Years ago, when I still had a full-time job that took up much of my time for writing, I once tried to write a novel in 30 days during NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. Like thousands of other writers, I set myself the goal of writing a big chunk of my first novel. Unfortunately, I failed. Instead, I ended up staring at a blank laptop screen with no inspiration for writing anything. So, no, I don’t think it’s possible to write a novel in a month.
But then, how quickly can you write a novel? A lot of writers think that speed is the solution in their search for how to start writing a book. But that idea creates so much pressure that it often does the opposite. Instead of inspiring people, it leaves them stressed and feeling like they’re failing. Or worse. They believe they’re not real writers if they can’t keep up with the pace of others. Since my moment of failure, I’ve discovered other things I can do that better fit the depth I like to bring to my writing and that actually moved my story forward within a month.
1. Write a novel outline during a month of travel
How to write a novel in 30 days if you haven’t even got an idea what to write about? Well, if you ask me, travelling is one of the best things you can do if you want to write a novel. Travelling does something different to your imagination and opens a huge creative well of inspiration in writing. One moment you’re staring out of a bus window, and the next you’re struck with a plot twist, a character flaw or a whole new story world. New landscapes, meeting people and going on adventures do something different to your brain. That’s why outlining a novel is the best 30-day challenge while everyone else is taking a word count sprint.
A slow way of outlining removes the pressure NaNoWriMo and gives your ideas space to grow. Tools like Scrivener make it incredibly easy to track all your scenes, characters and world-building while you’re on the road. And if you’re new to outlining, the Snowflake Method gives you a clear path from one tiny idea to a whole story. During my first 5-week solo trip in Australia, I mapped out new scenery for book 2 in my fantasy series during the long hours on the road of my dusty Kimberley trip. Plot threads emerged as I scribbled in my notebook. Character traits came from people I met along the way. And themes came from the moments when all my experiences sank in during the quiet moments I listened to music on the bus. I returned home with a proper novel outline, complete with plot, characters and world-building that finally made sense.
2. Build a writing ritual in 30 days
If you’re wondering, “Can I write a novel in 30 days?”, here’s another question: why don’t you try to build a writing ritual instead that keeps you writing after that one month? You can do this at home or in your day-to-day life, but travel is brilliant for this, too. Every place hands you a rhythm you can experiment with. 10 minutes a day can be enough to make a start. If you have a job, write during coffee breaks. If you’re travelling, scribble in your notebook on the bus.
For me, it all depends on what I want to work on. If it comes to writing a narrative, I’m usually most productive in the morning. And I take advantage of those hours while I’m working on the first draft of a novel. But if I’m editing, I need a fresher mind, and I like to start my day with an ocean swim or a walk in the park before I even open my laptop. Try different things that work for you. Do this for 30 days, and before you know it, you’ve developed a habit. And habits like these last far longer than any thirty-day sprint.
3. Create a creative writing lifestyle
The idea that you can write a novel in 30 days has its charm, but if you want to finish a story you’re proud of, you need something deeper than a once-a-year sprint. Writing becomes real when it becomes part of your daily life. And then I mean all of it. Not just the time you spend writing, or the number of words you produce. When I started working on my novels, I suddenly paid closer attention to my sensory world, which led to more story ideas. It became a part of my daily musings, even all those moments I didn’t write a single word.
I found it hard to keep my momentum going alongside a demanding job, and the only thing that helped me keep writing was also sustaining my creative life. My month-long adventures in Australia were enough to keep me going for a few months, but there are so many other things you can do. Take yourself on a weekly artist date to keep the spark of inspiration alive. Discover what drains energy and what makes you feel most alive. If you have 30 days to spend, you can test what works for you. Using that month to design your creative writer’s life, and finishing a novel, becomes far more realistic than any strict goal you set for the NaNoWriMo National Novel Writing Month.
4. Go on a DIY Writing retreat
Okay… If you insist on writing a novel in 30 days, the smartest thing you can do is set the right intention. You don’t need to finish a polished, full manuscript. Focusing on one part is far more realistic than the pressure to finish everything in thirty days. You can use the month to create a strong beginning. And if you have the time and space, a writer’s retreat can be a perfect way to give yourself the momentum to get a solid chunk of your draft done. The whole idea of NaNoWriMo started with making time for your writing during the dreary, cold month of November.
And a writing retreat doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive at all. Creating a DIY writers’ retreat is an affordable and straightforward way to give yourself the space to actually write. Whether that’s a week or a full 30 days, with the right intention, it’ll help you get your results. My retreats usually have intentions like finishing a draft (fifteen to twenty thousand words, most). Or a detailed outline paired with the first chapter. Count all these small wins, and over time, you get the best version of your novel finished.
So, can you write a novel in a month? My answer is a clear ‘No’ if you intend to write a full first draft. But you can travel for inspiration, build a writing ritual, sketch a story map or escape on a DIY writing retreat that gives your draft a proper start. Eventually, it’s the creative life that allows you to take one step at a time as you write the full novel. And yes, you can make progress in thirty days and have a taste of what it’s like to be a dedicated writer.
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