As writers, we all want to finish our novels as efficiently as possible. But it’s easy to get bogged down in distractions, procrastination, and ineffective writing habits that drag out the process. If you want to slash your completion time in half, read on for proven tips to maximize your productivity.
Outlining
It may seem counterintuitive, but taking the time to thoroughly outline your novel before you start drafting can cut your writing time significantly. Outlining clarifies your entire story arc so you won’t waste hours stuck or backed into a corner.
When outlining:
- Note major plot points, character arcs, and settings
- Decide which events happen in each chapter
- Write a sentence or two summarizing what happens in each scene
The clearer your roadmap, the faster you will draft. Outlining is thinking on paper, not a chore. A strong outline makes the writing process flow.
Scheduling
To keep yourself on track, establish a consistent writing schedule and stick to it. Block out time to write each day or week based on your goals and availability. Scheduling carved-in-stone writing time prevents procrastination and ensures you chip away at your manuscript daily.
Many successful authors recommend writing in the morning before other obligations arise. But find a schedule that works for you. The key is consistency in showing up for your writing sessions.
Word Count Goals
Setting daily, weekly, or monthly word count goals keeps you motivated and on pace to finish. Calculate how many words you need to write per day to complete your first draft in your target timeline. Then hold yourself accountable for hitting those marks.
But be realistic – 1,000 to 2,000 words daily is reasonable for many authors. Don’t burn yourself out aiming for 10,000 per day. Slow and steady progress is better than exhausting yourself striving for word counts that strain credibility.
Minimize Distractions
Every minute you spend on your phone, email, social media, or Internet research is time not spent writing your novel. To maximize your productivity:
- Work offline when drafting to avoid online distractions
- Use apps to block distracting websites during writing sessions
- Put phone in airplane mode to avoid disruptions
- Write in quiet space away from household noises and activities
The more distractions you eliminate, the more words you will write. Uninterrupted focus lets you get in the zone.
Set Process Goals
Rather than only focusing on your word count, also set goals for your writing rituals. For example:
- I will freewrite for 15 minutes daily to warm up
- I will journal two new scene ideas per week
- I will review my outline for 15 minutes before each session
Building these processes into your routine boosts productivity and creativity long-term.
The key is consistency. Commit to your outlined writing schedule, hit daily word counts, minimize distractions, and maintain your creative habits. This disciplined approach will help you meet writing goals and finish your draft twice as fast. Stop wasting time and maximize your writing hours. You’ve got a novel to complete!
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