Tag: Novel Drafting Rules

Finish Writing Your Novel Now!, NaNoWriMo

How NaNoWriMo can increase motivation & momentum

Mandy Webster

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is an annual creative writing challenge that takes place in November. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write a 50,000-word novel draft in just 30 days, from November 1st to November 30th. Participating in this activity is a great way to build and maintain momentum. Plus, if you can write 50,000 words of your own novel draft in one month, you will be well on your way to finishing your novel in months rather than years.

NaNoWriMo is open to anyone who wants to participate, regardless of writing experience or genre preference. Participants can register on the NaNoWriMo website and connect with other writers in their local community or online for support and encouragement. The site also offers a word count tracker that helps you see how many words you need to write each day to stay on track.

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Novel drafting rule #5: No research allowed

Mandy Webster

During the planning stage of the novel writing process, you probably did a lot of research into your topic while you generated ideas and plotted your story structure. But now that you’re in the drafting stage of the novel writing process, all that needs to stop.

While research was welcome during the planning stage of the writing process, it’s not a good idea to try to conduct research during the drafting stage. Image generated using artificial intelligence.

Stopping to do research during the drafting process of writing a novel can be a distraction and slow down your progress. Here are some reasons why you may want to avoid stopping to do research while drafting:

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Novel drafting rule #4: No editing allowed

Mandy Webster

Writing and editing involve different cognitive processes that use different parts of the brain. When you write, you typically use your creative and imaginative processes, which are associated with the right side of the brain. This involves generating new ideas, making connections between concepts, and visualizing scenes and characters.

Writing a novel can be like putting a puzzle together without knowing what the final product is supposed to look like. Image generated using artificial intelligence.

On the other hand, editing involves a more analytical and critical thinking process, which is associated with the left side of the brain. This involves evaluating the structure, pacing, and clarity of your writing, checking for errors in grammar and punctuation, and refining your prose to make it more effective and engaging. Editing your work during the drafting stage of the novel writing process can be counterproductive for a few reasons:

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Novel drafting rule #3: Set a writing schedule

Mandy Webster

Setting a writing schedule that you can stick to is important for making consistent progress on your writing projects. First, determine what time of day is your most productive time. Think about when you are most alert and focused. Some people prefer to write in the early morning, while others find that they are most productive in the afternoon or evening. I like to get my writing out of the way first thing because I know that otherwise I will find other things to do and never get around to writing. This is a great strategy for anyone who often finds themselves cleaning house when there is writing to be done. Once you identify your most productive time, try to schedule your writing sessions during that time.

Without a proper writing schedule in place, your time can seem to melt away without you ever accomplishing anything. Image generated using artificial intelligence.

However, be sure to set realistic goals. Determine how much time you realistically have available for writing each day or week. Then, set a goal that is achievable within that time frame. For example, if you only have 30 minutes each day to write, set a goal to write 250 words during that time. It is also essential to establish a consistent routine for when and where you will write. This can help you get into the habit of writing regularly and make it easier to stick to your schedule. Try to create a writing environment that is free from distractions and conducive to your creative process. Just don’t get too precious about it.

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Novel drafting rule #2: Write fast

Mandy Webster

Writing fast when creating the first draft of a novel can be beneficial for several reasons. First, writing quickly allows you to capture ideas as they flow, preventing them from slipping away. During the creative process, inspiration can strike unexpectedly, and writing fast enables you to record those ideas in the moment, preserving their freshness and vitality.

If you stop constantly during a race to check your hair and makeup, you’ll never finish the race! Don’t worry about your novel’s appearance while writing the first draft: just run toward the finish line as fast as you can! Image generated using artificial intelligence.

Writing quickly will also help you overcome writer’s block or the fear of a blank page. When you write rapidly, you minimize self-censorship and judgment, allowing your ideas to flow freely. This can help you bypass mental barriers and unleash your creativity.

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Novel drafting rule #1: Write the first chapter of your novel last

Mandy Webster

Hopefully, your novel will have lots of “best parts,” but one of the most important parts of your novel will be the first chapter (also referred to as the “introduction” when discussing the basic steps of the writing process.) One of the most efficient and effective ways to write a five-paragraph essay is to write your three body paragraphs first and then write the introduction and conclusion paragraphs last. The same is often true when writing a novel.

It’s okay if your novel chapters don’t fit perfectly together in the first draft! Image generated using artificial intelligence.

The first chapter of a novel plays a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention, introducing key elements of the story, and setting the stage for the narrative to come. It is the author’s opportunity to make a strong first impression and entice readers to delve further into the book. However, the author—you—often doesn’t know what the key elements of the story will be until after the majority of the first draft has been written. How can you possibly introduce those elements in your first chapter when you don’t know yet what they are?

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