Can you really write a novel in 8 weeks? And why would you?! The questions (and answers) aren’t as crazy as you might think.
The short answers are…
Yes, and why not? The longer, better, less black and white answer is this…
If 1) you have many stories in your head tapping a figurative foot for you to get moving already, 2) your long term goal is to have a body of work out into the universe 3) you plan on making writing your career… You might want to buckle down and make a doable plan.
Here She Goes Again About Word Count Goals…
I’ve written and spoken many times about word count and word count goals, so if you need clarity, check out this post. Personally, I set my WCG at 2000 words per writing session. I typically write five days a week. Therefore, at this pace, I will have about 10,000 words at the end of each week. Basic math (the extent of my skills) says that in eight weeks, I’ll have 80,000 words… ie: a novel. See? Not impossible!
*The average novel is between 65,000 words and 85,000 words, and count varies by genre.
Mind you, I rarely push myself that intensely, and complete rough drafts in about four months. In the case of Rosabelle’s Way (book two in Welcome to Chance) I did complete it in 8 weeks since I wanted it released by a certain date and proximity to the release of book one. The rest of the series released four months apart.
Don’t Get It Twisted…
This end of eight weeks manuscript is far from ready to publish. It’s a rough draft. It will go through rounds of self edits before a proofer or beta reader ever see it (let alone an editor).
To state the obvious, this takes commitment, perseverance, and dedication. If you’re willing to put the time and effort in, you absolutely can get there. If you can let go of the self critiquing, doubting, and second guessing and permit yourself to just write the damn story (good, bad, indifferent be damned)… You can absolutely get there.
But Wait…
Now, this isn’t some kind of rule or common expectation. In fact, it’s not the norm at all… Unless you’re aim is to be a prolific author, which was/is a goal of mine. (My long game goal is to have published 100 books in five years.)
It is totally okay to take months and years to complete your manuscript. This post is intended for the hard core, “I’m gonna get this goal tackled” kind of writer who wants more than anything to be an author.
Want to promote your book? Book a Spotlight Author interview on The Writer’s Tribe Talk Show!
What do you get when you book a Spotlight Author interview?
WHAT YOU GET:
👉Up to 30 minutes of interview/promotion time
👉Access to produced video & audio links for your personal and promotional use on any & all platforms including your website!
👉Promo graphic to promote your appearance
👉A 5×7″ Spotlight Author Commemorative Sticker
Ask me for more info!
