Build a practice

For 127 consecutive days I wrote at least 500 words on a two-book novel project. This breaks my previous record of 125 days set in 2019. What to show for this massive effort? I now possess a decent rough draft that, after a short break, will go into revision on the journey to becoming a completed pair of novels. As the saying goes, you can't edit a blank page. With about 160,000 words down, the real work begins.

During this streak, I also participated in NaNoWriMo, winning the contest and completing the last 80% of the second novel. Reflecting on the two approaches (slow and steady versus all-out sprint), I've decided the former method proves the better choice for me going forward. I've enjoyed NaNo for seven years now, and I do believe it is the best way to complete a first draft of a novel, especially if you have a busy life. That's what I did, and I commend this method to you. But if you have more time, as I do now, another way may be called for.

Taking my time, as I did for 92 days at the far slower pace of 500 words a day (compared to triple that and more to win NaNo) proved to be more satisfying and resulted in better choices. This translates into less revision. Fill the page as fast as possible, as dictated by the November sprint, usually means a lot of work later. Which is fine, of course, but getting more things right the first time can be quite gratifying, too.

My point is to encourage you to develop a writing practice, something you attend to every day. While waiting for November to roll around is exciting, and I did that for several years, I find devoting focused time to the writing regularly to be infinitely more pleasurable and with better results, too. Even a handful of words a day goes a long way toward prioritizing your writing and making progress on your goals.

If you've never tried NaNo, do it for the experience. But to really become the writer you wish to be, build a regular writing routine that nourishes you and allows you to tell better stories.