It’s only taken the best part of twenty months and two rewrites, but I pretty much done with Novel Number One. I’ve sent it into the NWS for a second time and whilst I wait for the verdict, I need to start thinking about Novel Number Two.
So far I have the title, the main character and the problem she faces, but in order to not take twenty months over this one, I’m hoping I’ve learned a thing or two from the first.
I thought I’d share how I plan to approach novel number two.
- Set a goal for the number of words I want to achieve. Generally, I try for at least 1,000 words a day.
- Write them, even if they’re rubbish.
- Complete character profiles before I start writing.
- Avoid earthquake plots. See an earlier blog to find out what I mean.
- Plot at least an outline of where the story is heading.
- Research ahead of writing.
- Stick with it. It’s so easy to get distracted by smaller projects or the housework. The only way it will get finished is if it remains my main priority.
I’m hoping with the experienced I gained from writing the first, I will manage to complete this one in a much shorter time frame. Of course I haven’t allowed for the days where I’ll be pulling my hair out. I mean, honestly, look what’s happened over those twenty months:
BEFORE
AFTER
If you have any tips for how to approach book number two they’ll be much appreciated.
