How to Write a Fantasy Novel in 4.5 Months
If you read yesterday’s headline, and then today’s, you can probably guess that I’m back in the writing habit. (woohoo! two days in a row!)
I wrote about 1,000 words last night and got myself about halfway through Chapter 11. After several months of slacking off, it feels good to get back to this project. I found that I’ve missed spending time in the world I’ve created. I’m finding that the more time I spend with them, the more the characters come to life.
So now I’m full of fresh energy and enthusiasm. Forget about what I wrote yesterday. 4.5 years? Absurd! My new estimate is 4.5 months, and I have a track record of two whole days to back me up.
All I have to do is keep writing 1,000 words a day.
Fantasy Novelist’s Progress Report:
- Consecutive days of productive writing: 2
- Chapters complete: 10 (and a half)
- Word Count: 39,016
March 6th, 2009 at 2:58 am
While I was idly looking through the Sci Fi Sites Directory (when I should have been writing!) I came across your blog entry. It really struck a chord and I have to say inspired me.
I have found that the characters I write about become close friends. The world they are in almost becomes another reality and I get so involved it is sometimes a wrench to come back to this one.
Except for the last two months. I have sort of avoided them and when I have tried to continue and forced myself it is rubbish and I end up deleting it. I suppose I have managed 500 words in that time.
Reading your blog I suddenly realized the problem, with everything that is going on in my life at the moment I have tackled my writing like a stone skipping over water. I was not giving myself time or the chance to become involved with the characters or the story.
Taking note of what you had said I sat quietly, read what I had written so far and let myself sink back into the story. It worked! Nine hundred words (I do not have to delete) and counting.
So thank you
Clive
March 6th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Clive:
Congratulations on getting some solid work done. I wish I could say the same for myself. Over the past two months, I’ve become heavily involved with some new projects that have left little time for work on my novel.
However, I’m inspired by the fact that you’re inspired. So, tonight’s the night. I’m back on the job.
–WRS