Producing a complete novel in just 30 days is not quite the same as speed writing a novel in less than a month. A successful novel requires a good writing plan, to ensure it is well plotted and carefully researched, before speed writing can commence.

It is possible to finish a 70,000 word novel in less than 30 days. To be more correct, the first draft of a novel can be completed within three or four weeks. It is usual for a novelist to keep working on a book for many weeks, or months, when it is being edited and revised.

Speed Writing Success

Best-selling novelist Jodi Picoult has said, "I write quickly, but I also do not believe in writer's block, because once I didn't have the luxury of believing it. When you only have 20 minutes, you write, whether it's garbage or it's good, you just do it and you fix it later."

The French historian and professional archeologist who writes crime novels under the pen name of Fred Vargas was motivated to write the first drafts of her early novels within three weeks. She used her annual break from full-time academic work to write them. Her novels are now translated into English, and several other languages. They are international bestsellers, and have won awards for crime fiction.

Fred Vargas still completes the first draft of each new book within three weeks. She then takes time to correct and revise her work.

Speed Writing a Novel and Getting it Published

Before writing a novel it is important to remember that it will only be accepted for publication if it is considered to be a book that can be easily marketed, and one that will generate a quick profit for the publisher.

Publishers generally want to see a book proposal before offering a contract and paying an advance. Then the author can go ahead and finish writing the book to a given deadline.

A literary agent will have good knowledge of the book market and can help a new novelist to get published, if that first novel has potential for success in a particular genre.

A work of fiction can involve years of writing and reworking before it is finished and ready to submit for publication. This will depend on the amount of time a novelist can spend writing each day, and whether or not a writer works on the novel every day.

Speed writing for 30 days can produce a first draft. More time will be necessary for additional writing, revising, correcting and rewriting. These processes will continue until the final version is ready to go into print.

Learn more about this author, Ruth Belena.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Speed writing: Producing a novel in just 30 days?
We want to hear your view. Write now!