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Tips For Writing Your Novel In One Month: Week 5

I’m writing a full novel during the month of May. To reach this goal, I’ll complete 2,000 words (or more) every day.

You can check out my previous week’s post here.

How this Week Turned Out

So I set out on May 1 to write 2K words a day throughout the month. We’re almost to the 31, and I’ll be honest, the novel is a mess. But it’s a glorious mess. The story is nothing like what I set out to write, but I can confidently say it’s vastly improved.

I want nothing more than to go back and begin revision but I need to return to submitting short stories in earnest again. My plan is to spend the next couple months focusing on shorter fiction. However, I’m marking my calendar. On August 1 I’ll return to this novel and starting the long process of edits. I’m considering recording my progress here.

Breaking Down The Week

SUNDAY MAY 23 – 2,015 WORDS: Wrote a scene where two of the main characters get into an argument. I realized the scene was predictable. Tried to think outside the box. I want the hero to remain “in character” but I also want her to surprise the readers.

MONDAY MAY 24 – 2,073 WORDS: I often make a point to stop on a cliffhanger so I’m eager to return to the story the next day.

TUESDAY MAY 25 – 2,215 WORDS: Much of what I wrote today focused on the villain’s backstory. I kind of like him now. This is a good sign, right?

WEDNESDAY MAY 26 – 2,061 WORDS: I think it was Raymond Chandler who said that when he’s stuck he has a man with a gun come bursting into the room (paraphrasing). I’m not 100% certain he actually said this, but it’s brilliant advise. When you’re stuck just ask yourself “What’s the worst thing that could (reasonably) happen?” Then do it.

THURSDAY MAY 27 – 2,012 WORDS: During first drafts it’s always tempting to go back and fix things. Usually, I push on ahead and jot down notes as to what to do during revision, but today I spent half my 2K words rewriting a scene. I’m thinking hoping I made the right decision. I got to know my hero’s best friend a little better and focused the story’s direction.

FRIDAY MAY 28 – 2,786 WORDS: Another dilemma you’ll face when writing a novel in one month: do I cut myself off when I reach my daily goal or do I keep going if I have the time/inspiration? I had a good amount of time today so I kept going. Although I don’t have as clear a plan for tomorrow.

SATURDAY MAY 29 – 2,075 WORDS: Woke up at 4:30 AM to get my 2K words in before work and then meeting up with friends after work. It’s good to see people I haven’t seen in a year and a half.

Tips For Writing Your Novel In One Month

  • Have your characters act in unexpected ways. I think that most aspiring writers are afraid that their hero will act out of character if they do this, but the greater danger is your characters will become predictable. During pivotal scenes ask yourself “what is the reader expecting?” You don’t need to do the polar opposite but try to alter it a little.
  • Avoid ending at the end of a chapter. Unless you know exactly how the next chapter is going to begin. Otherwise end on a cliffhanger, so you’re driven to return to the story and find out what happens next.
  • The villain is the hero in their own story. This is a cliche but it’s a cliche for a reason. Villains who are relatable are much more intriguing than dark lords who just want to destroy the world because “good is dumb.” – Spaceballs.
  • When stuck, think of what’s the worst thing that can happen to the hero and then do it. I know this sounds mean but don’t worry, I’ll get your character out of trouble (if you want to).
  • Riding the wave of inspiration vs. stopping when you reach your goal. When you find yourself caught up in inspiration so the words are just flowing out of you, it’s tempting to keep going even if you’ve surpassed your daily goal. On one hand you get a lot more written. Also you might have trouble finding that inspiration again the next day. HOWEVER you’re risking putting off other responsibilities (job, school dishes etc.) that’ll sneak up on you and hinder your daily goal the next day. When possible I prefer to just keep writing and see where the muse takes me. However, how far I follow it depends on my schedule that day.