When starting a new project I always set a goal. My goal for my novel was to complete the first draft consisting of at least 60,000 word (a YA novel) in two months, no later than December 31st 2015. I was currently on a break from my bachelors degree program therefore I wanted to get most of the book done prior to starting class again. That was when I came up with the idea to write 4,000 words a day. Keep in mind I'm also married, I work full time out of the house and have two young boys ages 5 and 8, but that was the goal and I was going to stick to it!
I knew writing needed to become a priority so I wrote every single day including Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s eve. Granted, on holidays I did not reached my 4,000 words goal but I made the time to write something every day. As I said, writing became a priority and everyone makes time for their priorities. If you cannot find the time to do something then how important is it to you?
I did most of my writing in the evening and on the weekends. My kids go to bed at 8:30 p.m. every night, therefore from
8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. I would write. At first it wasn't difficult to get the words in. I found that since I spent my entire day think
about my book, as soon as I got home to my computer I would unload all the words stored within me at lightning speed. In no time I would have about 4,000 words. I also have an incredibly supportive husband who was, and still is, willing and able to assist me with all the at home duties. This lightened my load substantially and allowed me to write uninterrupted. One time he even took the boys to visit his parents for the weekend! I was home alone and was able to bang out a little over 12,000 words in two days.
It is also important to note that I took mini breaks during my writing marathons
in order to recharge for the next round. This would include watching a video on YouTube or to step away from the computer completely.
I gave up television! These are words I never thought I would write down but it really did help to get rid of added distraction. All was going well until about half way through my book I had discovered Mad Men. Don Draper messed me up! I had an assignment for a Business in Pop Culture class where I had to watch and episode of Mad Men and answer some questions, I forgot what the assignment was about now. My daily 4000 word count took a huge cut and I was only managing to get about 2000 words.
Finally I had to reevaluate my goals. 4,000 words a day was becoming too aggressive and I often felt drained by the end of the night. My main goal was to complete my first draft by December 31st 2015 and writing 2000 words a day would still allow me to do that. One of the biggest lessons I learned during this process was to know my limits. Setting goals that are too high made me feel as if I were failing rather than succeed. I ended up completing my first draft on December 30th 2015, one day before my target.
I gave up television! These are words I never thought I would write down but it really did help to get rid of added distraction. All was going well until about half way through my book I had discovered Mad Men. Don Draper messed me up! I had an assignment for a Business in Pop Culture class where I had to watch and episode of Mad Men and answer some questions, I forgot what the assignment was about now. My daily 4000 word count took a huge cut and I was only managing to get about 2000 words.
Finally I had to reevaluate my goals. 4,000 words a day was becoming too aggressive and I often felt drained by the end of the night. My main goal was to complete my first draft by December 31st 2015 and writing 2000 words a day would still allow me to do that. One of the biggest lessons I learned during this process was to know my limits. Setting goals that are too high made me feel as if I were failing rather than succeed. I ended up completing my first draft on December 30th 2015, one day before my target.
Question. What helped you to complete your first draft?
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