Writing a Book: Step 5 - Set a Firm Deadline

Now that you know what your novel is going to be about, who your characters are, what happens in each chapter and how long your novel should be, it's time to take the first step to starting your novel.

This step is one final step that you must take before you start writing the events of your novel: set a firm deadline for yourself. Take your time deciding when you plan to have your novel finished by - it could be a few months from now, it could be a year from now.

Deciding when you aim to have your novel completed by is a very important step. It also aids you in breaking down how long it will take you to write one chapter. Set mini deadlines for yourself for each chapter. This will help you understand how long it will take you to write the entire novel. And remember, even though you're about to start writing your novel, things can still change. Your deadline might change, you might come up with a better way to introduce your inciting event etc. Things change as you write and that's completely normal.

One way to ensure that you stick to your deadline(s) is to insert them into the calendar on your phone/laptop or wherever you plan your daily activities. Choose specific days where you write, plan how many words you want to write a day in order to meet your deadline. It is completely up to you whether you meet this deadline so make sure you stick to your writing plan.

Take your time. Writing is a process. You're about to start writing the novel you've always dreamed of writing. Try to keep one thing in mind as you start that first draft: no matter how bad you think your writing might be - even if you think it stinks - keep writing. You're only starting your first draft. You can edit when you have written the entire novel.

Write without fear.

Edit without mercy.

Get ready to start writing people! The next step is coming soon!