As writers, we’re often told that writing a novel is a long and arduous process. And, to be fair, it can be. But what if I told you that you can write a novella in just three months? That’s right – 90 days, 12 weeks, or 1,440 hours (give or take a few). It may seem daunting, but with a solid plan, dedication, and the right tools, you can bring your novella to life in no time.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Before you start typing away, take some time to prepare yourself and your writing space for the challenge ahead. Here are a few things to consider:
- Define your project scope: What’s the main plot of your story? What themes do you want to explore? What’s the tone of your narrative? Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve will help you stay focused.
- Choose your writing tools: Are you a fan of writing software like Scrivener or Google Docs? Do you prefer writing by hand? Whatever your preference, make sure you have the necessary tools to get the job done.
- Create a writing schedule: Plan out your writing time and stick to it. This will help you make consistent progress and avoid burnout. Even 30 minutes a day can be more productive than trying to cram all your writing into one or two long sessions a week.
- Set up your writing space: Make sure your writing area is comfortable, organized, and free from distractions. This might mean investing in a good chair, a desk, or even a few noise-cancelling headphones.
Having a solid foundation in place will help you stay motivated and focused as you work on your novella.
The Writing Process
Now that you’re all set up, it’s time to start creating. Here’s a few tips to help you make the most of your writing time:
Write a bad first draft: Seriously, it’s okay if your first draft is, well, terrible. The important thing is that you’re making progress and getting your ideas down on paper. You can always edit later.
Write in scenes: Instead of trying to write your novella from start to finish, break it down into individual scenes. This will make it feel less overwhelming and allow you to focus on crafting each scene individually.
“The road to hell is paved with adverbs, and the road to hell is paved with passivity. Don’t get me started on the road to hell paved with vague, unemotional language.” – Chuck Wendig
Remember, your goal is to make progress, not to create a perfect first draft. Keep moving forward, and don’t get too caught up in the details.
Staying on Track and Avoiding Pitfalls
As you work on your novella, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
Don’t edit as you go: While it’s tempting to go back and edit your work, try to resist the urge. This can lead to getting bogged down in details and losing momentum.
Avoid distractions: Turn off your phone, log out of social media, and find a quiet space to work. The fewer distractions you have, the more focused you’ll be on your writing.
Don’t be too hard on yourself: Remember, you’re writing a novella in three months. It’s okay if it’s not perfect. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or two of writing. Just get back on track as soon as possible.
If you do find yourself struggling, consider seeking out resources like Self-Publishing 101: Top Mistakes to Avoid or Write, Print, Repeat: DIY Book Success for guidance and support.
Writing a novella in three months is definitely a challenge, but it’s not impossible. With dedication, the right tools, and a solid plan, you can bring your novella to life in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Get writing!
Once you’ve completed your novella, you can start thinking about the production process. For tips on how to save money and maximize quality, check out DIY Book Production: Save Money, Maximize Quality.