Writing a novel in a month might sound like a whirlwind, but with the right game plan, it’s a challenge you can conquer—and have fun with along the way.
Whether you’re racing to finish in thirty days or stretching the timeline to fit your own schedule, this guide will help you stay on track while keeping your creativity alive.
Why Try Writing a Novel in a Short Time?
The simple answer: Sometimes a challenge is fun! But the bigger picture is it’s all about honing your craft, developing your storytelling skills, and learning how to manage tight deadlines.
It’s also great training for those hoping to make self-publishing their full-time job. No, you don’t have to put out a book every month, but having a consistently growing backlog is often the only way to have a consistently growing bank account.
If that sounds like you, these strategies also apply to getting your personal printing press up and running.
Laying the Foundation
Before you start writing, take the time to define your story’s core premise and essential beats. Knowing the shape of your story can help you avoid getting lost in the drafting process. Plotters already know this trick, but don’t you worry, dear pantsers—your notes should always be flexible.
Consider creating a loose outline or one-page synopsis to act as your map for the month or however long you make your project. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but having a sense of direction will help you navigate plot points and character arcs without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re feeling really ambitious, go a step further and draft a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of your story. Sometimes knowing exactly what comes next keeps the momentum going when creativity feels thin.
Establish Your Daily Progress Goals
There are no two ways about it: writing a novel, whether in a month or a year, is an undertaking that can easily become overwhelming.
Be kind to yourself and break your larger goal into manageable daily targets. For a 50,000-word novel in a single month, that’s roughly 1,667 words a day.
However, don’t be afraid to customize this to fit your own pace. Some days will be more productive than others, and that’s okay. Maybe you know you’ll have tons of time and energy to write on Saturday and not so much on Monday morning. In that case, make Mondays 500-word days and pick up the rest on the weekends.
Regardless of when you write, make sure it’s consistent. Carve out dedicated time in your schedule instead of leaving it to chance or whim. Whether you write in short bursts or long sessions, stick to the cadence that works for you.
The key is consistency, so set realistic goals that account for your personal rhythm and life commitments.
Keeping Momentum: Avoiding Midway Slumps
Midway through, it’s common to hit a creative wall or lose steam. When this happens, don’t panic. Take a step back and remind yourself why you were excited about this story in the first place. A surprising plot twist or a deeper exploration of character motives can reignite that spark.
Stay flexible. If a scene feels off or characters want to stray from your outline, let them. Trust your instincts and don’t cling too tightly to a rigid plan. The goal is progress, not perfection, and you can always tweak things in revisions.
Release the deadline dread. Unless you have an eager editor with an outstretched hand, waiting for that finished first draft, breathe a little. Meeting a challenging deadline is rewarding, but not the real point of the process.
Stay Organized Without Losing Flexibility
As your draft grows, it can be easy to lose track of plot threads or characters. Keep a simple log of what’s happened in each chapter—just a sentence or two. This will help you spot any inconsistencies or dangling subplots without having to reread the whole manuscript.
And while you’re at it, don’t let your target word count box you in. If your story is flowing and you surpass your daily goal, celebrate that momentum! On tougher days, if you come up short, remember that writing any amount is still progress. Staying flexible with your targets lets your creativity breathe.
Celebrate Milestones
Writing a novel is no small feat, so take time to recognize your achievements along the way. When you hit a mini-milestone—whether it’s reaching a specific word count or finishing a tough chapter—celebrate! These moments of progress can boost your morale and keep you motivated for the next stretch.
Prioritize Your Creative Health
Your story can’t flourish if your brain is stuck in burnout mode, so make sure you’re taking care of more than just your plot holes. Take care of your well-being as much as your story. Give yourself permission to take breaks, get outside, or do something else when the writing feels stuck. Read a book, listen to some music–or give yourself permission to “rot” a little while your stores replenish.
Embrace the Mess
Drafting is supposed to be rough, so avoid the trap of overpolishing every sentence as you go. It’s much more important to finish than to have a perfect draft by day 30. After all, the magic really happens during revision.
Right now, your focus is on getting your ideas onto the page and bringing your story to life.
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