I'll be the first to admit that there's no correct way to write a novel.
But there's something awe-inspiring about novelist Jeff VanderMeer's compulsive, inspiring method for finishing his most newest book:
"I’ve instituted a strict exercise regime for two hours five-days-a-week of weightlifting and cardio with two days off, and am working on controlling my diet by limiting intake of any bad carbs. All weekday mornings will be spent on the novel. Afternoons will see limited internet connectivity for business communications, but most often be for typing up rough draft material or working on anthology commitments. Evenings will be for reading and relaxing and some blogging–replenishing the mind for the next morning’s work."
After that, check out Jeff VanderMeer's visit to The Publishing Spot, one of the first writer interviews ever conducted on this site.
If that doesn't completely wear you out, check out 50 Awesome Open Source Resources for Online Writers. Christina Laun's article contains some easy-to-use programs (ranging from word processors to style checkers) that might make your novel-endgame proceed more smoothly.
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The only way to finish a novel is to have somebody else give you a deadline. Am now banging out at least 1,000 words a day five days a week. And it's all because of that deadline that a friend gave me three months from now. The mornings are indeed the best. Alas, deadlines for other things sometimes get in the way. But whatever it takes to get into that groove on a daily basis and bang out the 1,000 words is the way to do it. I'm now at that point of forward-motion trajectory, where I'm not quite certain how everything lines up but I'm at least able to feel the trajectory.
And incidentally, Jason, sorry I missed you at the Believer event. Was sick as a dog, but let's hang out soon. Still have your MS here and intend to get to it.
Posted by: ed | May 7, 2008 3:16 PM | Permalink to Comment