Can You Write A Novel In 30 Days? WithOUT AI??? Absolutely. Here's How!
It’s no secret that the only way I can get my lazy butt to actually finish a novel is to challenge myself into insanity. But it works. Every year since 2002 I have taken on the challenge to write a book in a month. Some have gone on to be published while others will never (ever, ever!) see the light of day. Regardless of the outcome, the goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days, equivalent to a novella… or the bones of a novel, depending on how you look at it. Challenging, sure, but totally doable!
If you've always felt you have a story to tell, or an idea to explore, and don’t have the patience to chip away at it over many years, check out my tips below to help set you up for success!
1. Prep
Decide on your month. I love any month in the fall, but particularly November. It’s cold and dark which means staying indoors, huddled under a blanket with hot tea and my computer. It’s much more enjoyable than having outdoor adventures in nicer weather calling your name as a constant distraction.
Give yourself two weeks beforehand to brainstorm. Having some sort of plan prior to the first day will get you over that starting line and past the first hurdle of a blank page. I'm not saying you have to have it all figured out, but a flexible outline and some character names at the ready will help you more than you might think.
Tell everyone you know. Give them a heads up of what you're doing, so when you’re in the thick of it, they’ll have some idea of why you're turning down plans or looking like a zombie, grumbling plot points to yourself.
2. Examine Your Schedule for Free Time - Then Call It Writing Time.
The number one thing I hear people say as a reason why they can't write a novel is that they don't have time. And while it's true life can get busy and overwhelming, I can tell you from experience that it's not a matter of not having time, but rather a matter of prioritizing your goals. Sometimes you need to sacrifice sleeping in on the weekend, or binge watching your favorite TV show at night (streaming services are my Achille’s heel). You might need to make meals that are quick rather than perfectly tasty. I used to write during my lunch break at work; even just fifteen minutes of scribbling in my notebook added more to my word count than no minutes at all. Your free time, whenever it is, no matter how long, should be called "Writing Time" and respected as such!
3.Let Go of Perfection - Get Messy
Will your novel be polished upon completion, ready for publication and sales? Absolutely not! No book has ever been born into the world ready for readers. That comes with editing down the road. But does it count as a manuscript you can boast about and revise until it’s ready? 100% YES! Don’t write for others, write for the sake of the story, no matter how discombobulated or strange it sounds at the moment. Write forward and don’t look back until it’s done. Remember, whether you want someone to even look at it or not is entirely up to you. It’s JUST FOR YOU.
4. Bribe Yourself!
Rewards, both large and small, can be highly motivating to a struggling novelist. Some people prepare little rewards, like candy (post-Halloween discount, anyone?), for reaching daily word count goals, while others will promise themselves a larger reward for finishing the challenge, like a new laptop or a weekend trip. Get creative! Whatever your budget, dangle that carrot in front of yourself and see just how much you're willing to achieve to get it!
5. Connect With Other Writers
Writing can be a lonely hobby. Even the most introverted of us can benefit from a writing community. Other writers know exactly what you're going through and can offer support in a way that non-writers can't. The #writingcommunity on social media is large and very active! Check your local library for events that might suit your endeavors. Libraries are the champions of our communities and never fail to bring like-minded people together. There you might find groups having local meetups and write-ins to encourage each other toward the finish line, no matter what that looks like.
6. Relax and have fun!
What's the point of doing this if you don't have a little fun with it? When you're feeling blocked, frustrated, or exhausted, try playing around a bit with your novel. Nothing is set in stone during the drafting phase - it can all be fixed later in edits. Have your characters sing karaoke - song lyrics boost word count like nothing else! Or have them write long, rambling journal entries. Dear Diary, today I did xyz... Sometimes just seeing that number go up, no matter the method, can take the stress off and help you get back on track. What matters is that you create the habit of sitting down to write. Consistency is key. Having the discipline to write every day is tough, but the feeling of accomplishment afterward is second to none.
A Note on Discouragement
Halfway through, you might be ready to give up. I get it. It's a lot. It's hard work, it's wearisome, and the initial motivation wanes at some point, even for the most prolific of us. If you don’t reach the end, just know that any word written is worth celebrating. So make your favorite drink and toast yourself for your effort. Many people don’t even try - but you have. That’s something special. And now you have the beginning of a writing project. YOU are a WRITER. Congratulations!
Are you participating in a writing challenge this year? Have any tips to share? Let me know, and I wish you all the luck with your writing goals!
