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

It’s All About the Preparation: The Three Day Novel Experiment

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Yay! You came back! So glad the idea of The Three Day Novel Experiment didn’t make you run for the hills. It’s an intriguing concept, isn’t it? 60,000 words in three days? All I can say is this gives me hope that perhaps I can finish a first draft quickly, rather than take FOREVER and lose momentum. And please note, I’m not going to worry about word count. If I can produce something that resembles a story with a coherent beginning, middle and end, I’ll be thrilled.

A couple weeks ago, I came up with a new story idea, but wanted to finish revising my YA novel before starting something new. But, here’s the thing. All I keep thinking about is my new idea. It’s become my Big Crush, in all its bright and shiny glory. I’m obsessed and need to find a way to satisfy my curiosity.

Hence, The Three Day Novel Experiment. I can afford to work on this new project for a few days to see what happens. My current project won’t get too jealous, and hopefully, I won’t lose the ever important Voice.

Here’s how I’m going to work on this new project. The kids are home and I need to work around my family schedule. So, preparation and modification are really key for me.

Speaking of preparation, did you have a chance to read Ghostwood’s (Tim Dedopulos) article on How to Write a Book in Three Days? I think it’s a fantastic article, full of step-by-step detail on how to make this work. If you’re going to do this, please read the article to get all the details, since my posts will focus on things I’m thinking about.

Things I’ve been working on:

  • Working Title
  • Characters (Names, Personalities, Wants, Needs, MC, Villain)
  • Setting
  • Voice of MC

What I’ll be working on for the next couple of days:

  • DETAILED OUTLINE based on 24 chapters about 2,500 words each = 60,000 words ***The outline is going to be key to survival for this experiment. Just winging it won’t work for most mortals. Remember: action, suspense and conflict are key. Careful plotting.
  • Desperate moments and Conflict for MC
  • Research

Oh, and before I forget, when you have a chance, watch Jason Mraz’s video for MAKE IT MINE, just because it makes me smile.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmJoRguH8Oo]

I’m really excited about this project! What about you?

8 thoughts on “It’s All About the Preparation: The Three Day Novel Experiment”

    1. Thanks, Rayvenne! I agree, it’s most perfect for when everyone leaves you alone, isn’t it? It’ll be interesting to see what I can accomplish with family at home. Hopefully it’s not too much of a mess.

  2. I am going to be so interested to see how this works out for you, Vivian!

    Do be kind to your wrists with all that typing! That’s what usually gives out on me first…

    1. Thanks, Robin! Duly noted about the wrists. Ack! I forgot to factor this in..,you’re right! Maybe it’ll be a good thing the family is around.

      If anything, I’ll make progress. Anything is better than my current pace. 😉

  4. I’m totally living vicariously, waiting to hear how it goes. Tip: If you have 15 seconds of extra time–when I did set-up for the book in a week, AFTER I got the basic plotting done–I set up a file for each chapter, with a paragraph summary of where/who/what. I found that the toughest thing about continuining to write was fighting that…oh, it’s the end of a chapter I can take a break feeling. Having the next file ready to go REALLY helped me just say, nope-not yet.

    Good luck!

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