WRITING AND FINISHING A NOVEL #2

​If you've ever told somebody that you were trying to write a novel, you know there's a chance they'll tell you that they want to do the same. If it hasn't happened yet, just wait, because it will.

What is it about writing a book that everybody wants to do, and so few people accomplish?

Who knows, maybe you're the person I'm talking about. You want to write a novel. You may even have an unfinished manuscript that never quite made it to fruition. Now you're wondering what it would take actually to finish one?

These tips are for you. Here's Tip Number Two.

SET A DEADLINE TO COMPLETE YOUR FIRST DRAFT

That is so simplistic, I know. Let me explain why this is key to everything you're about to accomplish. Without a deadline, you haven't allotted time to complete your goal.  Setting a concrete deadline gives urgency and legitimacy to your project. If you don't have an end point, there's no pressure to spur you on to labor over your manuscript. 

Not everybody functions this way, but I sure do. If I know when the project is due, I can adjust my time accordingly. I don't beat myself up if I miss a day of writing when I know I still have 300 days to get the job done. And if I need to, I put in extra time when I'm coming down to the wire.

Here are three things to consider when setting a deadline.

1. If you're not sure how much time you'll need, shoot for a year.  Some take more and some take less, but it seems the average author usually spends about a year on a book (and let's face it, most of us are average). I like to start January 1st and have a year to get that story written. 

2. Realize your commitment is for your own benefit.  The stress and pressure of a deadline are necessary struggles to help guide you to the end. Embrace the pain like a marathon runner that has to push through the "wall" to cross the finish line.

3. Don't be afraid to adjust your goal if it isn't working.  None of us ever know what the future holds, and we have to manage our lives wisely.  But before you adjust the length of your goal, first look over your schedule and see if you can squeeze in extra writing time. If not, add an extra month to the deadline and keep writing.
 
So there you have it. A simple  tip to help you in your epic struggle to complete that novel manuscript.

Click here to see Tip Number One.

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