How to write a book in 30 days

photo from Liverpool University

I’m not sure when this was originally published, but I came across it today via a link on Twitter and thought I’d share it here for several reasons:

1. I’m curious to find out if it works
2. Book four could do with some help
3. I’d like to know what other writers think of this proposed way of working, especially if anyone has tried this method.

All links lead to the original article and related pages

Stage 1: days 1-6

• Creating your preliminary outline with characters, setting and plot

  
  How to write a novel: Got an idea that just won’t go away? Then use these first six days to hone your idea using the fundamentals of character, setting and plot

Stage 3: days 14-15

• The evolution of your story

  
  A propulsive plot is crucial to the success of your novel. Spend the next couple of days reinforcing the structure of your book

Stage 5: days 25-28

• Evaluating the strength of your formatted outline

  
  With the bones of your novel laid bare in front of you, now is the time to scrupulously scour your outline for weak or missing elements

Stage 2: days 7-13

• Researching your novel

  
  Research into shakier aspects of your plot will help you write with authority and confidence

  • Lionel Shriver: How I write

Stage 4: days 16-24

• Introducing the formatted outline

  
  You are very close to achieving your first draft. Over the next week, gather everything you have into one single, satisfying document, ready for editing

Stage 6: days 29-30

• Revising your first draft

  
  Summon your strength for two more days of final checks before the most challenging task of all – putting some distance between you and your project

Source: The Guardian

My approach to writing is much less rigid: I work full-time and now study part-time, and although I usually have some kind of outline to follow, I’ve never written to a timetable. I jot ideas down as soon as possible after they occur to me, and I write when I feel confident that I have something to say. Sometimes that may be during a stolen few minutes at work, but more often it’s during the weekend or evening at home, in between my other commitments.

This “as-and-when” method has worked for me so far but now, with my schedule stretched more than ever, I have less time to devote to book four and I feel that a timetable may help me get back on track with it. We shall see!

Writers:

• how do you schedule your writing?
• do you have a timetable similar to that suggested by The Guardian?
• what time-management tips can you share?