Write Your Novel in a Month: How to Complete a First Draft in 30 Days and What to Do Next

by Jeff Gerke

Overview

One of these days, I'm going to sit down and write that novel....

Everyone thinks about doing it, yet most people who do start a novel end up stalling after a few chapters. Where do these would-be novelists go wrong? Are the characters dull and cliched? Did the story arc collapse? Did they succumb to a dreaded bout of "writer's block"? Or maybe it was all just taking too long?

These problems used to stop writers in their tracks, but nothing will get in your way after reading Write Your Novel in a Month. Author and instructor Jeff Gerke has created the perfect tool to show you how to prepare yourself to write your first draft in as little as 30 days. With Jeff's help, you will learn how to organize your ideas, create dynamic stories, develop believable characters, and flesh out the idea narrative for your novel—and not just for the rapid-fire first draft. Jeff walks you through the entire process, from initial idea to the important revision stage, and even explains what to do with your novel once you've finished.

Whether you are participating in National Novel Writing Month or you're simply hoping to complete a draft over winter break or your vacation, this book covers the entire scope of writing a novel and lays out exactly what you need to know to get it done fast and right.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781599636429
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	07/18/2013
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	631,944
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Jeff Gerke (www.marcherlordpress.com and www.wherethemapends.com) is an author of fiction and nonfiction including such books as the Operation: Firebrand novels. He has worked as an editor for numerous publications and is the founder of Marcher Lord Press, an indie publishing company dedicated to producing the finest in Christian science-fiction, fantasy, and other genres. He is also the author of Plot Versus Character, also from Writer's Digest Books. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part 1 planning your novel

Victory 1 The Ultimate Story 11

Victory 2 Genre 25

Victory 3 Your Hero 31

Victory 4 Your Hero's Personality 44

Victory 5 Your Hero's Inner Journey 60

Victory 6 Plot Particulates 76

Victory 7 Three-Act Structure 87

Victory 8 How to Begin Your Novel 102

Victory 9 Craft to Know on the Front End 123

Part 2 writing your novel [fast]

Victory 10 30 Days of Fire 145

Part 3 publishing your novel

Victory 11 Revising Your Novel 167

Victory 12 Craftsmanship Revisited 172

Victory 13 Craft to Know on the Back End 189

Victory 14 Final Touches 212

Victory 15 Seeking Publication 230

Victory 16 What to Do Next 256

Final word 275

Selected index 276