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How to write a novel in a month (Nanowrimo day 5)

829 views · Published 5 November 2018 · 21:00 · Indexed 7 October 2026

Channel: CreativIndie · 2018 · Howto & Style

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I got confused with math towards the end but basically: I can write about 2K a day, so I'm shooting for a 60K novel; but even if you're writing a 50K novel, the importance is hitting the right steps at the right times.

SO: in 30 days, you have a complete story.
- in 15 days, you should be at the midpoint
- at 7 days, you should be at the first plot point
- at 3.5 days you should hit the inciting incident

Not hard and fast rules, but I actually found this really helpful when I was floundering yesterday, and realized it was because I hadn't gotten to the inciting incident yet, which means... why does any of this matter? Who cares? There must be present, immediate danger, and it needs to happen BEFORE the character plot out the main story mission of the book - because they need an impetus of action - or else why do anything at all?

So I'm actually a bit behind - but today I figured out my inciting incident, and pushed through a little bit to a significant development (new information that changes protagonist's view of reality and adds increased scarcity).

Now that there's a need for action and a deadline, the protagonist will be forced to figure out a plan quickly and take action despite opposition - leading to the quest stage of the first plot point (point of no return).

I'll check back in, in a few days, when I hit that plot point as well, and try to do checkins throughout the month as the plot thickens.

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