It can take a writer years to complete a novel, but can it be done in a month?
The answer depends on what you count as writing.
For me, writing is split into three stages:
- 1. Writing,
- 2. Crafting,
- 3. Editing,
It is essential that writers see all three processes clearly. When writing the key is to just get words down onto paper (or more likely, the screen). At this stage writers need to forget about creating a masterpiece and instead just write. Just let the words pour out onto the page. Fingers are slower than the brain, so just tap away as fast as possible.
Then, once the words are down, you can begin to craft. This is the slow, brain aching process of making the words make sense. A writer needs to go back through the crap they have written, cutting and polishing until it shines and stops smelling.
Finally, your words are ready to be edited. This is the process of reading with new eyes, looking for those plot holes and obvious mistakes. This is the time to bring in help, let a few trusted companions read and feedback. Then ignore most of their advice and go with your gut.
This is the process of creating a novel – but can it be done in a month?
Well, yes. It is perfectly possible to WRITE a novel in a month. Sitting down and pecking out 2000 words a day will produce a novel sized collection of words by the end of the month, but…
This is not a novel, it still needs crafting and editing.
I am a huge fan of fast writing, I just urge writers to remember this is just one stage in a process.
