Writing a novel in 30 days is an ambitious yet rewarding challenge that many writers undertake, especially during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November. Whether you’re aiming to write a 50,000-word manuscript or simply want to dive into the world of novel writing, completing a book in such a short period can be an exhilarating experience. However, to succeed, you’ll need more than just passion and perseverance—you’ll need a solid plan.
This guide will take you through a step-by-step plan to write your novel in 30 days, breaking down each phase to help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Step 1: Prepare Before the 30 Days Begin
Writing a novel in 30 days requires more than just jumping into it headfirst. Preparation is key to ensuring your success. Here’s what you should do before the 1st of the month:
- Set a Clear Goal:
- Decide on the word count goal. NaNoWriMo suggests 50,000 words, but you can set your own target based on your availability and ambition.
- Determine your genre, themes, and the general plot of your novel. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to write.
- Create a Writing Space:
- Set up a quiet, comfortable writing area where you can focus. Having a designated space for writing can help you get into the right mindset.
- Write an Outline (Optional but Recommended):
- Create a loose outline of your story. Whether it’s a detailed chapter-by-chapter plan or a rough sketch of your plot, knowing where you’re going will keep you from getting lost in the middle.
- Consider the three-act structure, the hero’s journey, or another story structure to guide you.
- Set a Daily Word Count Goal:
- To finish 50,000 words in 30 days, aim to write 1,667 words per day. If your goal is lower, adjust the word count accordingly.
- Remember that consistency is more important than perfection. The aim is to finish the first draft, not to create a polished manuscript.
- Gather Your Supplies:
- Stock up on whatever you need to make your writing process smoother: notebooks, pens, your computer, or any writing software that helps you stay organized.
Step 2: Begin Your Writing Journey
Once you’ve prepared, it’s time to dive in. Here’s how to navigate your writing journey throughout the 30 days:
- Start Strong:
- On day one, try to write more than your daily goal to give yourself some cushion for days when you might be too tired or distracted.
- Don’t worry about perfect writing—focus on getting the story down.
- Establish a Routine:
- Set a time each day for writing and stick to it. Treat it like an appointment you can’t miss.
- Write in short, manageable sessions (e.g., 30-minute bursts) or longer ones (e.g., 2 hours), depending on your schedule.
- Write First, Edit Later:
- The key to completing a novel in 30 days is not to get bogged down in editing. If you catch yourself overthinking or trying to make your writing perfect, remind yourself that you’re drafting, not publishing.
- Use placeholder text (like [insert scene here]) if you need to skip a part and continue.
- Embrace Imperfection:
- Remember that your first draft will be rough. Embrace mistakes, plot holes, or inconsistent characters; you’ll revise them later.
Step 3: Stay Motivated and Overcome Obstacles
There will inevitably be days when you struggle to find the motivation to write. Here are some strategies to stay on track:
- Join a Writing Group or Community:
- Participate in NaNoWriMo forums or find writing communities online or in person to share progress and provide mutual support. Accountability helps!
- Use Writing Prompts or Exercises:
- If you get stuck, use prompts or exercises to spark creativity. These can be particularly helpful for generating ideas for scenes or character development.
- Track Your Progress:
- Use a word count tracker to monitor your progress. Seeing your word count grow every day can be incredibly motivating.
- Reward Yourself:
- Celebrate small milestones. If you hit your daily word count, treat yourself to something you enjoy (like a snack, a favorite TV show episode, or a walk).
Step 4: Handling Mid-Month Slumps
About halfway through, many writers experience a slump. This is completely normal, and it’s important to push through.
- Revisit Your Outline or Plan:
- If you feel stuck, go back to your outline. It might help to visualize where your story is going next, or you might decide to change direction entirely.
- Push Through Writer’s Block:
- If you’re facing writer’s block, try writing a scene that excites you—even if it’s out of order. Sometimes, writing the “fun” parts will reignite your passion.
- Change Your Environment:
- If you’re feeling bored or uninspired, change your writing location. Sometimes a change of scenery can refresh your creativity.
Step 5: The Final Stretch—Finish Strong
As you near the end of the month, you’ll likely feel both excitement and fatigue. Here’s how to make the most of the final days:
- Power Through the Last Week:
- During the final week, you might need to up your word count to stay on track. If you fall behind, don’t panic—focus on getting words down instead of stressing about perfection.
- Avoid Editing:
- Don’t allow yourself to go back and fix earlier chapters. Editing can lead to perfectionism, which will slow you down and make you second-guess your writing.
- Celebrate When You Hit the Finish Line:
- Once you reach your goal (or even if you fall slightly short), take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment. Writing a novel in 30 days is no small feat!
Step 6: After the 30 Days—Revisions and Editing
Once you’ve completed your novel, take a well-deserved break. Let your manuscript rest for a few weeks before diving into revisions. Here’s what to focus on after your first draft is done:
- Revise Your Story:
- Revisit your outline, and make sure the plot is coherent. Adjust pacing, fix plot holes, and tweak character arcs.
- Edit for Structure and Clarity:
- Begin refining your novel at the structural level. Cut unnecessary scenes, improve transitions, and ensure everything flows smoothly.
- Polish the Language:
- Focus on sentence-level editing. Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Make sure your writing is tight and concise.
- Get Feedback:
- Share your manuscript with beta readers or critique partners. Their input can help you see your work from a fresh perspective.
Writing a novel in 30 days is challenging but incredibly fulfilling. With a well-structured plan, discipline, and a bit of creativity, you can achieve your goal and produce a full manuscript in a month. Remember, the first draft doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s all about getting the ideas on paper.
Stay motivated, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the journey of creating something new. By the end of the 30 days, you’ll have the foundation for a novel that you can continue to work on and refine in the months to come.
