10 Truths Writers Rarely Tell You About Finishing a Novel in Three Months
Every writer out there will tell you it's possible to finish a novel in three months—and it is. But here’s what they won’t always say out loud: writing a book in that timeframe is not just about consistency. It’s about discipline, self-belief, and learning how to navigate the emotional and creative rollercoaster that is novel-writing.
If you’re attempting to write a book in three months (or even just considering it), here are 10 things you need to know—things they don’t always tell you.
1. It Takes Sheer Determination
Writing a book is hard. Giving up is easier. You won’t hit your goal simply because someone said it’s possible, you have to believe it’s possible for you. If you walk into this journey full of doubt, you’ll stall at every bump in the road. Mental grit is your greatest tool.
2. You Need a Vision or a Plan
Whether you're a plotter or a discovery writer, you still need a general direction, an idea of how your novel begins, progresses, and ends. A major cause of writer’s block is not knowing what happens next. Without some kind of road map, you’ll likely pause to "figure it out" and lose valuable momentum.
3. You'll Have Days When You Hate Your Work
Imposter syndrome will rear its ugly head. You’ll open your manuscript and cringe. You’ll be convinced you’ve written the worst story to ever exist. It happens. Keep writing. Self-doubt doesn’t mean your work is bad, it means you care.
4. Life Won’t Pause Because You’re Writing a Book
Deadlines at work. Family emergencies. Burnout. Illness. Life will happen. And when it does, you may fall behind. But with proper planning (and a few buffer days), you can catch up. Don’t beat yourself up, just keep moving forward.
5. Your First Draft Will Suck—And That’s Okay
The first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to exist. You can’t edit a blank page. So give yourself permission to write messy, awkward, terrible prose. The magic comes later.
6. Burnout is Real—Rest Matters
You might have days where you write 2,000 words, and others where you barely manage 200. Some days, just one sentence will exhaust you. That’s fine. Rest is not laziness. Rest is fuel.
7. Some Books Are Meant to Take Time
Not every story is built for a quick draft. Some books need to marinate. If you find yourself rushing and your story feels undercooked, it’s okay to pause. Some of the best novels took years to write.
8. Your Book Isn’t for Everyone—and That’s a Good Thing
Not everyone will like your book. That’s reality. Don’t write to please the world. Write for your audience, the people who will get it, love it, and need it.
9. Don’t Show Your Draft Too Soon
It’s tempting to ask for feedback midway. But early opinions can shake your confidence. Finish the draft first. Get your story on the page before you open it up to criticism, constructive or otherwise.
10. The Book Will Evolve—Let It
Your characters will surprise you. The plot might shift. A side character might take centre stage. That’s part of the magic. No matter how much you plan, be open to the story rewriting itself. It often knows better than you do.
Conclusion
Writing a book in three months is possible. But it’s not just about typing fast—it’s about preparing your mind, your space, and your heart for the journey. Be disciplined. Be kind to yourself. And most of all, keep showing up.
Because the truth is, the only thing harder than writing a novel… is giving up on one.
Comments
Post a Comment