1,000 Words a Day
1,000 Words a Day

How Many Words Can You Write in a Day: The Three Day Novel Experiment

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Okay, I lied. I need to write one more time before I actually start this Three Day Novel Experiment because I have a little secret. Here’s my confession. I’m a bit stressed. I mean, who do I think I am that I can write a 60,000 word draft in three days? Especially when I can’t be in seclusion for these three days and I have three children to keep busy in these long, summer days. Who does this?

Argh!

The point of this Three Day Novel Experiment was for me to see if I can produce a first draft quickly, so I don’t lose momentum of the story. It takes me FOREVER to write a first draft, not to mention the revisions, that it would be nice for a change, to know that if I change something in my writing habits, perhaps I can join the ranks of published authors before my hair all turns gray.

But, to tell you the truth, these 60,000 words seem so daunting, that all I can see it this number, even though I say I don’t pay attention to word count. These 60,000 words are so in my face, so much larger than life. I hate to say it, but I’m frozen because I just know I won’t be able to do it and have to admit defeat. Yes, I’m going to hang my head in shame right now.

So, sorry Ghostwoods AKA Tim Dedopulos. I need to adjust the word count for my own sanity. The point of a challenge is to push oneself far beyond what one thinks he/she is capable of accomplishing, but at the same time, there has to be some semblance of hope that there’s a possibility, albeit a tiny one, of being able to reach the goal. Hear me now. I’m not giving up, just giving my experiment a little tweak.

When push comes to shove, I’ve been able to write over 5,000 words in a day. It’s exhausting work, but doable. For the purposes of my experiment, I’ll double it and reduce the 60,000 word count by half to 30,000. It’s a goal that’s still out there, but seems more attainable. Aahhhh! Just don’t judge me ;).

Here’s the deal: I’m going for a first draft of 30,000 words in three days. I can breathe a little easier…

How many words can you write in a day, if you really pushed yourself?

Need a little inspiration? Check out this fantastic speech from the movie, Rudy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27D4k3dCXPg]

13 thoughts on “How Many Words Can You Write in a Day: The Three Day Novel Experiment”

  1. OMG, yes, get away from that word count. I just added up what I did on that BIAW (which I did in 5 days), and it was only 37,500 (approx). I told myself I was going to write 150 pages, and I did get there. I ALSO got through the basic scenes I had figured on for the first draft, in the planning stages.

    I managed about 30 pages a day–and that was doable, but TIRING. 🙂

    And it was, you know…really, really BAD.

    Allow yourself brackets. Let yourself throw in [DO THIS HERE] statements all over the place (DESCRIBE PALM TREES, GET INTO EMOTIONS ABOUT FEAR OF COCONUTS, HAVE THESE GUYS ARGUE WITH THE MONKEYS)–things like that. Yes? 🙂

    1. Thanks, Amy! Normally I’d be happy with whatever little progress I can make, but I’ve done practically nothing this summer and need to make a big statement to myself and my family that this is an important commitment in my life. If this makes any sense at all… 😉

      Congrats on a great week!

  4. I’ve chickened out of the 3 day challenge. I’m such an “edit as I go” person that these word count goals are terrifying! 3,000 mostly polished words has been about the best I can do. I’m thinking a 3 WEEK challenge is something I can commit to once the kids go back to school…see already making more excuses. But, I’m garnering inspiration from you, so keep it coming! Best of luck~

  5. This is so great, Vivian! Becky told me about this link to you because I’m going to do it too!

    Is 60K the normal length? I knew it was 100 pages, but I thought that was 100K, which would be *really* insane and made me laugh out loud.

    I am going for broke, but I may be glad to end up with 30K because the most I’ve ever written in one day is 10K and it was gruelling.

    But I love a challenge! Good luck to us both!

    Claudine

    1. Hi Claudine,
      Best of luck to you! Glad you’re joining in. Based on the article, 60,000 words is the recommended length, but to do it successfully, you’d have to be hidden away with no distractions for 3 days straight.

      My feeling is to do the best you can and modify, if needed. At this stage, even being able to write for one day, uninterrupted, would be huge! 😉

      Good luck!

  6. Pingback: In Which I Get Productive and Throw the Green-Eyed Monster to the Curb « Vivian Lee Mahoney

  7. Oh my…write 60K words in 3 days? That’s like asking someone to lose 20 pounds in 3 days! I’d seriously be happy with 2K a day. That would be an achievement! Good luck Vivian!

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