It’s day four of National Novel Writing Month and if you’re participating you should be 6,666 words into your first draft by the end of today! If you’ve missed the scoop, the goal is to write 50,000 words/175 pages of a first draft in one month–November. The folks at NaNoWriMo say the focus in on output. And I have to remind even very experienced writers that first draft is not about polish, it’s about finding the bones of your story. Good bones. Strong bones. Bones that can keep on through draft two and draft three and carry your story to its final, polished form.
Even if you’re not keen on racing to a finish-line this month, we can all join in the creative spirit of National Novel Writing Month. When you sit down to face the page remember, you’re definitely not alone! Check out NaNoWriMo!
If you’re joining into the race and feel you want more support, pick up a copy of Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt, Ph.D., from Writer’s Digest Books. Schmidt lays out the basics with clarity. This book is useful whether you’re aiming for speed or leisure with your writing.
