Length of time required to compose a novel.
Wanna Crank Out That Novel, Faster Than a Sonic Boom?
Here's the skinny on penning a novel from start to finish without wasting time. We'll show you some time-saving tips, bust some common myths, and help you make the most of your writing sessions. So buckle up, and let's dive in!
Dodging the Question: How Long Does it Take to Write a Novel?
Before we dive deep, let's clarify that there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. After all, life's a banquet, and every writer has different plates on the table! But if you're itching to know a general idea, a smashing novel might take around two years, starting from scratch. However, this is a mere guideline.
Some Famous Folks and Their Writing Routines
Think you need to be a slave toaming at your desk 24/7 to write a bestseller? Nah! Famous authors like Nicholson Baker have genius strategies up their sleeves, like doubling up on mornings for intense, distraction-free writing sessions.
They Start 'Em Off Right: Writing the First Draft
You've gotta write that first draft, rain or shine, sun or storm. Consistency is key, and those who knock out an hour every day, even if it's just a few sentences, maintain momentum and keep the story progressing smoothly.
Charting Your Course: Outlining
Some authors, like Stephen King, start with a basic outline. Others, like the ones who sweat the small stuff, prefer a detailed outline for each chapter. Either way, outlining helps maintain context and ensures that the narrative doesn’t fly off the rails.
Polishing the Rough Edges: Editing
Editing is a crucial part of the writing process. Working closely with editors can refine your work, and many top-tier authors collaborate with developmental editors to ensure the manuscript is solid before submitting it to publishers.
Colleen Hoover's Secret Sauce
Colleen Hoover believes producing content, even if it feels like garbage, is essential for reaching the goldmine of genius in your writing. Taking breaks and finding inspiration from other art forms can also help you conquer creative blocks.
Stephen King's Advice
Though the details of Stephen King's writing process aren't widely known, he is famous for his prolific writing pace and emphasizes the importance of reading to hone your writing skills.
The Truth Bomb: It's Quality Over Quantity
Remember, you shouldn't rush your novel to meet deadline pressures, because it could result in a disappointing, half-baked book. Focus on crafting a story you're proud of, and leave the race to the snails!
The Writing Process: All the Steps
If you're new to the novel-writing world, you might be unsure of all the steps involved. Take a look at this post outlining the steps of the writing process to gain a better sense of how your time will be spent.
Writing Efficiently: No More Procrastination
Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Eliminate analysis paralysis by grabbing the Simple Writing Tasks spreadsheet to learn how to work smarter, not harder. Your future readers will thank you for it!
The Genius Plotting System: Your Fast-Track to Novel-Writing
Planning your storyline is essential, but it doesn't have to be slow-going. Our Genius Plotting System offers a foolproof method for creating plot events that matter and the best outlining tools. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get writing!
FYI: We're a writing fiction, run by a published author and creative writing teacher. For more writing tips and inspiration, check out our blog, and you can find the best author tools at Writer Lifestyle on Etsy.
- To efficiently write a novel, understanding the steps of the writing process is important, as outlined in resources like the Genius Plotting System, which can help streamline the story structure and plotting, making the writing process more manageable.
- In the writing process, creating a compelling first draft is essential, and giving consistent effort, even if it's just an hour per day, can help maintain momentum and keep the story progressing smoothly.
- After writing the first draft, editing is a crucial step, working closely with editors refines your work, and collaborating with developmental editors, as Colleen Hoover does, can ensure a solid manuscript before submission to publishers.
- For those looking to improve their writing and overcome creative blocks, Stephen King emphasizes the importance of reading regularly, while Colleen Hoover suggests writing content, even if it feels subpar, to ultimately reach the goldmine of genius in your writing.
