with useful information and helpful resources. My favorite feature, and arguably one of the most useful, is the adoption society.

This forum is broken down into categories that reflect parts of your story – plot, characters, settings, etc. There are even some specific categories like negative personality traits or sarcastic comments.

People come to these threads and drop ideas they have that they don’t want or can’t use. If you’re learning how to write a book , this forum is endlessly valuable. The ideas and inspiration will help you immensely.

You can come to the adoption society and find your entire novel idea . Or, you can come and pick up a single piece of witty dialogue that will add some comic relief to your horror tale. Or maybe find something that will play up the snooty personality of your antagonist.

Big or small, if you are after inspiration, the adoption society has it all.

Procrastination during Nanowrimo cannot be a thing. Big or small, if you are after inspiration, the adoption society has it all. For some quick and random ideas, you can also try the writing prompt generator.

Participate in NaNoWriMo 2020 Events

The online Nanowrimo community is vast and it is strong, but it’s not the whole thing! The Nanowrimo website is broken down into regions.

Based on your location, you can join a region and connect with writers in your local area. Each region has a private forum for its members only.

Most regions will run several events throughout the month of November. These will often take place at libraries, coffee shops, or community centers.

Each region will have a municipal liaison or “ML” who organizes these events. They receive guidance and sometimes funding from Nanowrimo to make things happen.

Some regions may throw parties or social gatherings at the beginning and end of the month, but the main things they will host are called “write-ins.” A write-in is a place for local writers to gather and write together.

Always bring your notebooks and/or laptop and be prepared for some hardcore marathon writing. This is a perfect chance to bounce ideas off of other writers and brainstorm together.

Writers can encourage and support each other here, and help each other stay on task. It is easy to get distracted by things at home when nobody’s watching. Being around other writers will keep you accountable and you’ll be amazed at how much writing you can get done in just a couple hours!

Word Sprints

One of the best parts of most write-ins are the word sprints! Most ML’s will run word sprints throughout the write-in. This is where they will set a timer for a predetermined amount of time.

During that time, you sprint! This means you write as fast as humanly possible in an attempt to beat everyone else. Whoever writes the most words in the allotted amount of time is the winner. There are often small prizes available to be won.

Write-ins and word sprints are immensely helpful in achieving your goal of 50k. But, some amazing friendships can be forged as you bond with other people who are crazy enough to attempt to write a novel in one month.

Use NaNoWriMo 2020 Badges for Motivation

The Nanowrimo website has a series of badges you can earn that are displayed on your profile. Some of them you can give to yourself to identify things about you and your writing style to others. Some are only earned as you hit certain milestones in the process.

You earn badges for:

Creating your novel
Updating your word count
50k words (winner’s badge!)

These badges appear on your public profile and they are a helpful way to keep yourself motivated. This only works if you are willing to be honest, though.

Nanowrimo operates largely on honesty. Updating your word count is manual, so cheating is easy. Remaining honest and entering your real word count each day will make earning the badges more meaningful!

Be a NaNoWriMo 2020 Rebel

Even though Nanowrimo doesn’t have any rules and runs on the honor system, there are still some basic guidelines that are in place.

This wouldn’t be a complete Nanowrimo review if I didn’t let you in on a little secret: sometimes the rebels threaten to take over. the ones who don’t like to conform… the ones who so blatantly break all the rules:

50k is the ultimate goal. Words written before November first are not supposed to count.

However, these things never stop the Nano rebels. Some people are simply unable to write that quickly, or their current schedules do not allow them enough time.

On the flipside, some people enjoy an even more difficult challenge than only writing 50k.

It’s people like these that will set their own word count. Some aim for 30k instead of 50k, while others may set their goal higher at 80k. Doing this is totally fine!

Nanowrimo isn’t so much about rules, it’s about writing. As long as you write something during the month of November, it will be considered a win.

Start Fresh

Nanowrimo is supposed to mark the beginning of a new novel. That’s what a typical Nanowrimo review will tell you.

However, some people have a half-finished project that they really love and want to complete as their Nanowrimo challenge.

This may mean that they begin the month with some words already written. That is totally okay. If Nanowrimo helps you finish the first draft of your novel, then no one will mind that you cheated a little bit.

Some Things to Know About National Novel Writing Month

There is no doubt that Nanowrimo has a huge following and a long list of benefits. Writers all over the world love Nanowrimo, and for good reason. But, it’s important that you don’t go into the event with false or inflated expectations.

We’ve gone through the Nanowrimo review itself. I’ve told you about the program and the website, as well as what to expect. But, there are some often overlooked facts you should also be aware of.

Before you dive into Nanowrimo, be sure to keep the following things in mind.

It Will Require Discipline

Unless you are a professional writer and/or author , writing 1667 words in a day is a lot. Probably more than you are used to doing, at least every day.

With that being said, it is possible, but you will need to put a real effort in for it to happen. You will need to practice some discipline. It can help to schedule your writing time or plan to do it at the same time each day.

There will be days where you don’t want to do it. You will be too tired, too busy, or something better may come along. You need to push past these things, and no matter what, do it anyway.

This is the only way that your novel will get done.

50,000 is not Really a Novel

Yes, Nanowrimo’s whole baseline is the concept of writing a novel in a month. While 50,000 words do technically make a novel, most publishers won’t consider it.

50,000 words is still an impressive amount of words to write in just 30 days, but you will need a little more than that if you plan to pursue actual publishing .

Even the short side of basic young adult novels is usually around 60,000. Nanowrimo is slightly misleading in this way.

You are Going for Quantity Over Quality

In most areas of life, the goal would be reversed. With Nanowrimo, you are simply looking for quantity. Your word count is your biggest focus.

However, that’s not to say you should just sit there and type random words that don’t even create a logical sentence for 30 days straight. But, you aren’t exactly writing top-notch prose all day long either.

With Nanowrimo, you want to be fast and plentiful in getting in your words, and this doesn’t leave a lot of room for quality writing. That comes later.

The Website Can Help You Write

Even if you do decide to venture out to some write-ins, there are still going to be some times where you are writing at home by yourself. The forums are a great way to stay connected, but they can’t really help you with your word count itself.

The national novel writing website does have some tools you can use to give your writing a boost.

The word sprint tool. This sets a timer for you, for any length of your choice. The goal during a word spring is to type like the wind and never stop writing until the time is up. You can do this without a clock, but the count down tends to help with motivation.
The dare tool. Along with the word sprint counter, there is a dare button. This is designed to give you a short, simple writing prompt to get the creative juices flowing. It will give you small instructions, such as “set something on fire” (in your novel!) or “put a dog in the next scene.”
Goal trackers. Set a goal for yourself, in the way of words written or hours spent, and keep track of how much you accomplish. This is a great way to stay accountable to yourself.
Pep talks. Each year Nanowrimo brings in authors to create pep talks for writers. You can access current pep talks, as well as the whole archive. These can be great for moments when you’re feeling stuck, lost, or hopeless about your novel.

These tools just go to show you how much Nanowrimo cares about your novel. They want to give you every opportunity to succeed.

Don’t Expect Miracles

You might have come across a Nanowrimo review that promised miracles for your writing career. Be wary of this.

Nanowrimo is responsible for getting thousands of writers writing, and this is wonderful. But, an exercise in writing is all Nanowrimo is in the end.

Some books have indeed been published as an indirect result of Nanowrimo, but there was more to the process than just writing the first draft in 30 days.

At the end of the month, if all goes well, you will have the first draft of a novel. Just remember, not a lick of editing or polishing has been done.

Just because you have a complete story, does not automatically mean you are going to become a published author .

This takes a lot of time, work, and diligence even after Nanowrimo has finished. Keep your expectations in check, and Nanowrimo is sure to be a wonderful experience.

Most of all, Have Fun With it

The worst thing you can do during Nanowrimo is stress. At the end of it all, it’s supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to inspire and empower you as a writer.

If you miss a day, it’s okay. If you get some writer’s block, it’s okay! Maybe your friend is 30,000 words ahead of you, who cares? Allow yourself to enjoy the process.

Let Nanowrimo help you learn how to write a novel. Let it make you more disciplined. Allow it to light your fire for creative writing, and you will have won no matter what.

If you don’t want to wait an entire year to do it again, try Camp Nanowrimo throughout the summer. It’s a more laid-back version that is just as fun.

Are You Ready for a Writing Adventure?

Maybe you want to learn how to write a book or improve upon an existing manuscript. Whatever your writing goals may be, Nanowrimo is a great stepping stone to achieving them.

You may drink way too much coffee and lose sleep. You may pull some hair out as your characters decide to go rogue. Writer’s block may rear its ugly head.

You may also write an entire novel . You may finish the first draft. Perhaps discover a new favorite genre. You could find a new writing buddy.

The point of this Nanowrimo review was to determine if the program is worth it or not. The answer is a resounding yes. Nanowrimo 2020 may be the beginning of a wonderful and crazy tradition that you look forward to every single year. For kids, the Nanowrimo young writers program has the same effect but has tools to make it more manageable for the young mind.

Published in What is Nanowrimo?

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How to Write a Novel in a Month?

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There’s something deliciously thrilling about slamming a thick stack of papers on the table and saying, “I wrote this novel in one month!” By this point, your grin is rivaling the Cheshire Cat’s and your satisfaction (and, yes, a bit of smugness) is well earned.

In your hands is the story of a world that didn’t even exist last month, but now it does because you wrote with fierce dedication for the last 30 days.

But if you’re not quite there yet, you may find yourself wondering exactly how to write a novel in a month?

Holding your completed novel comes with a specific sort of thrill — it’s proof that magic exists.

But is it possible to write a novel in a month?

Or is this one of those challenges for people with infinite leisurely days — or who never need sleep? (AKA vampires. Maybe vampires invented this concept. We have our suspicions.)

Table of Contents

Is It Possible to Write a Novel In a Month?

Writing a novel is often a slow and ponderous process. But there are infinite ways to draft your story. And if you’re committed to writing a novel in a month, it’s definitely possible!

Slow writers exist ( George RR Martin writes only a few pages per day ) and fast writers exist ( Stephen King apparently writes 2,000 words every day ). Both methods can produce novels that make a cultural impact on society.

You have to find what works for you. But if you’ve never written a novel in a short amount of time, how do you know it isn’t your perfect process? Being an author is about experimenting with different processes.

Writing can be daunting. As they say “if it was easy, everyone would be doing it”.

It doesn’t need to be easy: it just needs to be possible. And once you start breaking down the process into manageable steps that have been proven successful, writing a novel in a month is less of a fanciful concept.

Anyone can write a novel in a month. You just need to decide to do it, stick with your decision and have a story to tell. Oh, and probably stockpile some coffee. You’ll want that later.

What Is NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo an initiative that encourages authors to write 50,000-words in a month.

50,000-words is technically a novel-length and perfect for a first draft, which is arguably still messy and in its raw stages, even after you type “the end” for the first round.

Fast drafting a novel is about making it exist, not making it perfect. Editing comes later.

NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month and you can sign up on their website to log in your daily word count all through November.

It also has forums to exchange craft tips, writing buddies to connect with, and you get stickers for milestones. Stickers are so motivating, don’t knock this.

Of course, you can choose any month of the year to write your novel, but the comradery of NaNoWriMo is exciting.

The important part is this: get your novel finished no matter what.

How to Make Time to Write?

Now that you’ve pledged to write a novel in a month, you have to find the time to do it between school or a full-time job or raising a family or the thousand other things that make up our busy everyday lives.

Time isn’t going to magically appear. You do have to hoard it like a priceless treasure.

Try setting aside some sacred hours for writing . You will have to give things up to fit it all in, but don’t be too tough on yourself.

Writing isn’t always fun, but it doesn’t have to be torture!

You need to exercise discipline if you want to hit your daily target word count to make the 1-month goal. So take into account how fast you write and how many hours you need.

Carve space in your day. Or night! Writers are notorious night-owls.

I personally enjoy writing in the mornings, but usually night is when I have uninterrupted hours.

Figure out when you work best, but also when it’s most practical for you to work. (After work hours? When the kids are in bed?)

If you’ve got more time on the weekends, write a bit extra to pick up any slack that might happen on the weekdays.

5 Tips For Writing Your Novel In One Month

1. outline your novel.

Sitting down in front of a blank screen to write with only a vague story idea and a looming deadline is a great way to terrify yourself into writer’s block. If you want to write fast but purposefully, you need to go in with a plan.

Writer’s block not only sucks, but it’s also a real time-waster . And you’re already trying to pack in a lot of words in a short amount of time.

So before Day 1 rolls around in your quest to write this novel, do some prep. It doesn’t have to be an intense outline if you naturally shy away from them. But give yourself a bullet point list of scenes to hit.

Figure out how the books ends.

Brainstorm the first sentence so you don’t get stuck on that when you go to write.

Develop your characters ahead of time so you’re familiar with how they’ll respond to whatever you throw at them throughout the plot.

One of my favorite writing tips is to write a mini synopsis or query before you start writing your novel.

If you can’t craft a few juicy paragraphs that will pitch your novel in an exciting way, chances are you need more hooks and twists in your plot! Knowing that before you launch into writing the actual novel can save you so much time in edits.

But whether you have a 10,000-word outline (this is what I do!) or a simple 3-paragraph pitch or a bullet list of scenes and character qualities – make sure you have an attack plan. This will keep you moving forward.

2. Set A Daily Word Count Goal

Time to do some maths! If you’re doing NaNoWriMo and aiming for that 50,000 words in a month, you only need to write 1,667 words per day. And honestly? That’s not much.

If you think your novel will be meatier than that, adjust your word count to fit. Know how much you need to write each day so that each writing session is purposeful and focused.

Log your process!

I keep a calendar with my daily word count jotted down so I have a visual representation of my progress.

It’s both encouraging and motivating! Plus the log tells you if you need to catch up one day, or if you can dial back on a weekend and take that coveted afternoon nap.

3. Remove Distractions

As tempting as it is to tweet about writing, it isn’t increasing the word count in your book.

Some people recommend disconnecting your WiFi to avoid distractions, but it depends on how strict you can be on yourself.

I like to have the internet at the ready in case I need to look something up (or name a character; names are so hard?!). I also allow myself to timed social media breaks. A 1-hour writing = 10 – minute twitter break.

But the important part is: focus. If you can’t focus with the temptation of your phone nearby, remove it.

The hardest part of writing is often starting. You’re not in the zone yet, your brain is buzzing, you got a text.

But once you pair down the distractions and get immersed in your book, you’ll find the words will come faster.

Get into the flow. Find your rhythm.

If distractions can’t be removed (voices in the next room, a dog barking, neighbors are playing loud music) try wearing noise-canceling headphones or taking your laptop to a library to write.

Treasure your writing time, especially if you don’t have much, and mentally prioritize your book.

4. Write Without Writing

I can see you raising an eyebrow at this one, but hear me out: some of my best writing is done far away from my laptop. I personally work best in short writing sessions with lots of physical activity.

If my body moves, my brain moves. Often times I’ll be stuck in a scene and if I get up for a glass of water, that short 1 – minute walk to the kitchen will click the inspiration mechanism into a new gear.

I’ll return (probably without the water because I just forgot it) with a new idea for a scene and excitement to write it.

Take breaks!

If you can’t focus on writing for hours straight, don’t force yourself! Writing is frustrating enough without added pressure.

Take a walk, plan out your chapter, and then come home and write victoriously. Write smart.

5. Edit Later

When writing a fast-draft, don’t think about editing. The point of this draft is to exist, in all its ugly and lumpy glory.

You want a book you can hone and polish later, you want a draft that is full of raw potential.

So yes there are typos and that last scene was superfluous and you only got the hang of your narrator’s voice after 10,000 words. That’s fine. Turn off your inner editor (smother that voice, it’s okay).

Your job is to write the story that’s on your heart and pour all your passion into it.

Ready to Start Writing?

Whether you’re writing a memoir or a fantasy book , a contemporary romance book or a young adult novel , remember the world needs your voice and perspective.

Write a book that deserves to be written.

Plan. Focus. Drink water. Edit later. Make magic.

About the Author

CG Drews is a YA book blogger with the goal to read every book in existence. She’s aiming for immortality for this. When not reading, she writes novels and blogs at paperfury.com.

NaNoWriMo like a Pro: How to Write a Novel in One Month

November is National Novel Writing month, and it’s here! Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel but feel you don’t have time to get that best-selling story rattling around in your head onto the page? Elite Editing wants to help you write a book in a month with some tried-and-true advice for NaNoWriMo and beyond. Want to learn how to write a novel in one month? Read on, wrimo; read on!

What Is National Novel Writing Month?

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is both an event and a nonprofit organization. The event, which begins on the first day of November every year, is a thirty-day writing spree with the goal of getting (at least) fifty thousand words on the page before the month is out. The nonprofit organization (also called NaNoWriMo) facilitates this event and offers a support system for participants during November—and year round!

Why Should I Join In?

There are dozens of reasons to jump on the NaNoWriMo bandwagon, and your personal motivations will vary. Of the dozens of reasons (some of which are outlined below), arguably the biggest is that it will show you how to write a novel in one month when you’re not sure you have time to be writing a novel at all. Anyone can write a book in a month, and NaNoWriMo proves it.

Even though it’s called “National” Novel Writing Month, it’s not limited to any one nation; every year wrimos from around the world join in the creativity and fun. Writing a novel is a very personal and subjective journey, and it is usually lonely work. But not during NaNoWriMo when everyone and their brother, mother, son, and neighbor are clacking away on keyboards or scribbling feverishly in fresh notebooks right (write?) along with you.

Online forums

The NaNoWriMo website is an excellent resource for aspiring wrimos to get support, advice, and inspiration. Fro word sprints (timed writing challenges) to writing buddies who hold each other accountable throughout the month to regional (local) forums to connect you to nearby wrimos, National Novel Writing Month has created a community atmosphere online that attracts new and veteran novelists every year. Any lingering questions you might have about how to write a novel in thirty days will be answered somewhere in the forums or the blog.

NaNoWriMo events

National Novel Writing Month also created the “Come Write In” program to encourage local businesses to allow wrimos to bring their weapon of choice and write their novels at that location. In addition to this, many of these businesses also host kick-off events, scheduled write-ins, and celebratory end-of-the-month parties. Local veteran wrimos known as municipal liaisons (MLs) are there as organizers and mentors to help you figure out how to write a novel in one month without losing your mind in the process.

Social media support

National Novel Writing Month is a huge event, and there are dozens of social media pages and groups dedicated to helping wrimos achieve noveling greatness in the month of November and beyond. Local regions often have their own social media groups, as well, to coordinate NaNoWriMo events in that particular area. Even photo-sharing platforms like Instagram get in the NaNo spirit with things like this Preptober prompt list.

Family affair

NaNoWriMo isn’t just for grown-ups. With their Young Writers program, you can get the kids in on the fun too. Making National Novel Writing Month a family activity can add to the fun, keep your spirits (and motivation) high, and jump-start your creativity. After all, if your kiddo can figure out how to write a novel in 30 days, surely you can too.

Accountability

When you’re researching how to write a novel in one month, one of the major themes you’ll come across is accountability. NaNoWriMo encourages aspiring novelists to announce their noveling intentions to the world, including putting a name (title) and a face (cover) to their upcoming creations. This way, there’s no easy way to back out if the going gets tough—you have to work through your blocks and get back in your groove. You committed, after all.

Perks and prizes

Beyond a sense of personal satisfication, there are goodies waiting for you if you “win” NaNoWriMo by completing fifty thousand words. The prizes are offered by sponsors , who keep the lights on at the National Novel Writing Month nonprofit, and they vary from year to year. Some of these sponsors also offer perks to NaNoWriMo participants through the month of November just for participating.

We’ve saved the most important reason for last. Wrimos don’t join in this creative spree to stress and worry and pull their hair out. It’s supposed to be fun . You win some stuff, you meet other writers who live near you, you make friends, and (if all goes to plan) you come out of November with a novel.

Before You Begin

Preptober (otherwise known as October) is the month before NaNoWriMo, a time when wrimos around the world begin tying up loose ends, freeing up time, and shoring up their caffeine and snack supplies to sustain them through the month of writing. Depending on your preferred writing style, your “ how to write a novel in one month ” warm-up routine will vary.

Know yourself

What do you enjoy most about writing? Planning things out or discovering things as you go? This is an important question when determining where you fall on the “plotters vs. pantsers” spectrum, which, in turn, determines what kind of preparation you need to do for NaNoWriMo.

Do you like to understand your story and know your characters better than you know yourself? Then you’re probably a plotter. Plotters are the cartographers of NaNoWriMo. They have a map. They know where they’re going and how to get there, and they have a way back if they get lost. Some say that planning takes away the excitement of writing a story, but plotters disagree. It is a way for them to connect with their story on an almost parental level.

Would you rather just start writing and see where the story takes you? That means you’re probably a pantser (as in, “by the seat of your pants”). Pantsing is a fun and exciting approach to writing: just letting the words flow and following the current of creativity wherever it leads. This can lead to snags and writer’s block and rambling tangents, but pantsers are prepared for that. They exercise their creative muscles and think their way out of problems on the fly.

Plotters vs. pantsers

Both approaches are valid, and they work well for the people who choose them. J. K. Rowling—who famously first wrote Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on a bar napkin—could be classed as a pantser. J. R. R. Tolkien, on the other hand, plotted his way to greatness by spending the better part of a decade building Middle Earth before he ever penned a story about a hobbit. See the chart below and find the statements that sound most like your approach to writing to figure out where you fall. If you’re right down the middle, you may be a plantser.

What is a plantser?

Plantsers are Switzerland in the plotters vs. pantsers face-off. They are neutral, a middle ground, a compromise between the two extremes. Plantsers do a little planning before November, maybe scribbling a minimalist plot outline or mapping some key character traits or settings. From there, they jump into the story headfirst on November 1 and figure out how to write a novel in 30 days based on their ingenuity, with only the bare bones of their story to guide them if they get stuck.

If you’re a plotter…

Plotting makes it easier to learn how to write a novel in 30 days, but knowing how your story ends can take some of the excitement out of writing. Leaving some elements to chance can be intimidating, but it also gives you the opportunity to make some discoveries as you write.

Write an outline.

This is your story map. It is how you get from beginning to end without taking a wrong turn. It can be as detailed or as loose as you want, but as a plotter, you need an outline. Resist the urge to plan out every single minute detail, though. To keep the process fresh and fun, leave yourself some minor problems to solve while writing.

Get to know your characters.

You don’t need to fill out a hundred-question character interview to get to know your characters, but you can if you want to. What you really need to know is what their names are, what they look like, what their values are, and what their key personality traits are. At a minimum, do this for your main characters and your secondary characters. These are the characters that drive your plot, and it’s important to know how they would react to avoid out-of-character behaviors.

If you’re a pantser…

Learning how to write a novel in thirty days without a game plan can be tough when you hit a wall without a guide. However, it’s a sink-or-swim rush of excitement as you race the clock to get from point A to point B without a map by the end of November. Just remember to have some prompts and inspirational material handy in case you write yourself into a corner and need an escape hatch.

Get in your groove by doing daily freewrites.

This is extremely important to developing a writing habit as well as getting the creative juices flowing freely—and you’ll need them! Think of this as a daily workout for your brain; exercising your muscles makes them stronger and capable of doing heavier and heavier lifting, in the same way that exercising the mind makes it capable of writing your story without a fallback plan to guide you.

Try fun writing prompts.

Writing prompts are essential to freewriting exercises. Sure, you could use the same stream-of-consciousness prompt every day, but it would get boring…and fast. Fun prompts can frame the exercise in a new and exciting way. There are countless apps, websites, blogs, eBooks, hardcopy books, and articles to provide you with prompts galore.

If you’re a plantser…

Plantsing is the perfect marriage of plotting and pantsing—maintaining all the excitement of writing by the seat of your pants while having the security of a rough story map when you get stuck. Find the balance that works for you, and you’ll be well on your way to NaNoWriMo success.

Write a minimal outline of your key scenes.

You need a plan to be a plantser, and that means having a basic outline. This won’t be as in-depth as a plotter’s outline, but it should summarize the key scenes in your novel. You need to know the characters, the conflict, and the overall action in the scenes that steer your story, but you don’t necessarily have to know the scenes that come in between.

Blurb your story.

A story blurb is a quick synopsis of the plot that can help you keep track of where you are. Write two or three lines for each of the scenes in your outline and stitch them together into a ministory. This can serve as your synopsis for marketing purposes later, and it should be a living document. If you add another crisis point or change your inciting incident, update your blurb, so you can keep track.

One Month Starts…Now!

You don’t have to wait until November to start working on your novel. In fact, on the NaNoWriMo website, there’s a badge for those who rebel and start their work ahead of time! If you’re worrying about how to write a novel in 30 days, it’s okay to get a head start—or just to start early so you don’t lose your nerve. For the sake of argument, though, “today” is November 1, and NaNo starts…now!

Desired final word count divided by thirty = daily writing goal

One of the keys to learning how to write a novel in thirty days is to choose a manageable final word count to work towards. For new writers, fifty thousand is the baseline goal, and that is the NaNoWriMo official word count goal. This breaks down to 1667 words every day of the month, which is about two hours of writing (sometimes more, sometimes less). If you are feeling particularly ambitious, you could always increase your word count. Whatever your target is, divide it by thirty and you’ll have your daily writing goal.

Why fifty thousand words?

Fifty thousand words may seem like a daunting goal, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to write a novel in one month, but it’s the threshold that separates a novel from the shorter novella. It’s the low end of average breakout novel word counts—and it also happens to be Depending on your genre, your word-count goal could range from fifty thousand for a light romance or middle-grade novel to three times that many for epic fantasy or hard science fiction.

Stop every day in the middle of a sentence.

This may seem like random (and bad) advice, but it is one of the few agreed upon tenets of how to write a novel in one month. By stopping in the middle of a sentence every day, you give yourself an automatic jumpstart for the next day’s writing. This is an especially important step for pantsers as it can help stave off writer’s block.

Avoid revising—just keep writing.

While revising is a key aspect of writing a novel, it is the enemy of learning how to write a novel in one month. Fighting off your inner editor is critical to NaNoWriMo success. Why? Because if you stop every time you make a mistake, you will eat up all of your writing time, and you won’t make it to your goal. It doesn’t matter if you see a typo in the sentence that you just put on the page; ignore it. Don’t look back. It’s too late. Just. Keep. Writing.

Don’t delete anything.

This is very, very important. Even if you reread your work from yesterday and decide it’s terrible, do not delete it. Just move forward with today’s goal. By deleting work, you are increasing your overall word count and throwing off your schedule. Remember how you thought you didn’t have enough time to write a book in a month in the first place? You definitely won’t if you have to write it twice .

Don’t overthink.

First drafts are not meant to be perfect; their sole purpose is to get the story onto the page in its raw form. All first drafts are terrible. We promise. That’s what rewrites and editors are for. If you notice halfway through your story that something doesn’t work, just keep going. You can fix it later—when you aren’t writing feverishly. Don’t overthink the plot holes, the typos, the characters, or the weird way that one merchant talked in the secod chapter. Just get it on the page, and you can polish it until it shines in December.

Make Any Month Your Own Novel Writing Month

November may be National Novel Writing Month, but there’s no rule saying that it’s the only month to write novels. Even NaNoWriMo runs a summer version in June and July called Camp NaNoWriMo. Any month can be your novel-writing month.

Pick a start date.

Setting a date is important because it forces you to take action. Clearly define your thirty-day period. Mark it on your calendar. Announce it to the world. Do whatever you need to, but commit to it.

Hold yourself accountable.

And, of course, by “commit” we mean, “Don’t back out or make excuses or cut yourself slack for missing your goals because it’s not really NaNoWriMo.” Without the solidarity of the wrimo community to hold you to your goals, you’ll need to be your own motivator. You know how to write a novel in one month. So go do it.

Don’t look back.

Just like with NaNoWriMo, wrestle your inner editor to the ground during your personal novel writing month. Don’t worry about writing perfection; worry about writing, period. Don’t make excuses, and don’t second-guess yourself. Commit to the story, commit to your goals, and get it done.

Picture this: It’s December 1. The dust has settled on your keyboard after your thirty-day spree of creativity and rapid-fire typing. You open your story document and see the magic number: fifty thousand words. And you’re thinking to yourself, “Well, what do I do now?”

You did it! You won! Go claim all your goodies from the NaNoWriMo winner’s page, shout your achievement from the rooftops, and dance in the streets. You wrote a novel in a freaking month. Party on, wrimo; party on! Because tomorrow? Tomorrow, there’s more work to do.

Revise your first draft in thirty days however many days you need.

Don’t fall into the trap of sending out your thirty-day novel to agents, editors, or your friends. A thirty-day novel is a fabulous thing, but it’s only a first draft—and the really fun stuff starts now. Remember all those typos and plot holes and weird, stilted dialogue we told you to ignore in November? Now is when you fix it.

Now is when you iron out all of the wrinkles and fix all the errors. Go through your whole story with a fine-toothed comb. Examine each scene, and make sure it serves a purpose. Anything that is deadweight needs to go or to be rewritten into something valuable to the story. All first drafts are terrible, but revision shapes a draft into perfection.

Revise and…go?

Now it’s time to start the publishing process and get your novel out into the world. Beta reading (when your friends, family, and other writers you know read your work) is extremely beneficial for making sure that the story and the style work for the audience you’re trying to reach. We highly recommend it, but it’s not the only thing you’ll need to do.

Hire an editor.

Yes, really. Even after you did all that work revising your story, you still need a set of unbiased and experienced eyes to give it a read-through. Sure, it may be that you didn’t miss anything, but what if you did? Proofreading errors will get your manuscript tossed in the reject pile faster than you can type “you’re manuscript.”

Write a query letter.

Politeness and the ability to follow directions go a long way in the book industry. Most publishers and agents require you to write a query letter for your manuscript, and this is where a synopsis comes in handy. They want to know what the book is about before they spend time reading one that doesn’t fit their market. We can help you write the perfect query letter for your novel.

Consider independent publishing.

Traditional publishing is great. It often means better marketing, better design, and, ultimately, better paychecks. However, it also means a loss of creative control, a loss of certain rights for a period of time, and an almost ubiquitous need for an agent (which means more money out of your pocket). Independent publishing is growing in popularity among authors who want to cut out the middlemen and get their story into the world, especially with the ready availability of publishing mediums like Kindle Direct, which let you enjoy the perks of traditional publishing while maintaining control.

Submit to agents.

If you choose to go the traditional route, you will almost certainly need an agent to act as an intermediary between you and your publishing house. However, good agents spend a lot of time on their authors, and they can help you further improve your book—and your writing more generally. You should submit query letters to several agents in your genre, and don’t take it personally if you get rejected by a few before you find one to take you on.

In conclusion

Maybe writing a novel in thirty days isn’t easy, but it is far from impossible. Every year, thousands of people from all around the world pull out their laptops and start turning their dreams into first drafts. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to write, or you’ve been putting it off because you don’t have the time, the only question left to ask yourself is not this one:

“How do I write a novel in thirty days?”

It’s this one:

“How much do I want to be a novelist?”

Need more NaNoWriMo help? Check out these other posts:

9 Awesome Online Writing Resources

8 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills

How to Write a Book Title

Writer’s Block: How to Break It

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The Wordling

The Wordling - The info and tools you need to live your best writing life.

How to Write a Novel in a Month: A 30-Day Plan for Success

Without the stress and overwhelm!

By Natasha Khullar Relph

It started out as a joke: Could I write a publishable novel in a month?

My first novel had taken five years to write and an additional two years of editing before my literary agent considered it done, so it wasn’t as though I had a brilliant track record. But I’d been a journalist for over a decade, spitting out 1,000-word articles on deadline several times a week. I’d written eight nonfiction books , each in less than two weeks. Surely there was some trick I was missing. A lesson I could transfer from my nonfiction to my fiction that would make the process easier and, well, faster.

I started learning and experimenting as much as I could, and while I didn’t finish my second novel in a month, I did write a very respectable first draft in seven weeks and sent the final manuscript to my agent a few months after. I realized that, with the right strategies and careful planning, writing a novel in a month is a completely achievable goal. Even for me.

Two years later, I signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and finished the first draft of my third novel in less than 30 days.

This is the plan I followed.

Is writing a novel in a month even possible?

First, let’s just address something I know many of you are thinking: Is this even possible?

See, when someone asks whether writing a book in a month is possible, they’re not asking whether they can put 50,000 or 80,000 words on the page during a period of 30 days. What they’re really asking is: Will it be any good?

Typing is not the same as writing and while it’s certainly possible to vomit out 80,000 words in a month, are those words actually useable once the month is over and the celebrations complete?

Let me put your mind at ease. Here’s how long it took for these novels to be written:

The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: 26 days
On the Road by Jack Kerouac: 3 weeks
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess: 3 weeks
I, the Jury by Mickey Spillane: 9 days
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson: 3 days
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne: 2.5 days

What is NaNoWriMo?

30-day novels aren’t just the domain of well-known authors. Each year, thousands of writers from around the world take part in NaNoWriMo , a writing challenge in which writers aim to finish a 50,000-word novel during the month of November.

Founded by writer Chris Baty, NaNoWriMo is now a nonprofit organization, and part of Nano’s offering is Camp NaNoWriMo, which occurs in April and July every year and offers writers additional opportunities to set and achieve writing goals , such as working on novellas or short stories.

Successful NaNoWriMo projects and published books include:

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Wool by Hugh Howey

If you’re planning on finishing your novel in the next 30 days, it’s an excellent idea to hop on over to nanowrimo.org and sign up, so you can get access to the resources and community the organization offers.

How to Write a Novel in a Month

Now then. Are you ready to write your book? Here’s your 30-day plan for success.

Day 1: Define your story idea Day 2: Outline your novel Day 3: Identify major plot points Day 4: Give your characters depth Day 5: Focus on setting and world-building Day 6: Develop a writing routine Day 7: Set daily writing goals Day 8: Start writing Day 9: Write the most exciting scenes first Day 10: Maintain momentum Day 11: Get in the habit of writing in sprints Day 12: Create triggers Day 13: Develop subplots and character relationships Day 14: Try to get ahead of the daily word count Day 15: Continue pushing forward Day 16: Keep capturing ideas as they come Day 17: Embrace the messy middle Day 18: Tap into community Day 19: Leave the revising for later Day 20: Revisit your outline Day 21: Find sources of inspiration Day 22: Maximize your productivity Day 23: Keep yourself accountable Day 24: Gamify your writing with challenges Day 25: Limit your use of social media Day 26: Watch out for self-sabotage Day 27: Keep working on your craft Day 28: Write the climax and resolution Day 29: Finish your first draft Day 30: Celebrate!

Day 1: Define your story idea

Let’s get real on this first day of our 30-day novel writing journey. The goal here is not speed for the sake of speed, but finishing our novels faster so we can have a more enjoyable process during the writing and build a solid body of work. Preparation is key to that.

Jack Kerouac may have only spent three weeks writing the first draft of his book, but the reason he was able to do so was because he was working off the notes he’d been making during his travels. While there certainly are writers who open up the blank page on Day 1 with no idea of the story they’re telling, you’ll have a much easier time if you have some idea of your characters and plot before you begin.

Here’s what you need to have ready by the end of Day 1:

Your novel idea: Start by revisiting the initial spark of inspiration that led you to this novel. It might be a character, a concept, or a “what if” scenario that intrigued you. Clarify your vision and what you hope to achieve with your novel.
The genre: Consider the genre for this novel. Will it be a romance, a fantasy epic, a mystery, or perhaps a combination of genres? Your chosen genre will shape the tone, style, and expectations of your novel.
Themes: Identify the overarching theme or themes you want to explore in your story. These themes can be the emotional core of your novel, providing depth and resonance to your narrative.

Spend some time today brainstorming ideas, plot points, character traits, and potential settings related to your story idea. Jot down notes, make sketches, or create a digital folder to collect your thoughts. This brainstorming session will serve as the foundation for your novel to rest upon.

Remember, Day 1 is all about setting the stage for success. Define your story idea clearly, and you’ll be well prepared to dive into the writing process over the next 29 days.

Day 2: Outline your novel

A solid outline is key to finishing your novel in the next 30 days. Regardless of whether you’re a dedicated plotter who likes to map out every chapter and every scene, or a “pantser,” that is, someone who likes to write by the seat of your pants, a rough outline can keep you focused on the story and prevent you from going off in directions that don’t serve you, especially if this is your first book.

A few things to consider:

Pantser vs. plotter: Decide on your approach to outlining. If you’re a plotter, you might prefer a detailed chapter-by-chapter outline. As a pantser, you may choose a looser, more flexible framework. Both methods can lead to successful novels, so pick the one that most suits your style.
Rough outline: Begin sketching out the major plot points of your novel. Identify the key events, twists, and turns that will drive your story forward. While this is just a rough outline, it provides a clear structure for your narrative.
Synopsis: Consider writing a synopsis of your novel at this stage. A synopsis is a summary of your story, typically around 1-2 pages long. Crafting a synopsis can help you understand your plot and characters and how everything fits together in your book.

Remember, your outline doesn’t need to be set in stone. It’s a roadmap that can guide you, but you’re free to make detours along the way. Embrace the creative process and use Day 2 to build a solid foundation for your story.

Day 3: Identify major plot points

Now it’s time to delve deeper into your story’s structure by identifying the major plot points. These pivotal moments are the heartbeats of your narrative , guiding your readers through your characters’ journeys. Here’s what you need to remember:

Narrative structure: Choose a narrative structure that resonates with you and your story. The three-act structure is a classic framework that divides your story into three main acts: setup, confrontation, and resolution. Alternatively, you can follow the Hero’s Journey, a mythic structure that traces a hero’s transformational path. (Also look at: The Hero’s Journey , the Snowflake Method , and Save the Cat.)
Major events: Identify the major events that will propel your plot forward. These events often correspondent to turning points in your story, such as the inciting incident, the midpoint twist, and the climax. List them in chronological order.
Conflict and resolution: For each major event, clarify the central conflict and how it contributes to the overall story arc. How will these conflicts be resolved, and what impact will the resolutions have on your characters and plot?
Subplots: Subplots add depth and complexity to your story, so ensure they integrate seamlessly with the main narrative.
Foreshadowing: Think about how you can foreshadow these major plot lines earlier in your story. Foreshadowing can create anticipation and a sense of cohesion within your narrative.

Day 4: Give your characters depth

Now it’s time to breathe life into your story’s characters. Characters are the heart and soul of any novel, and creating well-rounded, believable individuals is essential.

Begin by focusing on your main characters—the ones who will steer your story. Create detailed character profiles. While many writing teachers suggest you use templates and workbooks to nail down their names, ages, physical descriptions, and more, I find these superficial features to be the least interesting parts of your characters. Instead, when I’m writing fiction, I like to journal as my characters, exploring their inner and outer landscapes, and letting them steer me towards their desires. Sometimes, I’m able to lift entire paragraphs and sections from these journals and drop them straight into my book.

Remember, well-developed characters are not static; they evolve and react to the events of your story. It’s essential that you understand what motivates each of them. What are their goals, desires, and ambitions? What do they fear or hope to achieve? Give them compelling backstories, too, and contemplate how they will grow over the course of your novel.

Day 5: Focus on setting and world-building

The world in which your story unfolds is more than just a backdrop. It’s a living entity that can enhance your narrative. Today, start by defining the primary setting of your story. Is it a bustling metropolis like New York, a quaint English village, a sprawling fantasy realm, or something entirely unique? Describe the physical features, climate, and geographical elements that will shape this environment.

Here are a few more things to consider when you’re creating new worlds or rediscovering an existing one:

Time period: Determine the time period in which your story takes place. Is it set in the past, present, or future? Historical, contemporary, or speculative fiction? Your choice of time period will influence aspects like technology, social norms, and culture.
Unique elements: Consider what sets your story’s world apart. Are there magical elements, advanced technology, mythical creates, or other worldly phenomenon? These unique elements add depth and intrigue to your setting.
Cultural aspects: Explore the cultures within your world. What are the customs, traditions, and belief systems of your characters? How do they interact with their environment and each other? Cultural richness can lead to compelling conflicts and character dynamics.
Map your world: If applicable, create a map of your fictional world. Visualizing the geography can help you maintain consistency in your storytelling. Maps are particularly valuable for fantasy or science fiction settings.
Rules and laws: Define the rules and laws governing your world. These can include the laws of magic, the limitations of technology, or the principles that govern societies. Consistency in your world’s rules is crucial for reader immersion.
History and lore: Develop a history and lore for your world. What significant events have shaped its past? Are there legends, myths, or historical figures that influence your characters’ actions or beliefs?
Tone and atmosphere: Consider the tone and atmosphere you want to convey through your world building. Is your story whimsical, dark, adventurous, or mysterious? The setting plays a vital role in establishing the story’s mood.
Sensory details: Use sensory details to bring your world to life. Describe sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that immerse readers in your setting.

Day 6: Develop a writing routine

Okay, so now that we have clarity on what we’re writing, let’s talk about how we’re going to do it.

Today’s work is to map out a consistent routine that keeps you on track and makes the process of writing this full-length novel feel more manageable. Here are some ideas on how to create a routine that works for your life and writing goals, and not against it.

Create a writing space: Designate a physical space for your writing. It could be a quiet corner of your home, a local coffee shop, or a cozy library. Make sure it has all the tools you need, such as your laptop, notebooks, or reference materials.
Pick your writing time: Identify the times of the day when you’re most alert and creative. Some writers are early birds, while others are night owls. Choose a time that aligns with your natural rhythms and when you’re less likely to be interrupted.
Determine session length: Decide how long each of your writing sessions will be. This could range from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on your schedule and writing goals. You can vary the amount of time you write and it’s important to not push yourself to write more than you can comfortably sustain.

Day 7: Set daily writing goals

Psst, here’s the secret of book writing that no one tells you. (Yes, there is one!)

And here it is: Most writers can write 1,000 words in an hour. To finish an 80,000-word novel, therefore, you need to write for 80 hours.

This is not an exact science, of course. It may take you longer because you need to do a lot more research in order to write a truly great book. Or perhaps you’ll take my advice on Day 11 and get in the habit of writing in sprints , which means it might take you a lot fewer hours. Regardless, if you can write 1,000 words an hour on average, you can finish the first draft of a book in 80 hours.

You could spread those 80 hours over a period of years. You could spread them over a period of months. Or, if you’re reading this, you can spread those hours over a period of 30 days.

That is, if you wrote for 2.5 hours a day, you could finish your novel by the end of the month.

Or, perhaps you prefer to look at this in terms of daily word count goals.

NaNoWriMo participants aim to finish a 50,000-word draft in a month, which works out to 1,667 words a day. However, if you’re looking to write a commercial novel, you may be required to submit a draft of 70,000-80,000 words. This means you need to write anywhere between 2,334 and 2,667 words per day.

Regardless of whether you choose to set your writing goals by time or word count, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Assess your schedule: Look at your daily writing schedule and identify the windows of time available for writing. Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evening, knowing when you can write is crucial.
Quality vs. quantity: While it’s helpful to have daily word count goals, remember that quality is the most important thing here. There’s no point writing a novel in a month if you then have to spend the next two years editing it. Strive for a balance between producing a certain number of words and ensuring those words contribute meaningfully to your story.
Consistency: Aim to write every day, even if it’s a small amount. Consistency builds momentum and prevents writer’s block from creeping in. Whether it’s 500 words or 2,500, make writing a daily habit.
Flexibility: Life can be unpredictable, and some days may be more challenging than others. Be adaptable and ready to adjust your goals when unexpected events arise. The key is not to get discouraged and to keep moving forward.

Day 8: Start writing

“The scariest moment is always just before you start,” says bestselling author Stephen King . Listen to the master, and once you’re done with your prep, open up that word processor and begin.

If you’re writing in order, you’ll begin with the very first sentence of your novel. This sentence should intrigue your readers and set the tone. Don’t worry too much about getting it perfect at this stage. The key is to just start writing that first chapter. This opening chapter plays a crucial role in hooking your readers. Consider what will grab their attention and make them eager to continue reading.

It’s important to note that when you begin writing, it’s common to encounter moments of doubt or self-criticism, especially if the words on the page don’t truly reflect the vision in your head. Remember, the first draft is simply meant to get the idea to exist on the page. You will go back and fix it later.

Day 9: Write the most exciting scenes first

I have some fantastic news for you: Not only is it perfectly acceptable to work on your scenes out of sequence, but I highly recommend that you begin with scenes that you’re most excited about.

This approach allows you to capture the details of those scenes while they’re still vivid in your imagination, and tackling them early can fuel your enthusiasm and motivation for the entire project. So, sure, if the climactic showdown or a character’s poignant backstory is calling to you, go ahead and dive into those moments, knowing that you can weave them together cohesively during the revision process.

Day 10: Maintain momentum

As you move through the process of finishing your novel, maintaining momentum will be key to your success. Every word you write takes you closer to finishing that novel, so it’s important to not let minor setbacks or self doubt steer you away from your goal. Here’s how to stay on track, even on the days when you’re not feeling it:

Stay consistent: By now, you’ve established a daily writing routine. Stick to it religiously. Writing a novel in 30 days is a challenging task. Expect rough patches and moments when your writing—and you!—feel less than stellar. Make sure to keep writing through it all.
Follow your outline: Your outline is your trusty roadmap. Continue to follow it, keeping in mind the major plot points, character arcs, and exciting scenes you’ve planned.
Avoid the perfectionism trap: It’s tempting to edit and revise as you go, but remember that this is your first draft. Don’t get bogged down by perfecting every sentence. You can fine-tune later.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge your achievements along the way. Completing chapters, reaching milestones, or writing particularly compelling scenes are all worth celebrating. Positive reinforcement keeps you motivated.
Connect with other writers: If you’re part of a writing group or community, stay engaged with them. Share your progress, seek advice, or simply chat about your experiences. The support of like-minded writers can be invaluable.

Day 11: Get in the habit of writing in sprints

Time for a technique that will skyrocket your productivity and explode your word count: writing in sprints.

Writing sprints are short, focused bursts of writing, usually lasting from 10 minutes to half an hour. While it seems simple on the surface, this is one of the best writing tips I could give you, and it can truly transform the way you write and the ease with which you do so. The rules for a writing sprint are simple:

Set a timer for 10, 15, or 20 minutes.
Think about what you’ll write. For example, do you know the scene you’re writing, who the characters involved will be, and how it ends? Get clarity on the scene before you start writing.
Start the timer and begin your focused writing session. It’s important that your sole focus for the duration of this period is writing your scene.
When the timer stops, end your writing session and take a short break before starting the next sprint.

The reason writing sprints are so incredibly effective for boosting productivity and achieving high word counts is because they create a focused, time-bound environment where you commit to producing as much as possible in a short period. It transforms writing from a daunting, open-ended task into manageable, bite-sized challenges, making it easier to overcome resistance and maintain consistent progress.

Day 12: Create triggers

You won’t wake up every day raring to get to the page to write the next scene. Indeed, if you’re like most writers, you’ll have boundless energy at the beginning, and a thirst to finish at the end, but the middle? That’s when things start getting rough and you need triggers.

Triggers are cues or actions that signal to your brain that it’s time to get into the writing zone. They can be incredibly effective in helping you transition from a distracted state to a focused, creative one. Here’s how to create and use triggers for your writing:

Designate a writing space: Choose a specific location for your writing sessions, particularly for this book. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the sofa in your living room or the corner table at the local cafe. Consistently writing in the same space signals to your brain that it’s time to get to work.
Use rituals: Develop pre-writing rituals that prepare your mind for creativity. This could involve making a cup of tea, listening to a specific song, or watching an interview with a well-known author. Last year, when I was working on my novel and building my writing habit, I would light an incense stick before every writing session and keep going until it ran out. Even now, every time I smell sandalwood, I’m transported to the world of my novel. Rituals like this can act as psychological triggers to signal the beginning of your writing session.
Create a writing playlist: Music can be a powerful trigger for creativity. Craft a playlist of songs that inspire you and get you in the writing mood. Play it at the start of your writing session and, over time, your brain will associate these tunes with productive writing .
Visual cues: Consider having a visual cue in your writing space, such as a framed quote from your favorite author or an image that relates to your novel’s setting. When you see these cues, your mind will automatically shift into writing mode.
Mindfulness techniques: Before you begin writing, take a few minutes to practice mindfulness or deep breathing. This calms your mind and prepares it for focused creative work. The act of consciously centering yourself can be a powerful trigger.

Day 13: Develop subplots

The stage is set and you’re probably knee-deep into the conflicts of your novel. It’s time to add depth and complexity to your story by focusing on subplots and character relationships. These narrative elements are like the spice that enhances the flavor of your novel. Here’s how to develop subplots and character relationships effectively:

Subplots with purpose: Identify subplots that serve a purpose in your story. They should complement, intersect with, or contrast the main plot. Think about how they can add layers to your characters and overall narrative.
Character arcs: Consider how subplots can impact your characters’ growth and development. Subplots often provide opportunities for characters to change, learn or face challenges outside of the main storyline.
Interweaving: Strategically interweave subplots with the main plot. Subplots should not feel disjointed or distracting. They should enhance the reader’s understanding of the main story, offering insights, foreshadowing, or contrast.
Conflict and tension: Subplots can introduce additional conflict and tension. They can be a source of internal or external conflict for your characters. This tension keeps readers engaged and invested in the story.
Character relationships: Explore the dynamics between your characters. Consider how their relationships evolve throughout the novel. Develop not only the central relationships but also the peripheral ones. These connections can influence character choices and add depth to their motivations.
Backstories and secrets: Subplots can unveil character backstories, hidden motivations, or secrets. Use them as a tool to reveal crucial information at the right moments, creating suspense and intrigue.
Character crossroads: Subplots often bring characters to crossroads where they must make significant decisions. These choices can impact the overall plot and character development.

Day 14: Try to get ahead of the daily word count

Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected events may disrupt your writing routine. To get ahead of this and prevent yourself from getting off track on the days you may have less time or energy, I recommend getting ahead. That is, making sure you’ve created a buffer of extra words by staying ahead of your required word count. Here are a few ways to do this:

Set incremental goals: Instead of aiming for just the daily word count, set a slightly higher target each day. This ensures that you accumulate extra words over time.
Utilize productive days: On days when you feel particularly inspired or energized, take advantage of that momentum to write more than your daily quota.
Early morning or late night writing: If your schedule allows, consider writing when you’re most alert and focused. Early mornings or late nights can be productive periods for many writers.
Plan ahead: Spend a few minutes each day outlining what you’ll write in your next session. Having a clear direction when you sit down to write makes it easier to exceed your daily target.

Day 15: Continue pushing forward

By this point, you’ve introduced your characters, set up the conflict, and established the world of your novel. When it comes to the actual novel, it’s time to raise the stakes. Create obstacles, conflicts, and dilemmas that keep your readers engaged and invested in the outcome. Make sure your characters are facing both external and internal challenges that push them to their limits.

Don’t be afraid to let your creativity run wild during this phase. Some of the most unexpected and brilliant ideas can emerge when you’re in the flow of writing. Trust your instincts and explore new directions if your story takes you there.

Day 16: Keep capturing ideas as they come

As you continue to write, you’ll likely have new ideas or insights about your story. Instead of ignoring them or stopping to change everything you’ve already written, jot them down in a separate notebook or document. This allows you to acknowledge these creative sparks and new directions without disrupting your writing flow.

It’s okay to make significant plot or character changes if they make sense for your story’s development. Trust your instincts, but don’t let these changes lead to endless rewrites. Use this new information to write the next chapters, but resist the temptation to go back and change everything you’ve already written. You can do that during the editing phase. For now, the goal is to finish, albeit imperfectly.

Day 17: Embrace the messy middle

This is the most difficult period during the entire duration of the manuscript, and it’s not uncommon for writers to give into procrastination or self criticism at this point of the process. Regardless of whether you’re a first-time author working on your first book or a full-time writer who’s been writing for years, this is usually the point at which you’ll find very convincing excuses for why you can’t write.

Here’s what you need to do when you find yourself feeling sluggish and overwhelmed during the messy middle:

Recognize it for what it is: The middle can be tricky terrain. It’s where you’ve introduced your characters and set up the conflict, but the climax and resolution are still on the horizon. This is a natural part of the writing process and almost every writer will encounter it.
Stay committed: Commitment to your writing goal is your most powerful ally right now. Remind yourself why you decided to write this book in the first place, and what you’re getting out of this 30-day challenge. Revisit your initial inspiration and look through your early outlines and notes to deepen your connection with the story.
Set realistic expectations: Understand that not every writing session will produce brilliance. Some days, your words might feel lackluster or uninspired, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it means writing imperfect scenes. You can also revise and improve in subsequent drafts.

Day 18: Tap into community

When the initial excitement of starting your novel has faded and the finish line remains distant, it’s important to tap into the support and inspiration of your writing community. Some ideas:

Participate in NaNoWriMo: If you’re taking part in NaNoWriMo or the National Novel Writing Month , use the resources and connections available through the NaNoWriMo website. Engage with fellow NaNoWriMo participants, join forums, and participate in virtual write-ins during the month of November. This community is known for its unwavering support during the novel-writing process.
Collaborative writing sprints: Consider organizing or taking part in collaborating writing sprints with other writers. These focused writing sessions can boost your productivity and motivation. When you’re writing alongside others, it creates a sense of shared commitment and accountability.
Accountability partners: If you have a writing buddy or accountability partner, now is the time to lean on each other. Share your daily progress, encourage one another, and set writing goals together. Knowing that someone is counting on you can be a powerful motivator.
Virtual write-ins: Explore virtual write-ins or live streaming sessions where writers come together to write simultaneously, even if they’re physically distant. The energy and solidarity of these events can rekindle your enthusiasm.

Day 19: Leave the revising for later

If you’re feeling a strong temptation to revisit and revise what you’ve already written, DON’T! The beauty of the first draft is in its imperfection. It’s a rough draft, which means that every word will not be polished to perfection at this stage, and that’s exactly how it should be!

Your primary objective during these 30 days is to finish your novel . The urge to go back and re-read what you’ve written or edit certain sections is a distraction and, often, a form of avoidance. Keep your eye on the prize, which is getting to a finished first draft by the end of this month.

Day 20: Revisit your outline

Today, we’re going to go back and revisit the original outline. By this point, your story has likely evolved, characters have developed, and unexpected twists may have emerged. Reflect on your initial story idea and plot outline. Are you still heading in the direction you envisioned on Day 1 ? If there have been unexpected detours or shifts, consider whether they enhance or detract from your story’s overall impact.

If you’ve veered significantly from your initial plot outline, consider updating it to reflect your evolving story. Having a revised outline can serve as a roadmap for the remainder of your writing journey. This adjustment also acts as a safeguard against potential story collapse. By assessing the trajectory of your narrative at this point, you can identify and address issues before they become full-novel rewrites.

Day 21: Find sources of inspiration

Feeling a little bit tired? A little bit bored? A little bit frustrated? Having thoughts of “this is too hard” or “why am I doing this?” swirling around your head? You, my dear, are in dire need of some inspiration. And this is how you get it:

Read outside your genre: Exposure to different writing styles and narratives can spark fresh ideas and perspectives, but we don’t want reading someone else’s incredible book to become a stick you use to beat yourself up with. Therefore, read, but only in a genre that’s nothing to do with what you’re currently working on.
Connect with nature: An obvious suggestion, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Even a simple walk in the park can sometimes do wonders for your creativity. Spend some time outdoors, whether it’s near a lake, by the ocean or in the woods.
Other art forms: Explore other forms of artistic expression, such as visual arts, music, or theater. Museums, galleries, and live performances can stimulate your creativity and offer unique insights into storytelling.
Creative writing prompts: Work with creative writing prompts ( we’ve got over a hundred for you here ). These can help provide a fresh perspective or challenge you to explore uncharted territories within your narrative.
Meet your friends: If you’re not used to writing at this pace, you’ve probably been neglecting your social life. Now’s the time to call a few people and make amends. If you feel comfortable doing so, engage in conversations with friends, family, or peers about your novel’s themes or characters. Their input and questions can spark new ideas or help you see your story differently. Don’t ask for critiques at this stage, however.
Visual aids: Create a vision board or collect images that represent your story’s settings, characters, or key scenes. Visual aids can provide a tangible reference point for your writing.
Virtual travel: Explore the world virtually through documentaries, travel blogs, or online tours. Even if your novel is set in a fictional world, real-world insights can add depth and authenticity to your storytelling.
Stay open to the unexpected: Inspiration often strikes when you least expect it. Keep a notebook or digital recorder handy to capture sudden bursts of creativity, whether it’s during your commute or while doing household chores.

Day 22: Maximize your productivity

We’re inching closer to the last week of our novel writing month. So far you’ve been keeping an even writing pace so you could develop your story and your characters, but you’re in the thick of it now. Which is why today is the perfect day to ramp up the productivity and start making some serious headway towards the finish line.

Make sure you’re continuing to allocate dedicated blocks of time for writing. Guard this time as sacred for your writing sessions. You also want to identify the most critical scenes or chapters in your novel and tackle them during these peak creative hours. Save less demanding tasks, like research, for times when your energy dips naturally.

Speaking of research, while it’s essential, it can also be a time sink. Try to strike a balance between researching relevant details as needed and avoiding the rabbit hole of excessive research during your drafting phase.

Day 23: Keep yourself accountable

Take a moment to review how far you’ve come. Celebrate your achievements, whether it’s reaching your daily word count goal consistently or completing challenging chapters. Acknowledging your progress can certainly boost motivation.

It’s also important to be honest about where you’re not hitting your goals and what hurdles you still need to overcome. It’s necessary to find ways to stay on track or recover quickly if you go off track if you’re going to finish this novel.

Accountability, especially at this stage, can be the difference between moving forward or getting stuck. Here’s how to get it:

Share your process: Consider making a public declaration of your 30-day writing challenge on social media or personal blog. When others are aware of your commitment, you may feel a stronger sense of responsibility to follow through.
Give yourself rewards: Implement a reward system for reaching your daily or weekly goals. Knowing there’s a treat or positive reinforcement waiting for you can make the writing process more enjoyable.
Daily check-ins: Commit to daily check-ins with yourself or your accountability partner. Reflect on your writing accomplishments, challenges, and any adjustments needed in your approach.
Accountability calendar: Create a visual accountability calendar where you mark off each day you meet your writing goals. The act of crossing off days can provide a sense of accomplishment.
Accountability journal: Maintain a journal where you reflect on your writing journey daily. Document your thoughts, challenges, and triumphs. This journal can serve as a valuable record of your growth as a writer.

Day 24: Gamify your writing with challenges

Today brings an exciting opportunity to infuse some fun and motivation into your writing process by gamifying it. Here’s how:

Word count challenges: Set daily or hourly word count challenges for yourself. Invite friends or writing buddies to join in. Create friendly competitions to see who can write the most words within a specified time frame.
Points system: Establish a rewards system where you earn points or rewards for achieving specific milestones. For example, every 500 words written earns you a certain number of points. Have different treats or prizes for various levels of points collected.
Daily themes: Assign daily themes or challenges to your writing. For instance, dedicate a day to writing intense action scenes, then switch to a day of character development. This keeps your writing varied and exciting.
Role-playing games: Imagine your novel as a role-playing game (RPG). Each writing session is a quest, and each chapter or scene is a level to conquer. Award yourself experience points for hitting word count goals and leveling up in your “novel game.”
Writing bingo: Create a bingo card with various writing-related tasks or challenges. Mark off the squares as you accomplish them. Completing a row or column earns you a prize or a sense of accomplishment.
Stakes and consequences: Assign stakes and consequences to your writing goals. For example, if you don’t meet your daily word count, you might have to skip a favorite TV show. Adding consequences adds a layer of seriousness to your writing goals.

Day 25: Limit your use of social media

We’re getting closer to the end, and if you’re like most writers, the siren call of social media is strong.

The finish line is so incredibly close now, and it’s easy to fixate on other people’s progress, how much you still have to go, or why it’s taking so frustratingly long. It isn’t. You’re just suddenly anxious to reach the end, and it’s not happening as fast as you like.

Social media can provide an easy distraction for a frustrated writer, which is why I suggest designating specific times during the day when you’ll allow yourself to check and engage with social media and ensuring that you stay off it outside of those times. Disable non-essential notifications on your phone and computer as well. From now until you reach the end, make sure every spare minute is put towards finishing this novel.

Day 26: Watch out for self-sabotage

We’re at a crucial juncture in our novel writing process, and an entire month’s of progress hangs in the balance. It’s at this point in the process, when you’re so close to success, that your insecurities and worthiness issues can start flaring up. “Who are you to write a novel?” that inner voice bellows. “Why do you think you can finish a book in 30 days when so many others can’t?”

Understanding what’s happening and believing in yourself is crucial to staying on track during these final days, and it’s important to look after yourself in addition to staying committed to the task at hand. Here’s what I recommend:

Remember your “why”: Revisit your initial motivation for undertaking this challenge and for writing this book. What does it mean for you to accomplish this goal?
Mindfulness and self-care: Prioritize self-care practices and be kind to yourself. Get enough rest, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in activities that recharge your creative spirit. Physical well-being is integral to mental endurance.
Use positive affirmations: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your skills, past successes, and your ability to complete the project.
Visualize completion: Visualize the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment you’ll experience upon finishing your novel. Use this mental image as motivation during challenging moments.

Day 27: Keep working on your craft

The finish line is almost in sight. As you press on, it’s essential to remember that your writing craft develops with each word you write. Today’s focus isn’t solely on adding to your word count, but also refining your storytelling skills and enhancing the quality of your narrative. Here’s how:

Experiment with style: Novel writing is a dynamic process, and it’s an excellent time to experiment with different writing styles, tones, or narrative voices. Challenge yourself to write a scene or chapter using a unique perspective or approach. This experimentation can lead to breakthroughs.
Character development: Are your characters evolving as the story progresses? Do their motivations remain consistent? Use your time today to refine character arcs, deepen complexities, and ensure that each character’s actions align with their personalities.
Dialogue mastery: Focus on making your dialogue more engaging, realistic, and revealing of character traits. Remove any exposition that can be integrated more naturally into the narrative.
Description and imagery: Elevate your writing by crafting vivid descriptions and imagery. This helps your settings and scenes come to life.
Pacing and tension: Assess the pacing of your novel. Are there moments where tension lags or surges too quickly? Fine-tune the pacing today, ensuring that your story maintains a captivating rhythm that keeps readers engaged.

Day 28: Write the climax and resolution

We stand now at the edge of completion. You’ve taken your readers on an emotional journey and are striving to leave them with a sense of fulfillment, reflection, or anticipation. This is a pivotal moment in the writing process, as your story reaches its zenith and then descends to its conclusion.

Here’s what you need to think about in terms of climax:

Building tension: The climax is the narrative high point, the moment your readers have been eagerly anticipating. It’s the juncture where conflicts collide and stakes are at their peak. Craft this section to maximize tension and suspense. Ensure that the events leading up to this moment have paved the way for a gripping climax.
Character evolution: Consider how your characters have evolved throughout the story. The climax is the crucible where their growth is most evident. Show their transformation through their actions, decisions, and emotional reactions during this pivotal scene.
Confrontation and resolution: The climax often involves a confrontation between opposing forces, whether internal or external. This confrontation should feel inevitable and emotionally charged. As you craft this scene, think about the resolutions you want to provide for the major conflicts.
Unresolved questions: While the climax resolves the major plot points, it’s okay to leave some questions unanswered or introduce new elements that will carry forward into subsequent novels if you’re writing a series. This can create anticipation for future installments.

To give readers a satisfying resolution, consider:

Closure and satisfaction: The resolution is the section where loose ends are tied up, and readers find closure. Ensure that your resolution satisfies the central conflicts and character arcs, leaving readers with a sense of fulfillment.
Character epilogues: Consider providing brief glimpses into the future lives of your main characters. What has changed for them after the climax’s events? How have they been affected by their journey? These epilogues can offer readers a sense of finality and hope.
Tying up subplots: Address any remaining subplots or secondary character arcs in the resolution. Readers appreciate when all narrative threads are addressed, even if some are left open for potential exploration in future works.
Emotional impact: Craft the resolution with an eye for emotional impact. Consider the emotions you want readers to experience as they reach the last page.
The final sentence: The closing sentence of your novel should resonate. Whether it’s poignant, thought-provoking, or uplifting, make it memorable.

Day 29: Finish your first draft

With the climax and resolution in place, you’re mere steps away from completing your novel. Today, your goal is to complete your first draft. You may have some loose ends to tie up or final scenes to write. Keep your momentum going as you bring this to a close.

As you write the last words of your manuscript, don’t forget to savor the moment. You’ve taken an idea from your imagination and transformed it into words on the page. That’s an incredible feat!

Day 30: Celebrate!

Today marks a monumental achievement in your writing journey. Over the past 30 days, you’ve poured your creativity, dedication, and determination into crafting the first draft of your novel. Now it’s time to cross the finish line and bask in the glory of your accomplishment.

Celebration is an essential part of any accomplishment. Treat yourself to something special—a favorite dessert, a luxurious bath, or a relaxing evening with a good book. You’ve earned it! Consider sharing the moment with your friends and family. They’ve likely witnessed your commitment and passion throughout this journey (not to mention the breakdowns and tantrums) and they’ll be thrilled to celebrate with you.

You are now officially a novelist and your manuscript is a testament to your creativity and perseverance. Congratulations!

You’ve finished! Now what?

The book is finished, the champagne popped, and the hangover food consumed. What next?

Here are some items to put on your to-do list for next month:

Take a break: Listen, you’ve done an incredible job of working hard, showing up, and getting the damn thing written. If you’re feeling exhausted after this, it’s time to give yourself some love and take the time to recharge. You’ll need it for the next steps in your journey, and so make sure to come back refreshed.
Revise and edit: Once you’ve had enough distance from your manuscript and are in a good place to review it, open up your document and read through the whole thing in one go, making notes as you go along. These first impressions will be invaluable during the revision process. Once you’ve done that, start cleaning up the novel. For some writers, this requires one more draft, but most writers will end up with second, third, and fourth drafts before they get to the final draft.
Start your next novel: I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re new to the craft or if you’ve just finished your first novel, but many established writers will start working on a new book almost immediately after they’ve finished writing one. While they write one, they’re editing another.
Work with a professional editor: Once you’ve done all you can yourself, it’s worth hiring a professional editor to go through the book with you again. This has become standard practice now, regardless of how you choose to publish.
Decide how you’ll publish: Will you be pursuing the traditional publishing path or will you self publish your book? If you’re going traditional, you’ll need to put together a query letter and synopsis to send to a literary agent. If you’re working towards a self-published title, you’ll need to prepare your manuscript for publication by hiring someone to design the book cover, writing a compelling book description, and uploading the file on to platforms, including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

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Natasha Khullar Relph is an award-winning journalist and author with bylines in The New York Times, TIME CNN, BBC, ABC News, Ms. Marie Claire, Vogue, and more. She is the founder of The Wordling , a weekly business newsletter for journalists, authors, and content creators. Natasha has mentored over 1,000 writers , helping them break into dream publications and build six-figure careers. She is the author of Shut Up and Write: The No-Nonsense, No B.S. Guide to Getting Words on the Page and several other books .

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How To Write A Story Every Month, One Week At A Time

by Paige Duke
March 1, 2016

Standout Books is supported by its audience, if you click and purchase from any of the links on this page, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally vetted. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

In 2014, musician David Bazan made an announcement. He was going to write and release two original songs every month. One of the factors that led to this self-imposed challenge was that he’d been touring for the last three years to pay the bills and hadn’t written anything new. It was time to jump-start his creative work again, and setting an ambitious goal in a public way seemed to do the trick. Fans and reviewers alike have since said these songs are some of the most exciting of his career.

This got me thinking about writers. We all get stuck in a rut or go through a dry spell at one time or another, and sometimes a creative challenge is just what we need to push us to the next level. If that’s you, I have a challenge for you inspired by Bazan’s experiment: Write a new story every month. If that sounds daunting, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it week by week.

Week 1: Decide on a story concept

You have to start with an idea for a story. For some writers that’s the hardest part, though. We don’t all walk around with a mental journal full of ideas. If that’s true for you, go searching for inspiration . Use a photo, a song, a podcast—anything that jumpstarts your writer brain—to get you thinking. The key here is to find an idea quickly that you feel has the right scope for the size of your project.

Size is an important consideration. How much can you realistically write in a month? Can you write a whole novel? Maybe. Many people do just that every November for NaNoWriMo . But it doesn’t have to be a novel. Why not try a novella, a short story, or a flash fiction piece? Don’t be nervous if you’ve never done that before. It might seem scary at first, but remember—the point of this exercise is to flex your creative muscles.

Once you know the subject and scope of your project, you can map it out. If you feel you need to, jot down a quick outline of your story so you have a guide. Now it’s time to get to work!

Week 2: Write the opening and the rising action

This week, focus on writing a strong opening to your story . As with a novel, your opening is about two main things: a compelling hook and introducing your protagonist in their everyday life just before the inciting incident. Here’s where this exercise of writing shorter fiction is really going to stretch you—in a novel, you have the luxury of time and space to develop backstory and character arcs and world-building. In short fiction, every word counts. More than that, short fiction isn’t just a shorter version of a novel; the focus is much narrower, so be sure to home in on a single idea. Don’t try to do too much. For more on this, see Robert Wood’s fabulous article, How to Write a Killer Short Story .

Once you’ve written a hook and introduced your protagonist, it’s time for the rising action. The key to really embracing this exercise, whatever length you’re working with, is focus . Putting a time constraint on your writing has a tendency to separate the essential from the fluff. This might feel frustrating, but it is good for your writer brain—embrace it! Hone your focus, decide what conflicts and events are essential to your story’s plot arc, and get them on paper.

Week 3: Write the climax

This week you’ll be writing the climax . As in a novel, the climax of your story will be the high point, the moment of greatest tension, the peak of your central conflict. But there are two things that set apart the climax in short fiction.

First, it’s the impending sense of tension. One of the thrilling things about reading short fiction is that you can feel tension growing with every line. Great novels have tension on every page, but by nature, short fiction requires that every sentence carry its weight. Have you managed to capture this in your story—this sense of constantly building tension? Good, carry it through into the climax.

Second, with short fiction the climax most often is the end of the story, there’s very little room for resolution. The effect is that you leave readers with an aha moment, a surprise revelation, or a complete reversal of expectations.

Can you feel it? The tension is mounting, you’re coming to the end, now write a climax that will leave your reader breathless.

Week 4: Revise and edit

As with anything else you write, the last step is to revise and edit . Go back through your story. Here are some questions to guide your revision:

Is the story cohesive?
Does it have a compelling hook and an opening that introduces the protagonist?
Is the rising action focused on the essential conflicts and events of the narrative?
Does each sentence carry its weight to slowly build tension?
Have I packed a punch in the climax, leaving the reader with a satisfying ending?

Now do another pass to edit for grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word choice. I’ll say it again: powerful short fiction must make the most of every line and every word. If something isn’t carrying its weight, work with it until you get it right.

So you’ve written a novel in a month – now what?

Well, how did you do? I hope you feel this exercise has stretched your creative muscles and added something new to your writer toolkit . Writing within time constraints and trying your hand at short fiction are two great ways to grow your craft. But this exercise has another advantage. That brings me back to David Bazan.

Bazan’s experiment not only helped him get back to writing songs, it gave him his next album. Those ten songs were compiled into Bazan Monthly: Volume 1 . And the project was so popular with fans that Bazan repeated it in 2015 with Volume 2. What might you be able to do with a collection of your monthly stories? You could compile them into a short story collection, enter a few of your best in competitions , or use them as promotional stories for your fans between novels. Whatever you decide to do with these stories, I hope the exercise will help you grow your craft and stretch your vision of what’s possible in this ever-changing industry.

What writing challenges have you undertaken? How have they helped you grow as a writer, and what publishing opportunities have they opened for you along the way?

Inspiration , NaNoWriMo

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4 thoughts on “How To Write A Story Every Month, One Week At A Time”

Thank you for this awesome article, i know it will help me be a better writter in a short time, will try following the steps stated.

I’m so glad you found this article helpful. I hope you enjoy the exercise!

Some great ideas to get things moving – thanks!

One thing I find useful is to “go public” with the idea that you’re going to be writing your novel in the next month.

Tell friends that you’re embarking on your journey. Use Facebook, text, etc. to let them know and give them permission to ask you for updates (you can also publish those updates wherever people are likely to spot them).

Not many will actually nag you – they’ve got their own lives to live – but the mere fact that they could ask gives your subconscious motivation to keep up with things, just in case.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Your advice to “go public” is so insightful. There’s nothing like accountability–especially such public accountability–to keep writers motivated and pushing forward.

How to Write a Book in a Month (Success Writing Tips)

So, you want to write a book in just one month?

Well, you're in luck because I'm here to guide you through the process step by step.

Imagine this: you have a brilliant idea for a novel, and you're bursting with excitement to bring it to life. With a little dedication and a lot of determination, you can make it happen.

In this guide, we'll explore practical strategies and techniques that will help you complete your book within a month. From creating a designated writing space to finding a community of fellow writers, we'll cover it all.

So, get ready to embark on this writing journey and achieve your dream of becoming a published author. Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways

Choose a quiet area free from distractions
Set aside dedicated time for writing each day
Utilize word count trackers such as Scrivener or Writometer
Join online writing communities or forums like NaNoWriMo

Table of Contents (click to expand)

Designate a writing space, break it down into manageable chunks, utilize writing apps and tools, find other writers to write with you, organize via storyboards, write first, edit later, create a series of incremental stories, outline the end first, be in the right place mentally, block distractions and try timers, frequently asked questions.

To maximize your productivity, designate a dedicated writing space for the month. Creating a designated area where you can focus solely on your writing will increase your chances of success in the daunting task of writing a book in just one month.

The publishing industry can be competitive, and it's important to create an environment that fosters your creativity and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the writing process.

When designating your writing space, consider a quiet area where you can minimize distractions. Find a spot where you feel comfortable and inspired, whether it's a cozy nook in your home or a local coffee shop that fuels your creativity.

Make sure your writing space is well-organized and free from clutter, as a tidy environment can help clear your mind and enhance your focus.

The month of November, designated as National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), presents a unique opportunity to challenge yourself and join a community of writers all striving to complete a book in just 30 days.

By creating a designated writing space, you can fully commit to this ambitious goal and increase your chances of becoming a successful author.

In this article section, we aim to provide you with practical tips on how to create an effective writing space. Remember, your writing space should be a place where you feel a sense of belonging, where ideas flow freely, and where you can let your creativity flourish.

To ensure a successful completion of your book within the month, it's crucial to break down the writing process into manageable chunks. Writing a book in a month may seem like a daunting task, but by breaking it down, you can make it more achievable and less overwhelming.

First, consider how to draft a novel in a month. It's important to set aside dedicated time for writing each day. Creating a writing schedule can help you stay on track and ensure that you make progress every day.

Determine how many words you need to write to complete your book and calculate how many words you need to write each day to reach that goal. This will give you a clear target to aim for during each writing session.

Next, can you write a book in a month? The answer is yes, but it requires a lot of time and commitment. You may need to make sacrifices and prioritize your writing over other activities.

Setting aside specific blocks of time for writing can help you stay focused and avoid distractions.

When it comes to creative writing, it's important to find a balance between quantity and quality. While it's important to reach your daily word count goal, don't sacrifice the quality of your writing.

Take breaks when needed, step away from your work, and come back with fresh eyes to ensure that your writing is the best it can be.

You can enhance your writing process by utilizing various writing apps and tools. These tools are designed to help you stay organized, focused, and motivated throughout the writing journey.

Here are four essential writing apps and tools that can support you in achieving your goal of writing a book in one month during National Novel Writing Month:

Writing Schedule Planners : Use apps like Trello or Google Calendar to create a detailed writing schedule. Set aside specific blocks of time each day dedicated solely to writing. Having a structured plan helps you stay committed and ensures you make progress towards your daily word count goal.
Word Count Trackers : Utilize writing apps like Scrivener or Writometer to keep track of your daily word count. These tools provide visual representations of your progress, which can be highly motivating. Seeing the numbers increase each day gives you a sense of accomplishment and encourages you to keep going.
Writing Prompts : When you feel stuck or uninspired, turn to writing apps like Evernote or Prompts for Writers to generate fresh ideas. These apps provide creative prompts and exercises to help you overcome writer's block and keep your creativity flowing.
Editing and Revision Tools : Once you've completed your first draft, use editing tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to polish your work. These apps help you identify grammar and spelling errors, improve sentence structure, and enhance readability. By utilizing these tools, you can ensure your writing is clear, concise, and error-free.

By incorporating these best writing tools into your writing process, you'll have the support and guidance needed to write a book in just one month. Stay focused, follow your writing schedule, and utilize these apps and tools to make the most out of your writing experience.

Collaborate with fellow writers who share your goal of writing a book in a month. Writing can often feel like a solitary journey, but finding other writers to write with you can make the process more enjoyable and rewarding.

Not only will you have a support system to lean on during the ups and downs of the writing process, but you'll also have a group of like-minded individuals who understand the struggles and triumphs of creating a book.

One way to find other writers is by joining writing communities or forums online. Platforms like NaNoWriMo, which stands for National Novel Writing Month, are designed to bring together writers who want to complete a novel in just one month.

By becoming a NaNoWriMo participant, you'll have access to a vast network of writers who are working towards similar writing goals. You can connect with others, share your progress, and even find a critique partner or writer friend who can provide valuable feedback on your work.

Another option is to attend writing workshops or conferences in your area. These events often attract debut novelists and published authors who are eager to connect with fellow writers.

By attending these gatherings, you can't only learn from experienced authors but also form relationships with writers who are at a similar stage in their writing journey.

One effective way to streamline your writing process is by utilizing storyboards as a visual tool for organizing your ideas and plot.

Storyboards can help you bring structure to your thoughts and ensure that you stay on track as you work towards completing your book in a month.

Here's how you can use storyboards to organize your writing:

Start with your story idea: Begin by jotting down your main story idea in the center of the storyboard. This will serve as the foundation for your book and help you stay focused on the central theme.
Add new ideas: As you brainstorm new ideas for your book, add them to the storyboard. You can create branches and connect them to the main idea to show how they relate to the overall plot.
Develop your main character: Use the storyboard to flesh out your main character. Write down their name, background, and key traits. This will help you keep your character consistent throughout the story.
Plan your next steps: Once you have a clear vision of your story, use the storyboard to outline the sequence of events. Break down your book into chapters or sections, and map out the key plot points you want to cover in each one.

By organizing your ideas and plot using storyboards, you can create a roadmap for your first draft. This visual tool will help you stay focused, ensure consistency, and make the writing process more efficient.

Now that your ideas are organized, it's time to move on to the next step - diving into the actual writing process.

Utilize the process of writing first and editing later to maintain momentum and focus as you work towards completing your book in a month.

When it comes to writing a book in a month, the first step is to prioritize getting your thoughts down on paper. Don't worry about perfection or making everything sound just right. The key is to write first and edit later.

Writing a rough draft without constantly editing allows you to tap into your creativity and let your ideas flow freely. Your inner editor can be quite critical and may hinder your progress if you let it have control during the writing process.

By silencing your inner editor and focusing on writing first, you give yourself the freedom to explore different ideas and experiment with your writing style.

During your dedicated writing time, make it a point to write without judgment or self-criticism. Remember, the goal is to get your thoughts out of your head and onto the page.

This is an important step in the writing process, as it helps you build momentum and stay focused on your goal of completing your book in a month.

Once you have finished writing your rough draft, you can then shift your attention to editing. Editing is a separate task that requires a different mindset than writing.

By separating these two processes, you can give each one the attention it deserves. Editing allows you to refine your ideas, improve the structure and flow of your book, and polish your writing to make it shine.

In conclusion, when it comes to writing a book in a month, remember to write first and edit later. This approach helps you maintain momentum, overcome perfectionism, and stay focused on completing your book within the given timeframe.

To develop a compelling narrative, consider crafting a sequence of interconnected stories that build upon each other. Creating a series of incremental stories can be a powerful approach when tackling the challenge of writing a novel in a month.

Not only does it provide structure and direction, but it also allows you to delve deeper into your characters and their journeys.

Here are four reasons why creating a series of interconnected stories can be beneficial:

Building suspense: By ending each chapter or story on a cliffhanger, you keep your readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next. This helps to maintain their interest throughout the entire book.
Developing complex characters: With each new story, you have the opportunity to reveal different facets of your characters' personalities and motivations. This creates a sense of depth and complexity, making them more relatable and interesting to your readers.
Unfolding a layered plot: By gradually revealing new information and introducing new conflicts in each story, you can create a multi-layered plot that keeps your readers guessing. This adds excitement and intrigue to your novel.
Providing a sense of progress: Writing a novel in a month can be overwhelming, but by breaking it down into smaller interconnected stories, you can track your progress more easily. Each completed story serves as a milestone, giving you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.

Begin by envisioning the conclusion of your book before you embark on writing it, allowing you to have a clear direction and purpose for your story. The best way to ensure a successful writing journey is to outline the end first.

By starting with the finish line in mind, you can set goals and create a roadmap that will guide you through the writing process.

When you outline the end first, you give yourself a target to aim for, a vision that will fuel your motivation and keep you focused. It helps you stay on track and avoid getting lost in the maze of your own desires.

By knowing where your story is headed, you can make intentional choices that support your ultimate goal.

Outline the end first also allows you to implement best practices in storytelling. As you work backwards from the conclusion, you can identify the key moments and plot twists that will lead you there.

This method helps you structure your story in a way that keeps readers engaged and satisfied.

Setting a lofty goal of finishing a book in a month can be daunting, but outlining the end first can make it more achievable. It gives you a sense of purpose and direction, guiding your writing process and keeping you focused on the ultimate prize.

When envisioning the conclusion of your book, it's important to be in the right place mentally. This means finding a mental state that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the writing process and overcome any obstacles that may come your way.

Here's how you can get in the right mindset:

Leave your full-time job at the office : During your writing month, try to separate your work life from your creative life. Use your evenings and weekends to focus solely on your book. This dedicated time will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
Take a break from social media : Social media can be a major time-suck and a source of comparison. Instead of scrolling through endless feeds, use that time to write. Disconnecting from social media will allow you to be present in your own story and not get caught up in the lives of others.
Use your lunch break wisely : If you have a day job, take advantage of your lunch break to write. Find a quiet spot, bring your laptop or notebook, and use this time to escape into your book. It's amazing what you can accomplish in just 30 minutes of focused writing.
Seek support from your best friend : Writing can be a lonely process, but it doesn't have to be. Share your progress and struggles with a trusted friend who can offer encouragement and support. Having someone on your side can make all the difference in staying motivated and becoming a better writer.

Blocking distractions and trying timers can greatly enhance your productivity when writing a book in a month. As a writer, it's crucial to create an environment that fosters focus and minimizes interruptions.

By blocking distractions, such as turning off notifications on your phone or computer, you can create a space that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the writing process.

Set aside designated writing time where you can be free from distractions and fully dedicate your attention to your book.

One effective technique to stay focused is to try timers. Using a timer can help you allocate specific periods of time for writing, increasing your productivity and preventing procrastination.

Start by setting a timer for a reasonable amount of time, such as 30 minutes or an hour. During this time, commit to writing without any distractions or interruptions.

Once the timer goes off, take a short break to recharge and then set the timer again for another writing session.

This method, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can help you stay motivated and maintain a consistent writing routine.

In addition to timers, it's important to identify and eliminate potential distractions in your writing environment. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus without interruptions.

If you find yourself easily distracted by noise, consider using noise-cancelling headphones or playing instrumental music to create a peaceful ambiance. Clear your workspace of clutter and unnecessary objects that may divert your attention away from writing.

How do I overcome writer's block?

To overcome writer's block, you need to take a break and clear your mind. Relax, go for a walk, or do something you enjoy. Inspiration will come when you least expect it.

What Is the best way to handle feedback and criticism during the writing process?

When receiving feedback and criticism during the writing process, it's important to stay open-minded and remember that it's not personal. Use it as an opportunity to grow and improve your work.

How can I stay motivated and disciplined throughout the month-long writing process?

To stay motivated and disciplined throughout the month-long writing process, you need to set clear goals, create a schedule, reward yourself for progress, and find a supportive community to keep you accountable.

What are some tips for creating engaging and relatable characters?

To create engaging and relatable characters, think about their desires, fears, and flaws. Give them unique personalities and motivations that readers can connect with. Show their growth and development throughout the story to keep readers invested.

How do I effectively balance writing with other commitments and responsibilities in my life?

To effectively balance writing with other commitments and responsibilities in your life, prioritize your time and set achievable goals. Find moments throughout the day to write, even if it's just a few minutes. Stay organized and make writing a priority.

How much time do I need to dedicate to writing each day?

Even full-time authors like Stephen King recommend writing for just 2-3 focused hours daily. But for this tight 30-day deadline, you may need to commit 5-6 mornings, lunch breaks or evenings to hit that word count. Determine a sustainable daily time frame for your schedule.

Where do I start? Facing the blank page is intimidating!

The most important thing is to start. Write the first few sentences, paragraphs or pages even if they are rough. Getting that little bit down beats waiting for the perfect opening line. You can edit later.

How detailed should my outline be beforehand?

Having some clear ideas mapped out helps, but don't overplan early on. Allow yourself room for new directions once the writing starts flowing. Feel it out chapter by chapter.

What is the best environment for productivity?

This differs for everyone! Some writers need total quiet and a closed office door. Others prefer a coffee shop buzz. Know what fuels your best work, at least for your most intense writing sessions.

How can I silence my inner critic bringing up doubts?

That pesky voice questioning if you have what it takes to write a real book in such a short amount of time is common, especially among first-time authors. But don't listen! Stay focused on your word count goals each writing session.

Is there a right way to start my manuscript?

With fiction, some say to jump right into an intense scene, while nonfiction may benefit more from an introduction. But again, there are no definite rules. Follow your instincts in crafting the first words your readers will see.

If I'm stuck, should I force myself to continue writing?

It’s good push through brief moments feeling stuck, but if you just can't make progress, a short break can work wonders. Clear your head, then try approaching from a different angle or skipping ahead to another scene.

So, there you have it! With a designated writing space, manageable chunks, writing apps and tools , fellow writers for support, storyboards for organization, and incremental stories for progress, you have all the tools you need to write a book in just one month.

It may seem daunting, but with determination and these tips, you'll be a published author before you know it!

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Writing a Novel in a Month: Is It Possible and Should You Try?

Have you ever considered writing a novel in one month?

It’s an interesting idea, right? By this time next month, you could have the next great American novel, or at least a good start. But is it even possible to write a novel in 30 days or less? Should you even attempt it?

In today’s post, we’re tackling all those questions and more. Let’s get started!

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Is It Possible?

It’s definitely possible. In fact, if you’ve ever heard of the wildly popular National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo, for short), you know that countless writers have gone on to create epic (and published) novels in the span of 30 days.

When you break it down, you’re actually writing less than 3,000 words per day, depending on the size of your novel. If you’re aiming for a really short novel (around 50,000 words), you’ll write approximately 1600 words per day. If you’re writing an industry standard length novel (around 80,000 words), you’ll increase your daily limit to about 2,600 words per day.

Of course, you can write more than your limit, but it’s best to never dip below that. Then you’ll find yourself having to play catch-up, and that’s never fun.

Did you know that Stephen King writes 2,000 words every day (even on his birthday)? If he can do it, so can you—at least for 30 days. It’s time to get your Stephen King on, and here’s why:

The Pros of Writing a Novel in One Month

So, what are the pros of writing a humongous novel in just 30 days?

+You’ve actually written an entire book in one month

Hooray! You can now proudly proclaim, I’ve written a novel!

At the end of 30 days, you’ll have a great sense of accomplishment. I can’t imagine that climbing Mt. Everest is more thrilling than actually completing a novel—especially since you’re doing it in half the time.

+You’ll ignore your excuses

Excuses like these:

I’m not inspired.
I have writer’s block.
I can’t think of what to do next.
What if my story isn’t good enough?

Insert anything you tell yourself to justify not putting pen to paper.

Here’s the thing about inspiration: it generally comes after you start writing.

Image Courtesy of Quotefancy

When you enforce a strict timeline on yourself, you’ll be too busy to wait for the exact moment of inspiration. You’ll start writing and then meet it along the way.

+It hones your writing skills

Writing, just like any other skill, gets better the more you do it. What better way to exercise than with high intensity training, such as writing 50,000 words in a 30 day period? You’ll improve your writing skills just by virtue of constantly writing.

+You get used to the habit of writing daily

By the end of 30 days, you’ll be able to teach a monk a thing or two about self-discipline. Writing every day is a great habit to have as a writer. It puts you in the “creating” mindframe. You’ll teach yourself how to just sit down and write—which is harder than it looks!

+You can write the whole

My writing teacher always taught us to “write the whole”. In other words, don’t edit yourself and write more than you probably should about the story. Then, during the editing process, you’ll have so much more to work with in creating the story. You won’t have to insert—you’ll only have to worry about taking away.

The benefit of writing a novel in one month is that you can allow yourself to get carried away. Plus, it’s so much easier to follow your tangents when you know that they count towards your daily word limit.

The Cons of Writing a Novel in One Month

Of course, writing a novel in one month isn’t for everyone. Here’s some things you should definitely consider before diving into the deep end.

-It’s a huge time commitment

You thought you had no social life before? That’s cute. Get ready for full-blown hermit status. By that, I mean hunched over your computer screen for hours on end, forgetting to eat, and barely acknowledging your friends and family.

If you have a day job, you’ll have even less time to write, which means the time that you currently devote to your friends and family (and yourself) is gone—long gone. Your only friend now is the blinking cursor.

It’s only for 30 days, but that’s an entire month out of your life that you’ll never get back. That’s why you make it count (no pressure).

-Burn out is real

After you’ve written your novel, you won’t want to look at another word for a long time. You may even suffer from creativity fatigue. This happens when you’re constantly calling upon yourself to find new ideas (without replenishing these ideas because you don’t have time to do anything but write).

-There’s no time to edit periodically

Many writers choose to edit their novels periodically as they’re writing. It’s common to come to the end of a chapter and then go back and edit it for clarity and cohesion. This is called editing as you go, and it’s popular because it provides you the ability to shape aspects of the story while it’s still fresh in your mind.

However, with such strict time constraints, you won’t be able to edit as you go. Out of necessity, you’ll have to wait until the end to begin editing.

Now, this is only a minor con because all novels (good novels) go through various edits, but if you’re accustomed to working on the clay while it’s still wet, it’ll be difficult to adjust to this type of editing schedule.

-You will cringe

So, the clay is dry now. You’ve finished your novel, and it’s time to read what you’ve written. Brace yourself, you will cringe hard. There’s no getting around it. Your novel-in-a-month is, at best, a rough draft.

But, cringing is part of the writing experience. You may surprise yourself and actually enjoy most of what you’ve written.

By the way, before you read back, take a break. This break can be anything from a few days to a week. It’ll allow you to come back and see your writing with fresh eyes.

-There’s a lot to edit

Once you get past the cringing, you’ll start to see the diamonds in the rough—these are the places that can be polished to create a killer story. That’s the whole point of writing a novel in a month: creating a valid and engaging story. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be edited.

If you’re writing 50,000 words with a 30 day deadline, you will have to edit. You’ll need to sort through lots of stuff to get to the core of your real story. And that may take much longer than it took to actually write the novel. Plus, you may end up rewriting the whole thing.

Best Practices

If you’re planning to write a novel in one month, here are my favorite tips:

Start With a Plan

While some writers can just start writing without giving much thought to story ideas, outlines, or characters, that’s never worked for me. I find it’s so much better to start with a plan—especially when you need to write a cohesive novel in 30 days. Here is a rough idea of what to include in your plan:

Create a general outline of what you’d like the story to be about.
Sketch out the protagonist and a few of the main characters.

Of course, you can delve even deeper. You can outline how many chapters you’d like to write and what happens in each chapter. You can also create character bibles to help you as you start creating the story.

Have a Notebook/ System to Capture Ideas

Ideas strike at the craziest times. You can’t follow every rainbow when you have self-imposed time constraints. Instead of going crazy trying to remember those ideas (and failing), keep a notebook by your desk to jot down ideas, thoughts, and inspirations as they come to you.

Set a Daily Word Limit

We’ve discussed this before, but it bears repeating. Set a daily word limit and try to go over that limit each time.

Alternatively, a weekly word limit may work better for you—especially if you can’t write for the same amount of hours every day of the week (for example, you may have a full time job but be free on the weekends).

Turn Off Your Internal Editor

Writing a novel in 30 days is akin to jumping hurdles. When you stumble at one hurdle, you’ve lost a lot of time that you may not be able to make up.

Hurdles include misspelled words and poor word choice. These are small issues that can easily be cleared up in the editing process, but disrupt and derail us when we write.

Turn that editor off, both in your mind and on your word processor, and write freely without the distraction of squiggly red lines.

Inspiration

Need some inspiration before you go? The following novels were all written (or at least originally drafted) in 30 days, and now they’re best selling, highly rated, amazing novels.

The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern (Image Courtesy of Amazon)

Fangirl: A Novel, by Rainbow Rowell (Image Courtesy of Amazon)

The Beautiful Land, by Alan Averill (Image Courtesy of Amazon)

Should You Try It?

I take the “why not?” approach. You may just like it. I believe the pros far outweigh the cons, and it can benefit you. The most compelling reason to go for it is that you’ll finally publish your thoughts onto paper. You’ll have something tangible to polish and make shine. So yes, go for it! And then let us know how it worked for you.

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Write a GREAT book in a month: 34 easy steps to help you finish your first draft (free book templates for authors!)

Let’s get serious for a moment: writing a book is a long-term project and it’s not going to magically happen for you until you stop browsing useless listicles that focus on everything except the actual writing part. You know the ones – they focus on motivation or lifestyle organization and give pithy highlights like “write the first draft” as if that wasn’t a monumental challenge for new authors.

According to John Steinbeck,

“If there is a magic in story writing, and I am convinced there is, no one has ever been able to reduce it to a recipe that can be passed from one person to another.”

Well, I’ve spent the last decade trying to make just such a recipe… and do everything in my power to also pass the magic wand of creative inspiration, so that you don’t just finish a book. Because, while that may feel satisfying at first, it quickly dries up in the face of negative reviews or the endless void of commercial competition.

Because there is no formula, no template, no cheatsheet to writing great books, people sometimes hesitate to label the necessary part of the writing process in ordinary terms, and end up with a list that skips all the nuts-and-bolts of actually, you know, doing the work.

Want to write a book
Write the book
Make millions

I’ve written over 25 books, millions of words, and have cleared six figures in books sales. I’ve also rented a castle for Nanowrimo and have an #amwriting tattoo.

But enough about me. YOU want to know if it’s really possible to write a book in a month. Whether you can do it, and whether it’s worth the time and effort.

I can’t answer all of those question, but I can definitely give you what NOBODY ELSE on the entire interwebz can… a crystal-clear chapter planning guide, ruthless self-editing tips from a PhD in Literature, common amateur mistakes to avoid and advanced strategies for pounding out letters into your word processor until your story ideas start to take on a life of their own.

Only YOU can decide if you want this, and it’s going to take some time, attention and motivation. You can start by actually reading this blog post to the end… if you can’t take 5 minutes to scroll through these resources, I’m afraid there’s no hope for you (though I wish you the best, of course!)

We’re going to get started with the basics:

It starts like this: an annoyingly simple, 5-step plan. It’s pretty much what you’d find anywhere else. The difference is, I’ll be breaking these steps down into their core components. This is the recipe , but I’m going to give you the ingredients and instructions, and even the best tools for the job.

IDEA generating a powerful premise

OUTLINE creating a story structure outline

DRAFT sprints and word count goals

EDIT best writing apps and software
PROOFREAD the writing and editing process

But I promise, my *basics* are comprehensive and will leave your head spinning. These tools and resources have taken me a decade to produce, and thousands of authors have found them not only helpful, but life-changing.

And because procrastination is my super power – (honestly, I’m amazing at doing nothing and refuse to do the work that must be done) – I’ll share some strategies to help you finish your book with single-minded focus, regardless of time constraints.

And at the end, I’ll even share a printable book template you can use to stay organized. Are you ready for this? Then keep reading… or bookmark this page to come back with a fresh mind and a dark cup of coffee.

Generating a powerful premise or topic

1 what is it about (inherent conflict, impossible quest, man in tree).

For novels, compelling fiction is about drama, which means unresolved tension and conflict. It’s the unknown of what will happen next that keeps us turning pages. There’s an old adage about putting your character in a tree and then throwing rocks at them… or lighting the tree on fire.

You increase the tension and unforeseen consequences until they are both personally involved and willing to be destroyed by this impossible quest.

For nonfiction, you still need a unique and powerful premise and hook. Why this book, who is it for, what will they learn, how is it different.

2 new combination of ideas people want

Creativity is rarely something completely new: in fact all modern definitions of creativity define is at a mixing or blending of things that are already popular or successful, in order to make something new *of value* (that’s the key thing here: you can make something new of no value , which might be “creative” but isn’t useful – for most books, they will be judged on their usefulness in terms of reader enjoyment and satisfaction, or on a more base level, whether people could even suffer through the first few chapters.

You can write a book in a month easily, but it might be all crap. This is also fine, if it’s a rough draft and you’re just discovering the story – the first draft is usually crap. Accept that now, but be aware it’s going to need a lot of work and polishing (that’s OK too, you make it good, and then make it better, in the editing stages – not the writing stages).

3 a story worth telling/impossible quest

I mentioned this briefly but let’s break it down: an “Impossible Quest” means the story offers a challenge that the current protagonist is unable to handle. A story worth telling, implies this level of drama. It matters, it’s remarkable, because it left a mark on your protagonist by forcing them to change or become.

The story is the entire set of circumstances leading to that change or choice: and to be effective you have to start off with hard resistance, like something they believe in, would never do, or refuse to give up. You define them with these limits and then force them to question things.

If you have a nonfiction book or memoir, this part will probably be your “hero’s origin” story or the vulnerable story you begin with that confirms this is information gained at a cost.*

* every new discovery or reveal should have a cost, information should never be common or easy to attain. You increase the value and the intrigue by making each piece of information something unique, unknown, that must be fought for.

As an easy example, at the beginning of 2022’s Star Trek New Worlds, several people ask the broken protagonist “what happened out there” and why he isn’t ready to go back to his command, but he rebuffs them with “it’s classified.” You develop intrigue by referring to a character’s tragic past but not revealing it until much later.

4 focus on your audience

There’s two big reasons to start with this: one, it’s more likely people will actually like your book (which you may think you don’t care about right now, but you definitely will later). two, it’s much easier to write a book on purpose if you know what kind of thing you’re writing.

This doesn’t necessarily mean “write to market” – though I have no problems with that term. It means not assuming your ill-informed, un-researched book is going to be a smash hit for no reason. It means respecting your readers enough to get to know who they are and what they like.

5 research your genre

You also need to read other competitors in the space; and write something better than what already exists (which you cannot do if you don’t know what’s out there.)

In my MA program, I hated this idea: my ideas were all unique, why would I need to do a “literature review” first? It’s because your book needs to be about something, and for someone. Choosing not to put it in any box is still a willful choice, it just means your book will be uncategorized and discovered by nobody.

No matter what your book actually contains, nobody will read it if you can’t give them a reason to: knowing how to describe your book in a sentence or two – in a way that’s both attractive and novel – is a whole other challenge ( blurb writing ).

You aren’t researching your genre just to copy+paste a story: you’re learning how to describe the story you want to write, in a way that readers engage with. But also, you don’t want to spend months or years writing a book that nobody likes or buys (which is actually why – for many reasons – I recommend writing a quick draft in a month over trying to write a masterpiece in a decade… you’ll level up faster by writing more in a short period of time).

creating a story structure outline

6 chapter outlines for plotters & pantsers.

If you’re new to writing, there are basically two kinds of book production:

plotters plot and organize first
pantsers write by the seat of their pants.

These two correlate to a Time article about creativity that distinguished between the analytical and the intuitive. No judgments, but pantsing is more satisfying because it feels like magic (intuitive); whereas plotting my feel boring.

In my experience, neither side has “better writers” and their are great writers on both types. But I strongly believe that for starting out learning a new skill, it absolutely helps to have a roadmap so you can finish books faster and learn more without getting lost in the weeds.

I had tons of trouble writing books because it’s very difficult to fix a broken plot, and much easy to start with an outline: after reading tons and tons of books on writing, I found that no single “chapter outline” or “plotting template” worked because they were mostly based on the hero’s journey which doesn’t entirely work for fiction: so I made my own modified version called the Plot Dot that’s more effective.

It doesn’t tell you what to write; it only guides you to be mindful of the major turning points a compelling book will have. Focusing on hitting these major points gives your novel structure and momentum.

But I wanted to do even more, so I made a detailed 24-chapter plot outline that I think is pretty great (and a lot of writers agree). You can even download templates so check that out…

Free fiction writing template to help you outline your novel (Word, Scrivener, G-Docs, Plottr)

And if you write nonfiction or memoir, I have chapter outlines for you too!

The Plot Dot (basic dramatic fiction turning points)
24-chapter novel plotting templates
Nonfiction chapter outlines (memoir and more)

I prefer to just write in Microsoft Word – but if you’re having trouble keeping track of a complex timeline, you might like a plotting/timeline tool like Plottr.

7 creative story prompts & mind-maps for subconscious inspiration

The plot outline templates are just touchpoints – you’re trying to jump quickly between the major turning points and filling in spaces as you go. The more touchpoints you have linking them, the tighter and faster your progress will be.

However you’ll always get stuck in the middle. You can’t see everything when you start off and writing a book is a process of continuously arriving at and getting stuck at the next scene. Just because you know what happens, doesn’t mean you’ve seen it yet.*

* for me personally, I can know what happens, but I can’t write it until I see it in my mind’s eye playing out; where everybody is, what it looks like, what the characters say to each other… I’m still discovering or pantsing that stuff in real-time, even if I start with a detailed story outline.

Nevertheless, it’s absolutely normal to get stuck. If you have no idea what comes next, that’s usually not something you can solve by staring at the blank page. Let your mind be stuck for awhile, do something else and the solution will usually appear (you can’t solve everything at the beginning, so some of the best insights will serve to fill in the blanks much later).

If you don’t know what to write about, try some random story prompt generators. One thing I’m playing with right now is the AI writing tool Jarvis, which might spit out some fun ideas, and I’d like to build a writing prompt tool that makes up fun prompts. I also watch a ton of Netflix looking for common tropes or themes that might work (nothing specific, but they do a good job of cramming in multiple points of subconflict through sideplots).

Add a Dinosaur – I haven’t finished writing this article yet, but I like the idea of adding a dinosaur whenever things get slow or feel tedious; with those chapters that feel meaningless or boring. There probably isn’t anything actively threatening your characters. No matter the genre – this doesn’t have to be a big action thriller – your characters need to have something they are trying to prevent. Something they want to happen or don’t want to happen. Something that must not happen.

The trick is to establish their resistance to it first, and then of course, let the thing happen (if the thing just happened without the build up, it wouldn’t be an impossible story: your hero could just magically resolve the issue without being forced to change. It only works if you show that this thing is impossible for this character.

So just for fun, as a writing prompt, start with “what’s the worst thing that could happen right now” or just add a dinosaur and let your characters react. Later you can turn the “dinosaur” into whatever kind of dramatic interruption is better suited for your story.

8 bridging scenes

I don’t think I’ve found a good way to talk about this but I’ll try to be brief, because I do think it’s an important insight. The big scenes when something happens are usually easier and more fun to write. It may even feel like “that’s the real story” and hitting those turning points is important… but you might end up with a short book.

The harder parts are those in-between bits. Those scenes that feel lame or tired, where nothing is really happening.

These scenes usually come together last, but are often the best parts. These in-between scenes are a chance for your characters to relax and get to know each other. You balance them between the big shocking twists; and sometimes you create them by forcing your characters to pause by preventing them from taking action.

(What’s the next thing they need to do? Maybe they can’t make a move until the bank opens in the morning; hence an opportunity for a slower scene).

These might be the vulnerable shares – late in the book – when the characters are finally opening up and sharing backstory. Or they might be the silly fun stuff that happens… and are important because at the end of the book you’ll have a slide-show of touching moments as the hero reflects back on the journey; so those trivial earlier scenes actually become the critical catalyst that gives him the strength to choose differently.

I talk more about this in the “world-worth saving” – but the key takeaway here is that there will be messy parts in the middle that feel unfinished as you write the first draft, and that’s OK – we’ll circle back to them in the editing phases.

sprints and word count goals

9 writing sprints and deadlines.

Here’s the basic idea: it’s very hard to *write a book.* So don’t try to do that. Instead, you write a small crappy scene at a time, in bursts of panic and madness. You do what you can, when you can. You’re looking with a flashlight and you only see one little scene at a time. Write it down. The first draft is about loosely figuring out what happens.

But it’s very easy to get demotivated because writing a book seems like such a big project, and holding a whole book in your head is exhausting. But you don’t need to do that. And you’re not even responsible for the quality (you’ll always do the best you can; which will always improve as you gain experience). Plus it’s helpful to accept and know that your first draft will suck and that’s the goal, because you can’t edit a blank page.

It can be hard to make progress because for most people, writing a book is a life goal with no deadline, and it’s just too easy to do nothing. So, we need to create deadlines. The easiest way is with a writing sprint – most people suggest 20 or 30 minutes at a time, with a timer. I also recommend writing with a bluetooth keyboard and a smart phone app (I like “IAwriter”).

The smaller screen will get you out of your head; there are even some cool apps or games, like writeordie or 4thewords that add pressure or prizes. One cool one I’ve seen is squibler’s “ most dangerous writing app ” that comes with a hardcore mode, but I don’t think it’s totally finished yet.

Some people like to team up and do shared sprints – as social interaction can be motivating as well; whether in an online group, virtual meetup or real-life writing retreat.

10 momentum and the two brains

You have an analytic, editing brain and an intuitive, drafting brain. You want to stick to your creative side, to visualize innovative scenes and ideas – which means you need to be careful not to edit yourself (some hardcore writing apps even prevent you from backspacing or even seeing the words you type, like Ilys ).

The key here is speed. You need to outrun your rational brain.

As a side-note, I bought a tattoo machine from ebay and gave myself some ankle tattoos when I was working in an outdoor school outside of Boston: one for jupiter, and one for saturn – my two ruling planets. Jupiter is reckless and effusive, all enthusiasm. Saturn is cautious and careful.

Like me, you’re probably ruled by both; but each is better used for certain types of creative production, and in the drafting phases you need to maintain the creative energy – passion, inspiration, but most importantly, momentum .

You are running over icy waters and you can’t stop; if there’s a hole or debris you leap over it and keep going… if there’s a typo or you use the wrong word – come back to it later. Stay with the scene and write as much as you can see until it runs out of steam.

You can’t see everything all at once, so during the first pass you’re leapfrogging over opaque water, landing on the visible parts of the story that you can see. I call this scaffolding, and it’s the same principle: this stuff might not even make it into the final story! It’s just the rough, cheap wooden structure that allows you to move those big, heavy stones into places. Eventually you can lose the scaffolding or replace it with better content, but it was necessary to even reach the right places.

If you get stuck, try our writing prompts generator .

11 measurable progress

The previous section was about forcing urgency into short, timed-bursts, but a book is a long-term project, so it’s also useful to keep track of your progress with a notepad or calendar. Many writers just mark down the times of their 30 minute sprints and their word-counts.

150 words in a 20 minute sprint is pretty average, so 500 words an hour isn’t bad. See if you can shoot for that at the beginning. You might find, if you’re really in a scene, you can write for an hour or two and end up with many thousands of words (I tend to average 2000 words a day when I’m writing; sometimes 5000 words a day if I’m panicking, and mostly zero words a day when I’m procrastinating).

You can set daily goals or weekly goals, and mark off your calendar with your daily wordcounts, your arbitrary deadline, and other things. Sometimes just a big red X when you do *any* writing is enough – once you start, you’ll want to keep the chain going.

Some tools keep a daily record, like www.writeeveryday.app

Many of these pieces come together during National Novel Writing Month: there’s a fixed deadline of 30 days and a fixed word count goal of 50,000 words (the length of an average, shortish rough draft – full novels tend to be between 65K to 95K.)

I like Nanowrimo because it’s a shared excuse to ignore your life for a month and focus on the goal of writing a book. If friends and family don’t understand, you can point out it’s like a totally real thing that millions of people are doing. I like it enough that I got an #amwriting tattoo and rented some castles, but I don’t do it every year.

It’s a great source of great mental anguish and it forces you to do the work. If nothing else, if you finish your 50K of drivel, you’ll know that you have what it takes – that it is possible – to write a book in a month.

It takes roughly 20 days to form a writing habit, so Nanowrimo is mostly about establishing a writing practice; go into it knowing that all your words might be crap and that it doesn’t matter, because you’re building a muscle and training your abilities. You can get better. You can write better. But not if you haven’t established a daily writing habit, and in the beginning, you need to carve out space for that in your life.

best writing apps, tool and software

EDIT best writing apps and software. (I probably should have called this the “production” stage as opposed to the “planning” stage but whatever… I’m messy.)

12 ok but like, HOW do I even start the actual writing?

One word at a time.

Start with what your character’s need or want or lack. Show them in the “ordinary” world or status quo which is their regular-existence. Build in some sympathy by showing they are kind, they are oppressed, they are unfulfilled. I have some good tips on making a likable character in this video:

Ps. I have over 3 million views on YouTube, I’m not a great speaker but I have excellent content (sometimes) if you want to subscribe to my channel.

After that, you have the inciting incident where something new, novel or interesting happens. Something out of place and uncomfortable, something slightly challenging that your protagonist ignores at first until… it forces them onto a new path, not always of their choosing.

The first half of the novel, they’re still just trying to go back to their comfortable, safe, status quo life. At the midpoint, they realize they are now invested enough in this new world that they want to fight for it; the second half the novel is an escalating series of big failures until the final, core-destroying shift that allows them to become who they need to be to resolve things.

If this sounds dramatic, one example I like is from the novel Emma by Jane Austen. She keeps meddling in people’s affairs until she messes up so big she finally realizes, maybe she’s been wrong about everything – and this clarity allows her to make a different personal choice for her own life as well.

I’m just saying, it doesn’t have to be a dinosaur, it can be an epiphany – but even that is a destructive flash of lightning that tears down everything they thought they knew.

For fiction, try to get from the status quo to the point of no return, which is roughly 15,000 words and 1/4th of your story (the inciting incident or weirdness might happen pretty quickly, but explanations or answers won’t start to arrive until later: I actually have a chart somewhere of which answers you need to give at what point in your story, but I’ll save that for later).

For nonfiction , I’d start with the preface, introduction and first chapter, which are essential to define what your book is about, who it’s for, and why it matters – you need to get buy-in by presenting benefits and connecting with your reader. Here are 13 smart things you can do, based on Napoleon Hill’s think and grow rich .

Alternatively, you can skip around to the big, exciting scenes. I often figuring out my climactic ending first and work out how to get there.

13 best book writing software/tools

Lots of people prefer to use a handwritten writing notepad – and that’s great for idea generation. I recommend having one (even though writers are known for collecting fancy notepads they never use). At summer camp we used to call these “pocket brains” for jotting down quick ideas, but I do that on my phone now. Sometimes I’ll even jot down full scenes on my phone, in bed or running an errand – I may even have to pull over the car to stop and capture the insight.

But to write a real book you’re probably going to want a word processing software. I prefer microsoft word, even though it’s kind of buggy. You can actually make all your headings and subheadings by using styles so they show up in the left-hand “navigation pane” and then drag and drop sections around later.

As I mentioned, I prefer to do sprints on my phone and transfer that content into my Word document to clean up, organize and edit – you could do the same with any of the writing apps I mentioned earlier. Some people prefer Google Docs for this (an online option updates and saves your work across all devices); I usually use dropbox or similar to move content around.

And then, there’s Scrivener – a tool built for writers that a lot of authors love. I’m personally not a huge fan, but I get the appeal. Like similar writing apps, it allows you to keep notes and character descriptions and a bunch of random stuff including notecards and scene summaries altogether. Very useful for pantsers who need to contain their madness but don’t want anything as rigid as a plot outline. For me, I like Word’s simplicity and I keep all the lose junk inside the manuscript in designated sections to copy+paste from.

Best writing software
Best AI writing software

14 Best laptops & keyboards for writers

You don’t need any fancy devices or software to write your book, so don’t overcomplicate things. That said, you’re probably going to want a pretty decent portable device (even just a bluetooth keyboard to pair with your phone or tablet); and a pretty powerful laptop or desktop – something capable of running your software of choice. A simple, cheap Chromebook might be a good option if you write in Google docs – I also like something with a timer though at home I have both a fancy hour-glass and a timer-light that I turn on as a “do not disturb” sign to keep people out of my process and to keep me focused.

That said, there’s no harm in buying yourself something nice that feels good. Because as we’ll discuss later, writing is hard, and any little trick that improves your mood and focus a tiny bit can help. So get something you enjoy using that makes you feel cool. Maybe even something expensive, as an investment and sign that you’re committed to doing this (alternatively, as a reward for getting it done – but it’ll be more useful to get it first and then let the guilt of its presence stir you towards using it).

What do I mean? Years ago I bought myself a gorgeous Penna keyboard that I still love, though at home I haven’t found anything I like more than a Logi MX keys . I have an old foldable belkin that’s my favorite thing ever but they stopped making them (I bought 3 extra but they were all DOA). The Logitech K380 is great too; I keep a list of my favorite writing keyboards here .

For laptops, I adore the 13″ Asus Zenbook though it’s a little outdated. I’m considering getting a new M1 macbook mostly so I can occasionally use Vellum which is the best book formatting software around. I previously bought myself a RazerBlade because it’s black and looks cool but it’s not quite powerful enough for a full-on desktop.

There’s also fun stuff like the Alphasmart or Freewrite Traveler.

But the idea here is, go a little beyond the function and consider the form and aesthetics: create a writing environment that makes you feel good, confident, professional. But also make sure you can pound on the keys without being self-conscious or obnoxious – some of the vintage keyboards I like are classy, but loud .

So that’s basically it! Pound those keys until you’ve got 50K of content. The more you plan and plot, the less editing it may need; but even so, it’s important to keep in mind that writing a book is a step-by-step process and that editing and revising are a huge portion of it. This means that some of the best work, your best words, won’t even bother showing up until you’ve got the basics stuff in the right places, and you can start fine tuning it.

the writing and editing process

PROOFREAD the writing and editing process.

I typically go through a novel 7 or 8 times before it’s done, but I’ve simplified it into a reliable four-step process of revising, editing and proofreading.

It’s worth mentioning that you can write a book quickly in 30 days or less, using the tips above, but editing may take significantly longer, especially when you’re not used to it: and in my experience the best stuff comes very late in this process so “writing a good book” – something most authors fail to do – requires you to master the following section as well.

(Lots of new authors will just send off a rough draft to a developmental editor and let them try and sort it out, but there’s only so much they can do and they won’t write the story for you. This is part of the work… it’s important, and most authors never get into this deep craft or revision stuff.)

Best editing software to fix writing:
Prowritingaid

15 first draft (what happens)

After you have a rough draft, you want to fill in the blanks; but you’re focused on what actually happens: the action, the stuff you can see and feel. Don’t worry about the details of it all yet, just move things around and make sure you have all the right scenes in the right places.

There’s also quite a bit you can do to improve your rough draft, by focusing on some basic writing tips like adding conflict (story thrives on conflict, so in this first stage, that’s usually the only thing I focus on – weak scenes have little or no conflict, so you should add some in so every scene has a little tension).

For a deeper review of your writing, check out my scene checklist , which includes the 3 types of conflict you should include.

I’m sure I have this all written down somewhere, in my book probably, but here’s a video tutorial walking you through it…

16 second draft (why it matters)

Once everything is in the right place, the next big thing is figuring out the emotional depth – or the character motivation. Why are these people doing these things? Why does it matter to them? The thing needs to be very difficult for them, but they must persist anyway. Without proper motivation, the story will feel forced or melodramatic.

This includes having reasonable emotional reactions to things, that are fair and balanced and believable. And it will most likely be based on their tragic backstory. The key here – with infodumps and backstory – is to resist telling it, the more important it is.

You keep what’s important private and hidden until it is forced out of you. I made a clever little graphic for when you should be revealing what type of information, depending on what type of questions your protagonist is asking.

In the beginning, they’ll be asking “ What is going on?” then, “ Who is doing this” or “Who am I?” and finally “ Why is all this happening” or “why am I willing to sacrifice everything for this…” – you don’t get to the big reveals or why’s or critical, full backstory flashback until very late in the book, often in the middle of the final battle scene (that’s a whole thing on its own but I have a video about that too).

The point is, you need a plausible reason for your characters to be doing things but you don’t have to reveal everything at once. Smart characters don’t get into trouble on purpose, so they need to plan ahead and take any precautions that they need, but also be surprised by something they didn’t expect.

17 final revisions (how it looks)

Once I have all that in place, I’ll build up the scene description. What does this look like? You might have heard, “ Show don’t tell !” but been confused about what it means. Very simply, if you keep asking “What does this look like?” it’ll help you avoiding telling.

Telling is you standing behind a screen making fingershadows while you tell a story; showing is you playing a movie and sitting in the back with your lips shut.

If you picture the scene in your head and describe it, you’re showing. She drank greedily from the water, spilling it over her blouse and using the cool liquid to rub the sweat off her neck…

She was thirsty… How do we know she was thirsty? Who do the other characters know – what did they see that gave them that impression? What does it look like?

With scene description, you want to avoid cliches by focusing on what’s different. Don’t say it looked like a typical high school science classroom; that’s not description. You’re not showing them your scene, you’re asking them to refer to their shared knowledge of their own memories. It’s a symbol, not a scene.

You create unique scenes by focusing on what’s unexpected or different. It was a typical science classroom, except for the scorched blackboard and pile of moth-eaten bones from a sample skeleton stuff rudely into an open closet…

You don’t need to show every detail, just a few details that are unexpected or out of place.

This is also where I’d focus on what they’re wearing – when did they last change clothes or shower? What objects or gear do they have with them; keeping track of object permanence is important at the later stages… if they need something important, you need to plant it innocuously much earlier without calling too much attention to it, and giving them a plausible reason to grab it or pick it up so it doesn’t feel like they were just magically prepared with the perfect solution later.

18 proofreading (now)

Finally, when most things are OK, I’ll do a round of copy-editing and/or line-editing. What’s the difference? Line editing is about the style (word choice, sentence structure), copyediting is about the form and function (punctuation, typesetting, spelling/grammar). If you’re hiring an editor, make sure you know what they’re most qualified for. A developmental editor would help with more of the crucial story stuff I listed earlier, and they might be super helpful, but you can also learn to identify and resolve common writing mistakes on your own.

For a final proofreading, I prefer Grammarly , which finds more actual mistakes and typos under the “correctness” tab (you need to ignore a ton of stuff too, as it will criticize all your commas…)

The point of “NOW” is to focus on cleaning it up and getting it ready for someone to actually read.

19 Forget about finding the perfect first sentences

In terms of writing style or writing quality, it matters much less than you think it does, so don’t over think or overpolish. In my experience, most of the time, fancy, flowery writing may be beautiful but is also distracting – it’s often something amateur writers use to cover up the fact they have no story.

Beautiful writing calls attention to itself; it marks the passage as important. You can’t have every sentence be important or the story will become meaningless. So a good book will have a lot of good enough sentences with a strong story, and a handful of stunning sentences that stand out and hit hard – use them where appropriate, to ornament your most important, emotional scenes.

That said… the sentences at the start and end of every scene or chapter, should be pretty great. Recently I’ve been experimenting with AI writing software, and I feel like it’s not the worst idea to “spin” your opening and closing sentences around to see what the robots come up with – it might be something much stronger than what you had already. I also think it works great with blurbs.

PS. I broke this rule when writing my book about writing and allowed myself to fall in love with my fancy vocabularly and sentences and flowery images; thinking that authors would appreciate it more. They did not .

Common writing mistakes (25 self-editing tips)

There’s a whole bunch of stuff I haven’t covered yet, but I highly recommend reading through my list of COMMON WRITING MISTAKES (advanced stuff). These are things that nearly all first-time authors get wrong – and they’re easy to fix once you’re aware of them. They will, more than anything, drastically improve your story by avoiding a few stylistic choices. You want to tell the best version of your story, but these are the things that will make your book feel unprofessional.

Every page of your book needs to confirm that you know what you’re doing; so that readers trust you’ll lead them to a satisfying resolution. Give them too many reasons to doubt your craft, and they’ll give up. There’s also these posts:

25 Self-Editing Tips for Indie Authors (and 8 amateur writing mistakes)
The 6 signs of weak writing (how to tell if your book sucks)

UPDATE! I’m rewriting this article so I haven’t finished everything yet… come back soon to read the rest!

Motivation, procrastination (maximize your writing productivity)

So that’s the stuff about writing. It’s not that hard. You know what is hard? Actually doing the work, even when you don’t feel like it – which for most writers, is all the time. Seriously there are memes about it – but I prefer the quote from one of Thomas Mann’s novels:

“A writer is one who finds writing more difficult than other people.”

Writers are people for whom writing is harder than others.

So a huge, huge part of being a successful writer and actually writing a book in a month is the mindset game. Because it’s easier to write a book in a month, than in a year, because there’s a pressure deadline.

So before I get the next set of motivation and productivity tips, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane….

How to write a novel in a month – Your first 10,000 reader

Creativity myths i want to challenge.

In my own work and experience, after having been a creative professional for over a decade (including as a fine artist, author and entrepreneur) I’m struggling with HOW to create more great work that matters, which includes things like finding my audience, communicating benefits, increasing productivity and output, defeating procrastination and upping quality.

Here are some myths that are counterproductive.

#1 Quality vs. Time

There’s a myth that things made slowly are of better quality. Sometimes this is the case: a factory makes tables. A craftsmen makes one beautiful table a year and sells it for 100X the profit. But books especially are not a luxury market, and art has long since parted ways with technical proficiency. Van Gogh and the Impressionists painted beautiful art quickly – in an hour or two – that are now worth just as much as the beautifully wrought, perfectly conceived masters of fine art.

One of my favorite painters, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, with one of my least favorite, Picasso.

If there’s one thing I pointed out in this article, it’s that the commercial appeal – and thus ultimate success – of a book is not the book: it’s the hook or pitch. It’s the comparative titles and target audience. Because other wise, you won’t be able to get the book read.

Which means, you can dramatically increase the value of a book by proper planning, research and analysis. You can also use Pam Slim’s 5 step model for creative work, “what, who, why, how and when” to make sure you have a clearly designed product, for a specific audience, and also know why they’ll care or want it (value/benefits that resonate with intended audience). Then you can focus on the HOW by reading bestsellers in the genre and borrow tried and true, universal story telling motifs or structure that have worked for previous projects. Then you can add a deadline (when).

Most authors only ever do the FIRST of these 5 steps (writing what they want).

Then they don’t know what they’re making, how to make it, who will read it or why anyone should care… and with all that lack, they go out and try to sell it anyway! A much faster way of writing good books would be to do the planning and research first.

Yeah but in a MONTH?

Two things: #1, every creative skill should get faster and better with time and practice. Not only will you have the skills to do a better job the first time with less revision, but you’ll also be able to immediately “see” how it should all fit and work. Your epiphanies will be quicker to arrive and with deeper insight. Your word choice and fluency should both improve at the same time. Writing isn’t easy, but you should at least INTEND to write faster, because that means you’ll be getting better.

#2, books take a certain amount of time to write. If you can write 500 words a day, that’s 3 novels a year. Most people write a first draft, then revise or play or fix or tweak for 5 years, until they have 10 drafts and extra chapters and it’s such a mess they avoid it for 9 months, but still say they’re “writing a book.”

Writing faster is not JUST about improving your word count. It’s about setting a daily writing habit, and also about learning to lay down a cleaner rough draft. It’s possible to write a book, send it off to the editor, and get it published. You don’t have to go through the painful revision process (I draft well, then do a heavy edit and improve features and details).

I can write a book in a month (though most months I don’t, I’ve done it before) then I can edit in a few weeks and it’s ready to go up. Some of my friends have editors and cover designers on their payroll, so they can just finish the writing and get it cleaned up before publishing.

Yeah but is it any GOOD?

I let my readers decide. And here’s where things get weird. People like my books. I get great reviews. But some authors will argue that popular books, or books that don’t earn money, are not good. And that art is “better” when it is written by a slow writer enjoying the process, even if it has less market value.

I’ve had this argument dozens of times on Facebook, here are a few of my comments.

“You’re either trying to please the much smaller market that appreciates “art”, or the much larger market that appreciates story (to drastically simplify). Choosing a smaller market does not make you a better writer; choosing a large market that will love your books does not make you a panderer. If you think the majority of the populace is the lowest common denominator, you’re going to have trouble writing fiction that sells. Which is fine, if you choose to prioritize art over income. When you argue that writing art is necessarily better (of intrinsic aesthetic and qualitative value) than writing for money (books that more people love to pay for) keep in mind that’s not a universal ideology of creative production…. and often something authors grow out of before finding success.”

“You’re assuming that quickly produced books written to market are of inferior quality, or that readers enjoy them less – neither of which is true. It’s one reason writers continue to avoid writing to market, and spend years writing books, because they think they’re writing “quality” books. I’m now earning a living with my fiction and have over 500 reviews, and I think it’s a mistake to assume it’s all because of marketing, or that my books aren’t objectively, quantifiable ‘good’ just because my production method goes against the grain of romantic ideologies.”

“Quality is subjective – I define quality as “people enjoy reading it.” If people don’t enjoy your story, the quality of the writing doesn’t matter; and if you want to make a living as a writer, so you can devote 100% of your time to improving your craft, you need books that sell. Writing books for an audience, writing more books faster, and earning revenue from them so you don’t need to worry about making a living, can all help improve the quality of your writing. Most writers, writing courses and programs, gurus and books focus on the craft – which is why millions of writers are writing books nobody will ever read. Is a good book still good if nobody enjoys it? Maybe, but that’s not the kind of writer I want to be.”

I sound like a pretentious grad student, so I’ll try to break it down below.

#1 Novelty vs. Sameness

Some authors think real art is the fresh and the new, but most academic definitions of creativity are about creating something new that also has value. Traditional publishers and Hollywood are not looking for NEW. They’re looking for things that are similar to established sellers, which have an easily identifiable market – they want something that ticks all the right boxes while also being new and fresh. It’s a blend. Allen Gannett calls this the creative curve.

According to Gannet,

There is a science and a method to achieving mainstream success, one that anyone can work to master.

“As far as trends are concerned, research identifies two seemingly contradictory urges in the human psyche: People crave the familiar, yet seek the novel… John Berger’s 2016 book Invisible Influence described how ideas that are “similar, but different” have the most social influence. Industrial designers observe this phenomenon in a principal called “Most Advanced Yet Acceptable.

#2 Quality vs Popularity

Here’s the funny thing: the best “ART” is avant-garde stuff that surprises and delights viewers. But a lot of it, especially with modern art, has not other value besides the novelty factor. It can be fun to exhibit something really different and shocking, something totally new, but if it doesn’t “catch on” it will be quickly forgotten.

Recently we went to an exhibit of classic cars at the Portland Art Museum – all the examples were beautiful, but still massive failures: they were innovative design, but didn’t fulfill the basic comforts and features required by actual people. Their founders spent years showcasing their design and seeking funding – but they were never produced, because they were too expensive to make and too exotic for the market.

More popular books are not necessarily better than high quality books, but they do have larger social impact and more financial earnings, which may allow the creators to focus on improving their craft.

Also, firmly, quantity leads to quality. If you want to become a violinist, would you improve faster by practicing 4 hours a day, or 30 minutes on the weekends? The fastest way to improve is to actively do the thing. The most books you finish, the better you’ll become at writing books. You can gain a decade worth of skill in just one year, if you’re committed and serious about writing.

#3 Speed vs Ability

I’ve already made the argument that you’ll become a better writer by forcing yourself to write more.

But often people respond with, “I could never do that.”

I usually respond with “You can do anything you want to do.” It used to be hard for me to write 500 words a day. Now I can write 3000 in a couple hours. And they’re getting better, and I don’t get stuck in the middle as often. You don’t HAVE to write quickly. Yes everyone has their own speed and that’s just fine. But: writing shouldn’t JUST be fun and easy. Writing is hard. You shouldn’t quit the project whenever you feel stuck (if you do, you’ll never learn to overcome that specific hurdle).

I have friends who write a book a year and do great. But you do probably need several books, and you’ll have to keep putting out new content – and importantly, you probably won’t be a great writer until you’ve finished 5 or 10 books (and then, only if you’re actually TRYING to write books readers love; if you don’t have a goal or any way to measure quality/value, you’ll just keep writing books nobody wants to read without learning how to satisfy readers. I know authors with 20 books that don’t sell any, and authors with 3 books that make six figures.

All art is commercial

The work that stands the test of time.

Great books last: but ONLY if they become popular. SOME books do get rediscovered later. The Great Gatsby was a commercial failure in its time. But the thing that’s forgotten: books and painting rarely get rediscovered unless an influencer sees the commercial value in a piece of work, and promotes and markets it (often this is much cheaper after the death of an artist).

But things don’t work like that any more.

To make art that has value, you need to steal. You need to be intentional about what kind of thing you’re creating. Who will appreciate this? why will they like it? Who will support and champion your work, and why? What other creatives have been successful doing something similar? How can I make this project relevant for them?

This is my definition or art, quality, etc: people like it. If people love the work, then they won’t feel the negative connotations surrounding the idea of marketing. Selling is service – as long as readers love what they’ve been sold.

Your belief in the value or integrity of your artistic work does not necessarily correlate with the levels of satisfaction readers actually get from your writing.

Recently a boxset I was in lost 2000 preorders apparently we promised too many bonuses, so people were skeptical about the content. For me, as long as the actual readers love the content, it’s OK to invest in marketing. Spammy marketers try to sell you things you don’t want, often of poor quality, in an annoying way.

But if authors with integrity want to connect with readers directly, without relying on desperate and spammy tactics, how is that even done? Every book on creativity talks about building a tribe, an email list or connecting with peers and mentors: real relationships are the best marketing. I know tons of authors who just crank out great books readers love, and that’s all they need to do. The problem is, long term support, you need to get them to like and trust you, which usually happens slowly over time. You can do that on social media, but nothing works as well for building trust than emails.

The truth about the publishing industry

Most writing conferences are super awkward. The agents are listening to pitches, looking for a commercial project. The self-publishing companies are selling publishing and marketing packages. I’m just there to help, so I try to tell authors how easy it is to self-publish; first you have to learn about cover design, so you can recognize quality and choose a good designer. Then you can learn the formatting or hire someone to format for print and ebook. You should read some books on plot and craft and story architecture to fix your story, and hire a developmental editor. Then upload the files to Amazon. Easy!

If you have a great cover, a killer blurb… well then the book will sell. As long as you get at least 10 reviews first. How do you do that? By building an email list of readers who love your genre, with book giveaway and Facebook ads. Or you can give away thousands of copies for free. Then once you have an Amazon page that converts you can run direct ads, and as long as your ads are profitable, you can scale up.

Inevitably, at this point, authors are overwhelmed and heading for the door. They say, “That’s fascinating, but I just want to write books. I don’t want to do all this stuff.”

Even if I tell them to watch out for the self-publishing companies, because they’ll screw up the CRUCIAL things like the cover, and it’s cheaper and more effective to do it themselves, they don’t want to learn all the stuff. They WANT to just pay someone to do it for them. And there are plenty of companies out there to take their money. Almost all the successful self-publishing authors I know are the indie authors who have worked hard to learn everything about publishing and taken control over their own books and marketing.

This puts me in a bad position, because I don’t have a great solution. I tell authors, don’t over pay for all that stuff, do it yourself, do your research, learn and study, start building your platform. Don’t sign with one of those cheap publishing services, those package deals, because I’ve never seen an amazing cover come from one of them (and you need an amazing cover).

In fact, sometimes I wonder if it’s all a plan: they give you a good looking but ultimately unimpressive cover design, which means the book will need to work MUCH harder to sell; which means you’re MUCH more likely to come back, hand in hat, and cave in and buy their expensive marketing services. I don’t think they’re actually that devious however, I think these companies are started by non-designers, and they hire cheap designers, and the work is “good enough.” I tell them I have hundreds of youtube videos, hundreds of blog posts, that will work you through every single part of this stuff, and you can learn to do it all yourself, and that’s the BEST and the CHEAPEST way to be successful.

But it’s not what they want.

In business, you always want to be selling what people are looking for, instead of trying to educate them into wanting something else entirely… which is why I’m bad at business. I usually tell people not to hire me, because there are cheaper options and I don’t want them to be unhappy later if the book isn’t selling; those that hire me anyway do so because I can give them so much more than a cover. In order to SERVE, however, I would have to be offering the things authors think they want or need, and just provide as much help and service as I can.

However, I’m probably done with services because like I said, unless I can control the core product, all the polishing and decorating and marketing STILL won’t fix it. So at the moment, I’m more interested in helping authors write commercial fiction by getting in early.

Authors paying for publishing packages are rarely the successful ones. The authors earning real money don’t pay for publishing packages, but it took them several years of failure to build up their knowledge and writing abilities. But authors are adults: more education is necessary, they should understand the market, but ultimately if they’re happier and more comfortable just paying someone else to do everything, that’s their choice.

How to write books that matter

At one writing conference, I went to two talks with conflicting advice.

The first speaker told us to “write books for YOURSELF.” The author had a couple trad published books (that don’t look like they’re selling that well). This is the common advice, the one writers love to hear, the one creative people respond to. Just write what you’re PASSIONATE about. If you don’t love writing it, others won’t love reading it.

Here’s the problem: Too many people just crank out a book on raw passion and emotion and think it’s amazing because they made it, but it doesn’t resonate with anyone else. Or they spend 5 years polishing and perfecting it. They think it’s amazing because they know how hard they worked on it.

But 95% of the time, they may have a well-written book with zero commercial appeal.

THEY enjoyed writing it, but nobody else wants to read it.

Imagine a plumber who took 10X longer to fix your pipes. Would you pay them 10X more? Would you think he’s done a better job? Probably, he’s an amateur that doesn’t know what he’s doing. But authors argue their book is worth more because it took them longer to write.

The other speaker was all business. “I write books for readers.” He was self-publishing fiction. He knew to have a successful book, he had to make something readers loved, and package and position it in an attractive format. This is the method I support and agree with, because I think it’s easier to write books readers love if you do it on purpose. Learn the rules, study, practice, imitate – all great books on creativity teach us that real art borrows and blends from what came before.

Authors who create in a vacuum tend to make common, easily predictable writing mistakes. Writing without considering the market does not lead to a better book, nor a more successful one. Which means, frustratingly, that the majority of these authors were writing books nobody wanted.

VALUE comes from MARKET

At another conference, there was a woman complaining that an agent didn’t GET her work, or wasn’t supportive enough. Authors want to be artists, they want someone to appreciate their work, their vision. So they go to conferences, they pitch agents and publishers. This usually fails.

Agents aren’t there to encourage you; they want to make you lots of money, they want to help – but if the book isn’t marketable, they can’t sell it. If you can’t immediately communicate in 30 seconds or less why your book is awesome, if YOU don’t know the heart and value of your story, they won’t be able to find it for you. Most authors have been writing a few years, have a bunch of STUFF, are starting to think about publishing, but need help and feedback.

They PAY to talk to an agent for 5 minutes and get feedback. They also pay for things like blurb and critique and first chapter editing, etc. All stuff to help them clarify the benefits, the hook of your book (what happens, why anybody should care) and the marketing aspects (who’s going to buy this, and how will I reach them).

Agents and publishers are desperately looking for that next big thing; the problem is, they don’t know the market and aren’t TRYING to hit the market. They’re trying to predict the market. They want it to sell, but they also want to curate for quality – the entertainment industry, Hollywood, want “similar but different”. They want something comfortable, similar to what’s sold well in the past, something users are familiar with, but also a new and different twist.

According to The Creative Curve ,

The standard academic definition of creativity is the ability to make something that is novel , and that also has value… as far as trends are concerned, research identifies two seemingly contradictory urges in the human psyche: People crave the familiar, yet seek the novel.

The problem is, predicting the future of reading trends is hard, and the internet is too fast. Things change quickly. Traditional publishers focus hard on print sales. Some books get huge! Most books fail and don’t earn out their advance. When that happens the author is usually dropped. Even very successful authors sometimes don’t make enough to live on (much more sales, but much fewer royalties).

The average advance for a first time author is about 10K. to earn out that advance, at 10% royalties, you need to sell 100K copies. But if you self publish, you only need to sell 10K copies to be successful. Traditional publishers take care of book design (and will do an awesome job), but not much marketing, usually. (They’ll do the traditional stuff, but most trad publishers have no idea how to sell books online; most trad published authors on Amazon aren’t ranking well and have few reviews – because that’s not their focus.)

Most first time authors don’t know how to publish a book or how to market it, and they want legitimacy and support, so they’d prefer to go traditional… but publishers will only take on commercial projects. It’s not their job to coddle you or believe in their vision. It’s their job to make money, that means they have to be able to sell your book. Most authors have written books that nobody wants to read.

After failing for years (I recently read about an author querying for a decade!) some authors are willing to consider self-publishing. But there are horror stories about self-publishing: usually the self-publishing indie authors work SO HARD and do everything themselves.

I watched a BookBaby presentation in San Francisco, which showed a huge chart of ALL the things, and concluded that successful authors just do MORE of those things. The problem is, they don’t really know why their book is selling so they do everything and are not sure what’s actually working. Most authors look at that and think, that sounds horrifying.

I don’t want to be on social media all day. I don’t want to build a big email list or Facebook group and interact with fans. I don’t want to learn cover design and formatting. They’re probably also thinking about getting an editor who can fix things for them, but aren’t sure how that works or what they need.

At these conferences, there are usually also a line of self-publishing services. They can be enticing, especially when they have done for you packages. And here is where things get a little sketchy. A self-publishing service will take your manuscript and prepare to publish it for you; they often have a la carte menu items as well. But they make money from you , not book sales. (In fact the WORSE your book performs, the more marketing packages they can sell you.)

Some people call all vanity presses and author services scams, because – with enough time and effort – you can figure out self-publishing on your own. But most first time authors don’t want to do that. Self-publishing is a billion dollar industry because authors are willing to pay someone to do all the things they don’t want to do. I’m skeptical of companies selling publishing packages because I know most books don’t make any money, and most authors won’t earn back their investment.

Self-publishing companies will often give authors the support, validation and encouragement they want. And they will help you design and sometimes distribute the book. You’re paying for hand-holding and support. They’ll help you get your book done. Yes, they’re overcharging, but any business that wants to grow must have enough profit margin to spend on ads, and sending out people to writing conferences to acquire new clients.

I don’t think these businesses are a scam: they exist because there’s an enormous market of rejected writers, who are tired of spending years on the conference circuit pitching their book and are finally ready to self-publish, but they don’t actually want to learn it all. Like any good business, they offer what authors actually want and are willing to pay for.

It’s not their job to focus on sales, so they probably don’t know that much about marketing. Also, most marketing offered by these packages doesn’t work for self-publishing (the really important stuff is cover design and blurb). So if these services are too positive – “your book sounds amazing, we’d love to work with you on it, I think it will do really well!” – they are falsely inflating author’s hopes.

And because these package services can be expensive, most authors won’t earn their money back. Let’s be clear: some ARE scams, if they take money and don’t deliver what they promise, or if they keep calling to upsell you with marketing packages. But they are providing what authors think they want and are willing to pay for, in other words, they fill an obvious need and demand.

I spent about 7 years in the publishing services industry, both as an editor, book designer and book marketer, and I found it frustrating and depressing. As an editor, I could fix and improve their story, and make it much better, but that wouldn’t increase the marketability of the project. Even with in-depth line edits and constructive criticism on the manuscript (character motivation and development, plot, conflict, organization) – there’s still only so much I could do to improve a book. So most of the time, even if I was amazing at my job and clients were happy to pay me, I knew they probably wouldn’t earn the money back.

As a cover designer, I was always overbooked, and I tried to do my best work, but was constrained by the author (a real publisher will use the cover that will sell the most copies; but if you’re self-publishing and hiring a cover designer, most of the time they’ll make what you tell them to make, which is probably a bad idea because you don’t know what sells). I was good at my job, and clients were happy – but most of my covers were invisible once they reached Amazon, because the authors had no platform and didn’t know how to start marketing.

So I started teaching about marketing. But even if I could get them a ton of visibility, and put their book (with a great cover) right in front of their target audience, if the audience wasn’t sold by the hook and premise, the book still wouldn’t sell – this is why I don’t charge for book marketing services. Some of my clients have surprised me, getting on Oprah, hitting the NYT bestseller lists, getting funding to turn their books into movies, but I have others whose books never took off.

It’s disheartening, and I feel like I’ve failed somehow, if my clients aren’t successful. So more recently I’ve been focused on teaching how to write books that sell, because that’s really the crucial part that so many authors mess up. If you start with a great premise and hook, if you start with a great cover, if you start by researching the best books in your genre and reading the reviews and understanding what readers want, then you can write a better quality book that’s easy to sell.

At the moment, I’m working on a course about writing books that sell, and I’ve also created some bonus services for students in my Guerrilla Publishing course. (If you join this month, I’ll personally critique and edit your manuscript outline, do keyword and competition research, and help you write the hook and pitch, so that when you finish your book you already know exactly how to sell it.

I think those services are really useful, but I’ll probably remove them at the end of the year and create a new course where feedback will be much more expensive. I’ve you just need some free resources to learn more about writing books that sell, grab my free books and video series.

How much money do you need to write a book?

Publishers publish books in the average amount between $5,000 and $5,000. Some of them spend fewer, and some are as low as $2000. How much self-publishing costs can be divided: Professional editing: It takes many different types of editing.

Almost always, if an author isn’t selling, it’s because their page isn’t converting. You need 3 things to succeed, a great blurb, cover, and enough reviews to offset skepticism. I can help you fix those things; I can also help craft your pitch or hook – which is critical for your amazon page. I can also do keyword and category research to optimize your Amazon page and make sure your book shows up in search results.

After that, it’ll help to

A) build your email list and build relationships with fans and

B) paid advertising.

Unfortunately I can’t do ALL of this for you, because it’s time consuming and I would have to charge a lot, and it probably wouldn’t be profitable for you (it would have to be profitable enough to cover adspend and pay me for my time and expertise). But I can help make your book as marketable as possible to boost conversions and online visibility, and also give you some great ad graphics and social media graphics, and a handful of hook and pitch variations you can test until you know which converts the best.

These are the things that will VASTLY reduce the amount of spinning wheels, wasted time and money, and overwhelm and feeling like you’re Prometheus, pushing the stone back up hill every day without ever getting to the top. With my help and strategies, it will be much easier to build up momentum and get the book selling by itself, so you can go back to writing

(You should only have to spend a few hours a week on marketing). That said, you WILL have to learn this stuff. Nobody else can do it as well as you can, and the alternative is almost always paying too much for “author marketing services” or publicity which might make you famous for a day but won’t actually sell any books. So if you’d like to be a full-time writer, and you’re willing to learn enough about the publishing industry to make smart choices, you can grab my guide to Guerrilla Publishing – I’m going to open enrollment soon so you’ll get first dibs if you sign up for the free book (even if you’ve signed up before; I just added a new video series that will help you level up fast.

Get the study guide (workbook) Download

Apologies, I’m revising the rest of this article! Come back soon for the rest of the writing tips!

Hardest part, new book, focus, important goal, tips for writing, motivation, break, outline, draft, inspiration, editor, ideas, course, write a book in a month, national novel writing month (nanowrimo) writing session, word count, start writing, writing process, story ideas, daily word count, writing time, creative writing, novel in a month, story structure, rough draft, first draft, editing process, word count goals, day job, word processor, other writers, entire month, published author, single minded focus, moving forward, new ideas, writing a novel, act structure, time constraints, general outline, thirty days, finished book, written, decide, first book, point, characters, editing.

21 manage expectations

22 practice in public, 23 quotes from books on creativity, 24 fear, doubt, anxiety., 25 fix your brain (some sketchy stuff if you’re into that).

I was anti-drugs when I was younger until agonizing migraines and undiagnosed ADHD forced me to look for help. I’m still amazing at procrastination, but I accept that I need a little help regulating my neurotransmitters and I’ve made peace with that.

26 consistency, time and place. totems schedule writing routine

27 or, fuckit… caffeine fueled last minute deadline binge., 28 you don’t write a good book by… perfectionism is fear in high heels. #amwriting story, 29 consider your goals, picture the relief and joy, find your why, 30 writer’s mindset. do the work don’t judge the work. watch your negative thinking and excuses., 31 everything is a placeholder., 32 announce your book, deadlines/month, 33 make a book cover, 34 give yourself a new identity.

35 get SOCIAL…

Collaborate

How to make time to write, end a writing session only when you know what’s next, tap into a network, embrace a new mindset, write a general synopsis: know where your novel is headed, is it possible to write a novel in a month, do preparatory journal-writing tasks, summarize ideas for each scene’s purpose.

Do what it takes to make it feel real.

Fill the sandbox, then make castles.

writing tips, self-publishing and book marketing for authors

The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a haunted castle tour.

Totally free. Get it here.

I’m a philosophy dropout with a PhD in Literature. I covet a cabin full of cats, where I can write fantasy novels to pay for my cake addiction. Sometimes I live in castles.

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Feb 07, 2023

How to Write a Book (with Tactics from Bestsellers)

What’s the secret formula to tapping into your creativity and writing a book? Some authors would tell you there is no single path to authorship , as every writer’s journey is unique. However, almost every bestselling author will have highly effective writing patterns and habits that help them reach their writing goals . In this post, we'll share some of their most commonly used tactics for starting and finishing a book.

How to write a book:

1. Start with a book idea you love

2. research by reading genre-prominent books, 3. outline the story, 4. write the opening sentence , 5. write the first draft, 6. set a schedule with achievable goals, 7. find a good writing space, 8. pick a "distraction-free" writing software, 9. finish your draft, 10. edit the manuscript, 11. publish your book for readers to buy.

There's a long, exciting road ahead. So let's get started.

The one thing you absolutely need to write a book is, of course, an idea. If you don't have that, you'll never get past the first page of your draft.

You may already know what you want to write about, or you may be at a total loss. Either way, you can settle on a “big book idea” by asking yourself a few simple questions:

What do I want to write about?
What do I feel is important to write about?
Who will want to read about this story/subject?
Will I be able to carry out this idea effectively?

Your answers to these questions will help you narrow it down to your best options. For example, if you have several different ideas for a book, but only one that you're truly passionate about and feel you can pull off, then voilà — there's your premise!

On the other hand, if you lack ideas, these questions should steer you in a firmer direction. Think about the kinds of books you love to read, as well as books that have made a significant impact on you. In all likelihood, you'll want to write a book in a similar vein.

Tools to help you find an idea

If you're grasping at straws, consider using creative writing prompts or a plot generator to get the ball rolling! You might stumble upon an interesting concept or story element that sparks a “big idea” for your book. (And if you're still uninspired even after trying these tools, you may want to reconsider whether you really want to write a book after all.)

Which writing app is right for you?

Find out here! Takes 30 seconds

Once you've found your big idea, the next step is to research your genre. Again, if you're writing the book you like to read , you already have a leg up! Reading books in your genre is by far the best way to learn how to write in that genre yourself.

But if not, you'll want to select a couple of representative titles and analyze them. How long are they and how many chapters do they have ? What does the story structure look like? What are the major themes ? Perhaps most importantly, do you think you can produce a book with similar elements?

Find out what people are reading

You should also conduct market research on Amazon to determine the most popular books in your genre. If you want your book to succeed, you'll have to contend with these bestsellers. Go to the Amazon Best Sellers page and find your genre in the lefthand sidebar:

How to write a book: what you need to know about bestsellers in your category.

Then read those books' blurbs to figure out what really sells. What do they all have in common, and why might readers find them appealing? Does your book hold up to these standards?

Finally, think about how your book can offer something NEW. For example, if you're writing a psychological thriller, will there be a particularly sneaky unreliable narrator , or maybe a series of twists that the reader never sees coming? If you're writing a nonfiction book , do you have a unique take on the subject, or a particularly deep well of knowledge? And so on.

Going above and beyond is the only way to give your book a chance in today's hyper-competitive market. So don't skimp on the genre research, because this will tell you where the bar is and how you can surpass it.

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Industry insiders can help you hone your craft, finish your draft, and get published.

Before you write a book, you need to write an outline.

If you want to write a great story , you need to outline it first. This is especially important if it's your first book, since you need a solid blueprint to rely on when you get stuck! (Because believe us, you will get stuck.)

FREE RESOURCE

Get our Book Development Template

Use this template to go from a vague idea to a solid plan for a first draft.

So how do you go about creating that outline for your book? We actually have a whole other post on the subject , but here are the essentials:

Pick a format that works for you. There are so many different types of outlines: the free-flowing mind map, the rigorous chapter-and-scene outline, the character-based outline, and so on. If one approach doesn't work for you, try another! Any kind of plan is better than none.
Have a beginning, middle, and end. Way too many authors go into writing a book with a strong notion of how their story should start... yet their middle is murky and their ending, nonexistent. Take this time to flesh them out and connect them to one another. Remember: the best books have endings that feel “earned,” so you should try to be building toward it from the start!
Consider your conflict points. Conflict is at the heart of any good book — it draws in the reader, conjures tension and emotion, and ultimately reflects the themes and/or message you want to convey. You don't have to know exactly where your conflict will manifest, but you should have a pretty good grasp of how it works throughout your book.
Get to know your characters. If you haven't done much character development yet, your outline is the perfect opportunity to do so. How will your characters interact in the story, and how will these interactions demonstrate who they are and what matters to them?

If you'd like to outline your story directly in a writing app, we recommend using the pre-made templates in the free Reedsy Book Editor. Simply create your account with one click below and start creating the building blocks of your story — right away.

FREE OUTLINING APP

The Reedsy Book Editor

Use the Boards feature to plan, organize, or research anything.

Let's get into the actual writing and make a dent in your first draft . One of the most important parts of writing a book is starting the story ! It's no exaggeration to say your first few pages can make or break your book — if these pages aren't good enough, many readers will lose interest, possibly never returning to your book again.

First off, you need an opening hook that grabs the reader's attention and makes it impossible for them to look away. Take a look at the first lines of these hit bestsellers:

“Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.” — Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

“Renowned curator Jacques Saunière staggered through the vaulted archway of the museum's Grand Gallery.” — The Da Vinci Code

“If all the Saturdays of 1982 can be thought of as one day, I met Tracey at 10 a.m. on that Saturday, walking through the sandy gravel of a churchyard, each holding our mother's hand.” — Swing Time

All of these books fall into different genres, yet all their opening lines do the same thing: capture the reader's attention. You can imitate them by making a similarly strong, slightly furtive statement in your opener!

From there, your job is to maintain the reader's interest by heightening the stakes and inciting the plot . You should also make the reader care about the main characters by giving them distinct personalities and motivations . (Note that “main” is a key descriptor here; never introduce more than a couple of characters at a time!)

Of course, there are infinite ways to write your first chapter. You might have to experiment with lots of different opening lines, even opening scenes, to find the right balance — but it's worth the effort to set the stage perfectly.

If you struggle to write consistently, sign up for our How to Write a Novel course to finish your novel in just 3 months.

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How to Write a Novel

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how to write a book - plot, story and theme arae like an iceberg

Many writers believe that the key to writing an amazing book is style: impressive vocabulary, elaborate sentences, figurative language that would make Shakespeare swoon.

We're here to dissuade you of that notion. While style is great (as long as your prose doesn't start to become purple ), substance is far more important when writing a book — hence why you should focus primarily on your plot, characters, conflict(s), and themes.

Make sure your book is all killer, no filler

Of course, that's easier said than done, especially once you've already started writing . When you get to a patchily outlined section, it's tempting to keep writing and fill out the page with literary gymnastics. But that's exactly what this content is: filler. And if you have too much of it, readers will become frustrated and start to think you're pretentious.

This is another reason why outlining is so important. You need to KNOW your story in order to stay on track with it! But besides outlining, here are a few more tips for making substance a priority:

Every sentence must do one of two things — reveal character or advance the action. This advice comes straight from Kurt Vonnegut, and it's 100% true: if a sentence doesn't accomplish one or both of those things, try removing it. If the passage still makes sense, leave it out.
Be conscious of your pacing. Slow pacing is a symptom of excess description. If the events of your book seem to move like molasses, you're probably using too much style and not enough substance.
Use a writing tool to reduce flowery language. Speaking of great American novelists, Hemingway is a fantastic tool to help you write like the man himself! Simply paste your writing into the app and Hemingway will suggest ways to make your prose more concise and effective.

Tell us about your book, and we'll give you a writing playlist

It'll only take a minute!

Keep readers in mind while writing

Do you want to be the author of a novel that people will really enjoy (and buy)? Well, this is pretty much the cardinal rule: you should always be thinking about your audience and trying to write “reader-first.”

For example, sometimes you'll have to write scenes that aren't very exciting, but that serve the overall story arc . Don't rush through these scenes just to get them over with! Even if they don't seem interesting to you, they contribute to the reader's experience by building tension and preserving the pacing — and the reader deserves to relish those things.

Create 'fake' people who will want to read your book

When considering your readership, you should also keep a proto-persona in mind for marketing purposes. These are constructed personalities that marketers use to better understand their target customers. The more your book can cater to this hypothetical reader, the easier it will be to sell!

Maybe you're writing a true-crime account for zealous true crime readers . Such readers will have pored over countless criminal cases before, so you need to include unique details to make your case stand out, and craft an extra-compelling narrative to engage them.

How to write book: Focus your writing time with a daily word count goal.

Let's move on to practical ways that you can improve your writing habits. Word count goals play a huge part in creating an effective writing process, especially if you're trying to finish your book in a certain amount of time .

You should create word count goals for both your individual sessions and per week — or per month, if that's how you prefer to think about your writing output. For relatively novice writers, we'd recommend the following word count goals:

500-750 words per day
1,500-2,500 words per week
6,000-10,000 words per month

These goals are based on a pattern of 3-4 sessions per week, which is reasonable for a beginner, but still enough to make commendable progress. Even if you only follow our minimum recommendations — 500 words per session at 3 sessions per week — you can still easily finish your book in less than a year!

Speeding up the writing process

If you're looking for how to write a book as fast as possible , your word count goals should look a little more like this:

1,500-2,000 words per session
9,000-15,000 words per week
35,000-50,000 words per month

The figures above adhere roughly to NaNoWriMo , the event in which participants write an average of 1,667 words/day to complete a 50,000-word book in one month . It's hard work, but it's definitely possible to write a book that quickly; hundreds of thousands of people do so every year!

But as any author who's done NaNo can attest, it's also a pretty grueling experience. Most authors find it exhausting to write such great quantities for so many days in a row — and they still have to edit copiously once they're done.

If this is your first book, make sure you take your time, set manageable word goals, and gradually build to bigger goals.

Use writing sessions to establish a schedule

Having a healthy writing routine is the only way you'll actually hit those word count goals — not to mention it fosters a better relationship with writing overall! To establish a healthy routine, ask yourself these baseline questions first:

When do I have the most free time in the day/week?
What time of the day do I tend to be most productive?
How can I space out my writing sessions effectively?
Will I realistically be able to balance my writing goals with other responsibilities?

The best way to set up your routine is to take advantage of your pre-existing schedule and natural patterns. So for example, if you already go to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays, perhaps the best time to write would be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Or if you find yourself most creative late at night ( many of us do! ), you can plan late-night sessions over the weekend/before your day off, so you can sleep in the next day.

Ultimately, you just want a well-balanced writing routine that facilitates productivity, yet keeps you from burning out. If you find that writing for several days in a row is too much for you, space out your sessions more or try to shake things up by moving to a new writing space. If you can't keep up with your goals, it's okay to reduce them a little.

Yes, writing a lot is important, but it's not more important than your mental health! Remember that writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint, and that a consistent, healthy approach is absolutely vital. Here are some tips for making the most of your writing routine.

Don't skip more than one session in a row

Life happens, and sometimes you won't be able to make a planned writing session. However, unless it's a serious emergency, you should try to get back in the saddle for your next session. Otherwise, you'll lose too much progress and feel discouraged, which typically leads to skipping even more writing sessions, and eventually giving up.

Track your progress

Screenshot of the Reedsy Book Editor showing daily progress bars and an overall wordcount

With our free writing app, the Reedsy Book Editor , you'll see the numbers update automatically depending on your activity: you'll see how many words you added and deleted on any given day. Depending on the overall goal you set for your manuscript, you'll also see your daily targets adjust depending on how much you've written so far.

Use a site blocker to stay focused

Distraction is the enemy of routine, and the biggest distraction in our modern world is the Internet. To that end, download a site-and-app blocker to use during your writing sessions so you won't be enticed by social media or adorable cat memes. We'd recommend Freedom , as you can schedule block sessions in advance and even keep track of your productivity within the app.

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How to Build a Solid Writing Routine

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Another major component of how to write a book is where you write, hence why it gets a separate section. If you want to complete an entire book, you absolutely must find a calm, focused space for your writing.

This may be in your house, a coffee shop, a library, a co-working space — wherever you can work productively and without interruptions. It should also be a place that you can access easily and go often. Working from home is the most convenient option in this sense, but it may be difficult if you have family around, or if you don't have a designated “room of one's own” (i.e. an actual office, or at least a desk).

What does a good writing space look like?

Try out different locations to see what works for you. Indeed, you may find that you like to rotate writing spaces because it keeps you energetic and your writing fresh! But wherever you go, do your best to make the space:

Quiet (noise-canceling headphones can be very helpful)
Clean (no clutter, especially if you do chores to procrastinate)
Non-distracting (nothing too fun around to tempt you away from writing; turn off your phone so other people won't bother you)
Your own (cultivate a nice atmosphere in your home office with posters and plants, or simply take the same seat at your local café every time — truly carve out a “dedicated writing space”)

We've already talked about a few different pieces of software to help you with writing a book. But if you haven't found the right app or program yet, never fear — there's plenty more where those came from!

Book writing software is a topic we've actually written an entire post about , but it's worth touching on a few of our favorite writing tools here:

Scrivener 🖋️

Scrivener is the downloadable writing software of choice for many writers, and for good reason: it has an exceptional interface and tons of useful features. You can outline chapters with its drag-and-drop system, create labels for elements you want to track, and use various templates to plan AND format your book. If you want to feel like a true professional, you can't go wrong with Scrivener — and it's even free to try for 30 days.

Or if you're not much for outlines because your thoughts are all over the place, Milanote can help. The super-flexible interface allows you to “mind map” just as you would longhand, and rearrange different sections as you please. When writing, you can see all your notes at once, so you don't have to stress about forgetting things. It's a very refreshing, intuitive way approach that's worth a try for all disorganized authors.

FocusWriter ✍️

Speaking of intuitive, what's more intuitive than simply writing on a piece of paper, no distractions — just like the old days? Meet FocusWriter, which allows you to do exactly that. The full-screen default interface is a sheet of paper on a wooden desk: no bells, no whistles, no distractions whatsoever. Seriously, this one will get you in the zone.

The Reedsy Book Editor 📖

We couldn't leave out one of the coolest word processing, editing, and formatting tools on the market! All jokes aside, the RBE lets you cleanly format your book as you go, so you can watch it take shape in real-time. You can also add sections for front matter and back matter and invite collaborators to edit your text. Plus you can toggle on goal reminders to make sure that you're on track with your writing schedule. Once you finish writing, you can export the files of your book. But don't take our word for it: you can try the RBE for free right here .

FREE WRITING APP

Set goals, track progress, and establish your writing routine in our free app.

how to write a book: start writing and stay motivated

Getting into the groove of writing a book can be difficult. When there are a million different things to distract and discourage you, how can you keep going with your writing routine and finish your book?

Based on ours and other writers' experience, here are a few motivational strategies for you to try:

Make a list of reasons why you want to write a book. Having a tangible reminder of your true purpose is one of the best ways to motivate yourself, so think hard: Do you want to send an important message? Reach a certain group of people? Or do you simply yearn to tell this particular story? Write down all your reasons and keep them as an ace in the hole for when your motivation dwindles.
Find someone else to write with you. Getting a writing buddy is another great way to stay motivated! For one thing, you get some camaraderie during this process; for another, it means you can't slack off too much. So ask your writer friends if they'd like to meet up regularly, or join an online writing community . With the latter, just make sure you exchange progress updates and proof that you're actually writing!
Reward yourself at important milestones. Sometimes the best motivation is the prospect of treating yourself. If you respond well to this kind of motivation, set a goal, a deadline, and a reward for meeting it: “If I can write 10,000 more words by the end of the month, I'll go out for an amazing, fancy dinner with all my friends.” This kind of goal is also helpful because you can tell your friends about it, and that very act will hold you accountable.

For even more advice on how to staying motivated through the writing process, check out this Reedsy Live from author and writing coach Kevin Johns!

Don't give up

Remember how we said you'd inevitably get stuck? Well, that's what this step is all about: what to do when you hit a wall. Whether it's a tricky plot hole, an onslaught of insecurity, or a simple lack of desire to write, all writers experience setbacks from time to time.

There are countless ways to overcome writer's block , from freewriting to working on your characters to taking a shower (yes, that's a legitimate tip!). However, here are some of the most effective techniques we've found:

Revisit your outline. This will jog your memory as to planned story elements you've forgotten — which may help you find the missing piece.
Try writing exercises. It's possible you just need to get the words flowing, and then you can jump get right back into your book. Luckily for you, we have a whole host of great writing exercises right here!
Share your experience with friends. This is another great role for your writing buddy to fill, but you can easily talk about writer's block with your non-writing friends, too. If you're struggling, it always helps to vent and bounce ideas off other people.
Take a short break to do something else. Yes, sometimes you need to step away from the keyboard and clear your head. But don't take more than a day or so, or else you'll lose momentum and motivation.

Most of all, remember to take setbacks in stride and not let them get you down. As platitudinous as that might sound, it's true: the only thing that can stop you from writing a book is if you, well, stop writing . So keep calm and carry on — every day brings new opportunities and you'll get through this.

Your aim at this point is not to emerge with an instant masterpiece. The quality almost always emerges in the edit.

how to write a book, step 14: get feedback

You can write all day, all night, to your heart's content... but if no one else likes what you've written, you might end up heart broken instead. That's why it's crucial to request feedback on your book, starting early and from as many sources as possible.

Begin by asking your friends and fellow writers to read just a few chapters at a time. However, apply their suggestions not only to those chapters, but wherever relevant. For example, if one of your friends says, “[Character A] is acting weird in this scene,” pay extra attention to that character to ensure you haven't misrepresented them anywhere else.

Once your book is finished, you're ready for some more intensive feedback. Consider getting a beta reader to review your entire book and provide their thoughts. You may want to hire an editor to give you professional feedback as well. (Find out about the different types of editing, and which type your book might need, in this post .)

Finally, it might sound obvious, but we'll say it anyway for all you stubborn writers out there: feedback is useless if you don't actually listen to it. Separate yourself from your ego and don't take anything personally, because no one wants to offend you — they're just trying to help.

You’ve persevered to the end at last: brainstormed, outlined, and written a draft that you've edited extensively (based on feedback, of course). Your book has taken its final form, and you couldn’t be prouder. So what comes next?

Well, if you’ve taken our advice about catering to your target readers, you may as well give publishing a shot! We have a full guide to publishing right here — and if you’re thinking about traditional publishing, read this article to decide which is right for you.

Get help from publishing professionals

Publishing is another rigorous process, of course. But if you’ve come this far to find out how to write a book, you can pretty much do anything! Invest in stellar cover design , study up on marketing , or start writing an irresistible query letter that will get you an offer.

Whichever route you take, one thing will remain true: you’ve written a book, and that’s an incredible achievement. Welcome to the 0.1% — and may the next book you write be even greater than the first. 📖

13/12/2019 – 15:33

thank you for helping me find a new way to write my book

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Write Your Novel in a Month: How to Complete a First Draft in 30 Days and What to Do Next Paperback – July 18, 2013

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Print length 288 pages
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Publisher Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date July 18, 2013
Dimensions 8.43 x 5.51 x 0.65 inches
ISBN-10 1599636425
ISBN-13 978-1599636429
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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Publishing Group; 1st edition (July 18, 2013)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
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ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1599636425
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1599636429
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.43 x 5.51 x 0.65 inches
#251 in Mystery Writing Reference
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JONATHAN TURLEY

Tick, tick, tick: one month before the release of “the indispensable right” and early reviews are in.

I am deeply grateful to these early reviewers for their generous comments about the book. It is meant to offer a comprehensive look at the meaning, history, and current threats to free speech in America. While it may displease or discomfort others in these fields, it is offered as a foundation for restoring this truly indispensable right.

Reviews of the Turley book:

“Jonathan Turley’s magnum opus should be required reading for everyone who cares about free speech—certainly including anyone who questions or criticizes strong free speech protection. This a unique synthesis of the historical, philosophical, artistic, and even physiological bases for protecting free speech as a right to which all human beings are inherently entitled, and Turley provides riveting accounts of the courageous individuals, throughout history, who have struggled and sacrificed in order to exercise and defend the right. The Indispensable Right is an indispensable book.” —Nadine Strossen , former president of the American Civil Liberties Union

“Brilliant and intellectually honest, Jonathan Turley has few peers as a legal scholar today. With The Indispensable Right , he has given us a robust reexamination and defense of free speech as a right. Rich with historical content and insight, this superbly-written book calls out both the left and the right for attacks on free speech while offering in the final chapter a path forward.” —William P. Barr , former Attorney General and author of the No. 1 New York Times bestseller One Damn Thing After Another.

“This efficient volume is packed with indispensable information delivered with proper passion. Jonathan Turley surveys the fraught history of “the indispensable right” and today’s dismayingly broad retreat from its defense. He is especially illuminating on how the concept of “harm” from speech has been broadened to serve the interest of censors.” —George F. Will , Pulitzer Prize winner and Washington Post columnist.

“The First Amendment has consumed Jonathan Turley for more than thirty years. Lucky for us that he waited until now, amidst a climate of unprecedented rage rhetoric, to deliver a master class on the unvarnished history of free speech in America. The Indispensable Right is enlightening and engaging. It is also a cautionary tale against state overcorrection of the often acrimonious, free exchange of ideas that are an essential part of the human experience.” — Michael Smerconish , host of CNN’s “Smerconish”

“During these often-bitter times, Jonathan Turley is my “go-to” commentator for smart, clear and honest analysis on any difficult legal controversy.” —Jim Webb , former Democratic U.S. Senator, Secretary of the Navy, and bestselling author

“Jonathan Turley’s book is the rarest of accomplishments: a timely and brilliantly original yet disciplined and historically grounded treatment of free speech. He dispels the view that our current social turmoil is ‘uncharted waters’—from the 1790’s Whiskey Rebels to the 1920’s Wobblies to the 1950’s communists, we’ve been here before—and argues persuasively that free speech is a human need and that we must resist the urge to restrict speech as ‘disinformation’ or ‘seditious’ or offensive to ‘woke’ sensibilities.” —Michael B. Mukasey , former Attorney General and U.S. District Judge

“Jonathan Turley is one of the most astute and most honest analysts of the intersection of politics and law. Thirty years in the making, this book brilliantly proposes means for preserving the most important Constitutional right: the right to free speech. Elegantly written, exhaustively researched, and passionately argued, Turley has given us a superb and necessary tract for our time.” —Stephen B. Presser , Raoul Berger Professor of Legal History Emeritus, Northwestern University School of Law

“Jonathan Turley recognizes free speech as an essential good—an activity that is central to our very nature as human beings. This is in sharp contrast with those who defend free speech as merely instrumental to some other value, like democracy or the pursuit of truth; rationales that are then used to justify limiting speech in ways that obstruct human flourishing. In this important book, he explains why free speech has historically come under threat during periods of rage and proposes policies that will protect freedom of speech from those who would today destroy this indispensable right.” —Randy E. Barnett , Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law, Georgetown University Law Center

“The Indispensable Right is a courageous, provocative case by one of America’s most prolific public intellectuals for resurrecting natural law or embracing an autonomous basis for the protection of free speech. Not all First Amendment defenders will be persuaded––but one needn’t sign on to Turley’s robust view of free speech to appreciate the unique clarity and deep historical research he brings to his argument. Read this insightful book to understand the peril of today’s broad-based assault on free speech.”

—Michael J. Glennon , Professor of Constitutional and International Law, Tufts University, author of Free Speech and Turbulent Freedom: The Dangerous Allure of Censorship in the Digital Era.

“Extraordinary and needed.”

— Keith E. Whittington , William Nelson Cromwell professor of politics at Princeton University

A vigorous defense of free speech, a right enshrined but often hobbled or outright abrogated. A smart book that invites argument—civil argument, that is, with good faith and tolerance.

—Kirkus Book Reviews

Trump downplays Kristi Noem’s puppy shooting firestorm: ‘She got hit hard’

Maybe South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem didn’t shoot down her veep chances after all.

Former President Donald Trump defended Noem from the firestorm that erupted after she recounted shooting an unruly 14-month-old wirehaired pointer named Cricket in her memoir.

“Until this week, she was doing incredibly well and she got hit hard and sometimes you do books and you have some guy writing a book and you maybe don’t read it as carefully,” Trump said on the “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show.”

“She did a great job as governor,” Trump added. “The dog story, you know, people hear that and people from different parts of the country probably feel a little bit differently, but that’s a tough story, but she’s a terrific person.”

The Biden-Harris campaign quickly pounced on those remarks.

“At the Biden campaign, we are proudly anti-puppy-killing and don’t think those who murder puppies are ‘terrific,’” spokesperson James Singer chided in a statement.

Noem, 52, had long been speculated as a top vice presidential contender for Trump, but controversy over the puppy killing ordeal from nearly two decades ago seemingly put a damper on that .

The revelation came in her book, “ No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward ,” which was released last Tuesday.

She has since defended the tale, contending that she had a young daughter at the time and that it was one of the “tough decisions” she made in life.

Noem also recounted shooting a “disgusting, musky, rancid” family billy goat that same day and was later forced to correct a claim about staring down North Korean leader Kim Jong Un .

After igniting controversy, Noem seemingly cut her book tour short.

Trump, the first president in nearly a century who didn’t own a dog , also teased his mindset as he mulls who to tap for the vice presidency.

“We have a lot of good people,” he said. “I’m really a believer that you do it during the convention.”

The Republican National Convention is slated for July 15 to 18 in Milwaukee.

“I’m also unfortunately a believer that historically VPs — I don’t think ever have helped. I think they can hurt a little bit, but they haven’t helped,” Trump added. “You have one exciting day and then you’re back to the president is running.”

Trump reiterated that his main criteria is to select someone who will be ready to serve as a “great” president “just in case.”

The 45th president declined to offer up names but fielded questions about some contenders such as Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio).

“A lot of people are in play,” Trump replied when asked if those Republicans were up for consideration.

He also underscored that he wants Zeldin in his administration.

“Lee Zeldin is a great guy. He’s totally supportive of us,” Trump said. “Lee will definitely be somewhere in here in terms of the administration. He’s great. You know, he’s a great lawyer too.”

“He’ll be coming with me in some form anyway at a high level.”

The former congressman previously stated that he would consider serving in Trump’s administration should he win a second term.

Zeldin served in Congress until 2023 and unsuccessfully vied for governor of the deep blue Empire State in 2022.

Trump downplays Kristi Noem’s puppy shooting firestorm: ‘She got hit hard’

E. B. White is one of the most famous children’s book authors. But he should be better known for his essays.

I was well into adulthood before I realized the co-author of my battered copy of The Elements of Style was also the author of Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web . That’s right, the White of the revered style manual that everyone knew as “Strunk and White” also wrote children’s books…as well as some of the best essays in the English language.

If you’re of a certain age, you might well remember E. B. White’s pointers in The Elements of Style :

Place yourself in the background; write in a way that comes naturally; work from a suitable design; write with nouns and verbs; do not overwrite; do not overstate; avoid the use of qualifiers; do not affect a breezy style; use orthodox spelling; do not explain too much; avoid fancy words; do not take shortcuts at the cost of clarity; prefer the standard to the offbeat; make sure the reader knows who is speaking; do not use dialect; revise and rewrite.

That’s some good advice, much better than the terrible counsel offered on Page 76: “Avoid the elaborate, the pretentious, the coy, and the cute.” Thanks, E. B., I do what I want. ☹️

Born in 1899 in Mount Vernon, N.Y., Elwyn Brooks White attended Cornell University, where he earned the nickname “Andy.” (Weird historical fact: If your last name was White, you were automatically an Andy at Cornell, in honor of the school’s co-founder, Andrew Dickson White. There is no connection to fellow Cornell alum Andy Bernard .) After graduation, White worked as a journalist and an advertising copywriter for several years. He published his first article in The New Yorker the year it was founded, 1925.

White became a staff writer at The New Yorker in 1927, but was an early enthusiast of the work-from-home movement, initially refusing to come to the office and eventually agreeing to come in only on Thursdays. In those days, he shared a small office (“a sort of elongated closet,” he called it) with James Thurber.

His famous officemate later recalled that White had an odd a brilliant habit: When visitors were announced, he would climb out the office window and scamper down the fire escape. “He has avoided the Man in the Reception Room as he has avoided the interviewer, the photographer, the microphone, the rostrum, the literary tea, and the Stork Club,” Thurber later remembered of the chronically shy author. “His life is his own.”

In 1929, White and Thurber co-authored their first book, Is Sex Necessary? Or, Why You Feel the Way You Do . (Don’t worry: It was comic essays.) That same year, White married Katharine Angell, The New Yorker’s fiction editor from its inaugural year until 1960. She was the mother of Roger Angell , the famed essayist and baseball writer who himself became a fiction editor at The New Yorker in the 1950s.

In 1938, White and Katharine moved permanently to a farm in Maine they had purchased five years before. If you’re wondering about the inspiration for 1952’s Charlotte’s Web , look no further than White’s 1948 essay for The Atlantic, “ Death of a Pig .” (He bought the pig with the intention of fattening it for slaughter; instead, he later nursed it through a fatal illness and buried it on the farm.)

Stuart Little had been published seven years before Charlotte’s Web . Along with 1970’s The Trumpet of the Swan , these books have made White one of the nation’s best-known children’s authors. I’m sure White didn’t mind, but by all rights, he should be better known for his essays. He authored over 20 collections of such classics as “Once More to the Lake,” “The Sea and The Wind That Blow,” “The Ring of Time,” “A Slight Sound at Evening” and “Farewell, My Lovely!” Endlessly anthologized, many are also taught in writing workshops to this day.

In 1949, White published Here Is New York , a short book developed from an essay about the pros and cons of living in New York City. In a 2012 essay for America , literary editor Raymond Schroth, S.J., noted White’s juxtaposition in Here Is New York of technological terrors like nuclear bombers (the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb in 1949) with the simple beauties of nature:

Grand Central Terminal has become honky tonk, the great mansions are in decline, and there is generally more tension, irritability and great speed. The subtlest change is that the city is now destructible. A single flight of planes no bigger than a flock of geese could end this island fantasy, burn the towers and crumble the bridges. But the United Nations will make this the capital of the world. The perfect target may become the perfect “demonstration of nonviolence and racial brotherhood.” A block away in an interior garden was an old willow tree. This tree, symbol of the city, White said, must survive.

“It is a battered tree, long suffering and much climbed, held together by strands of wire but beloved of those who know it,” White wrote in Here Is New York . “In a way it symbolizes the city: life under difficulties, growth against odds, sap-rise in the midst of concrete, and the steady reaching for the sun. Whenever I look at it nowadays, and feel the cold shadow of the planes, I think: ‘This must be saved, this particular thing, this very tree.’”

The tree lasted for another six decades —two more than the Cold War, in fact—before finally being chopped down in 2009.

In a 1954 review of books by White and James Michener, America literary editor Harold C. Gardiner, S.J. , said White “has one of the most distinctive styles discernible on the American literary scene.” Since even the most cursory review of Father Gardiner’s many years of commentary shows he hated almost everything, it was quite a compliment. (Later in the review, he noted that “Mr. Michener, who has done better in his other books, comes a cropper here mainly because his style is wooden, sententious and dull.”)

In 1963, White received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his writings. Fifteen years later, he was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for “his letters, essays, and the full body of his work.” In 2005, the composer Nico Muhly debuted a song cycle based on The Elements of Style at the New York Public Library. Among its signature moments was a tenor offering more of White’s good advice, this time in song:

Do not use a hyphen between words that can be better written as one word .

White died in 1985 at his farm in Maine. His wife Katharine had died eight years earlier. His obituary in The New York Times quoted William Shawn, the legendary editor of The New Yorker:

His literary style was as pure as any in our language. It was singular, colloquial, clear, unforced, thoroughly American and utterly beautiful. Because of his quiet influence, several generations of this country's writers write better than they might have done. He never wrote a mean or careless sentence. He was impervious to literary, intellectual and political fashion. He was ageless, and his writing was timeless.

Our poetry selection for this week is “ Another Doubting Sonnet ,” by Renee Emerson. Readers can view all of America ’s published poems here .

Also, news from the Catholic Book Club: We are reading Norwegian novelist and 2023 Nobel Prize winner Jon Fosse’s multi-volume work Septology . Click here to buy the book, and click here to sign up for our Facebook discussion group .

In this space every week, America features reviews of and literary commentary on one particular writer or group of writers (both new and old; our archives span more than a century), as well as poetry and other offerings from America Media. We hope this will give us a chance to provide you with more in-depth coverage of our literary offerings. It also allows us to alert digital subscribers to some of our online content that doesn’t make it into our newsletters.

Other Catholic Book Club columns:

The spiritual depths of Toni Morrison

What’s all the fuss about Teilhard de Chardin?

Moira Walsh and the art of a brutal movie review

Who’s in hell? Hans Urs von Balthasar had thoughts.

Happy reading!

James T. Keane

James T. Keane is a senior editor at America.

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Jeffrey Epstein's 'little black book' just went up for auction. Here's whose names are listed in it

This photo provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein.

Convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein once had a "little black book," a place where he would write the names, addresses, phone numbers and other information of those associated with his sordid past. Now that book — and all of its information — is up for auction.

Bidding began Wednesday for the infamous item. It contains names and potential contact information for high-profile figures like former President Donald Trump, attorney Alan Dershowitz and former U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy inside its 64 pages, according to Alexander Historical Auctions .

The auction organizer says the book dates back to the mid-1990s and includes 221 names that didn't appear in Epstein's better-known 2004 "black book," which the FBI used against him in legal proceedings. Its contents and names were first leaked by Gawker in 2015.

Business Insider reports names in the auction book not previously publicly linked to Epstein include Melania Trump's best friend and New York Jets co-owner Suzanna Ircha, Chris Cuomo's wife Cristina Greeven, Carl Icahn — special adviser to Donald Trump during his presidency — and Jill Harth, who accused Donald Trump of sexual assault.

Jeffrey Epstein's "black book" is shown.

Alexander Historical Auctions says the 389 printed entries — two of which the auction house says appear on the last page in "childlike" writing similar to but not confirmed to be Epstein's — vary from being only a few lines to 15 or more each.

94 names have a checkmark written next to them, and five are highlighted in yellow. All five, Alexander Historical Auctions says, are names of "well-recognized financial and industrial figures." Donald Trump is one of them.

There's also information about Epstein's past , including his former home addresses and telephone numbers. One entry for "masseuse/masseur" lists 24 names and numbers, one named "ugly back up" and eight titled "exercise people."

None of the prominent figures listed in the auction's book have been implicated in Epstein's crimes, Alexander Historical Auctions and Business Insider report. The significance of the checkmarks and highlighting is also unknown.

The auction house said a woman found this edition of the disgraced financier's book on a Manhattan sidewalk in the 90s and put it in storage. She rediscovered it in 2020 and realized it belonged to Epstein, who died in his prison cell the year before while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors.

After media outlets were disinterested in it, the woman put the book up on eBay believing it to be a copy, and the current owner, a then-graduate student in the Northeast, purchased it.

Unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein sex abuse documents concludes

The FBI stated the 90s "black book" wasn't of evidentiary importance when it was discovered after Epstein's death, but Business Insider still had forensic document examiners confirm its authenticity.

A copy of their report citing evidence within the book — including how they called and confirmed numbers listed, alarm codes and internet modem lines from his residences and information about his relatives — is available to potential bidders.

Interested bidders can examine the book by appointment only at Alexander Historical Auctions' offices. And Bids will be accepted by mail if they're accompanied by a "recognized banker's letter" showing enough funds are available to purchase and a copy of the bidder's driver's license or passport ID page. The identity of potential buyers and their bid amounts will all be kept "strictly confidential," the auction house said.

Mail-in bids will close June 15, and the following day, the top two bidders will receive a FedEx note saying they can make a final offer within five days. The consignor then can accept or decline the final, highest offer. If declined, the book will be offered at a public auction in July.

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NaNoWriMo
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National Novel Writing Month
National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with a first draft. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or ...
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NaNoWriMo like a Pro: How to Write a Novel in One Month
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is both an event and a nonprofit organization. The event, which begins on the first day of November every year, is a thirty-day writing spree with the goal of getting (at least) fifty thousand words on the page before the month is out. The nonprofit organization (also called NaNoWriMo) facilitates this ...
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Write Your Novel in a Month: How to Complete a First Draft in 30 Days
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Jeffrey Epstein's "black book" is shown. Alexander Historical Auctions says the 389 printed entries — two of which the auction house says appear on the last page in "childlike" writing similar to but not confirmed to be Epstein's — vary from being only a few lines to 15 or more each.
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As November approaches, many nonfiction and fiction writers are preparing to take on a book-in-a-month challenge. But is it possible to write a book, or a good book, in a just 30 days? My short answer is: Yes. Of course, you can write a book, or a good book, in 30 days. I know plenty of novelists who write the first draft to their novels in 30 ...
AI Captivating New Romance Novel Opening Lines Generator
1. Input Your Topic: Simply provide the tool with your essay topic or prompt. Whether it's a literary analysis, historical overview, or scientific exploration, the Instant Essay Typer can handle a diverse range of subjects. 2. Click to Generate: Once you've entered your topic, click the "Generate Essay" button.