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How to Write the First Draft of a Novel in a Month

Every November writers across the country pick up their pens or plug in their laptops and prepare to write a novel in a month. The annual NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) has grown to include writers from around the world. Every year, many of the participants do complete their novels. With a little determination and a few plot ideas, you too can write the first draft of your novel in a month.

Things You'll Need

  • Story idea
  • Manila folders
  • Pencils or computer
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Instructions

  1. Prewriting

    • 1

      Buy a box of manila folders. Label each folder with a chapter number and write up a short outline for each chapter to glue inside the appropriate folder.

    • 2

      Create a timeline of the plot. Post it on the wall above your work space where you will see it every day. This will help keep your novel on track.

    • 3

      Develop character sketches. Enjoy creating these people--consider their pasts, their jobs, their hobbies and their families. Look for magazine pictures of people who resemble your characters.

    • 4

      Add the sketches to your manila folders. Tuck personal information into the folders where your characters make their initial appearances in the novel. Add their movements to your chapter outlines.

    • 5

      Turn off that voice in your head--the one that tells you not to write anything until it's perfect. You'll have to ignore him this month.

    Writing

    • 6

      Steal time from your schedule. If you're going to write your first draft in a month, you'll need to say "No" to many people and activities. Writing your novel will have to have top priority.

    • 7

      Write. Forget about grammar, punctuation and spelling, and just get the words down on paper. A goal of 3,000 words every day should give you a novel of at least 90,000 words in 30 days.

    • 8

      Celebrate. Wherever you are after your 30 days are up, stop and celebrate your success.

Fiction

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