Guest-blogging for Jeff VanderMeer, Catherynne M. Valente explains how to write a novel in 30 days.
I point you to her essay because (1) It’s hilarious, (2) I’m going to be guest-blogging for Jeff myself next month, and (3) My novel is due on September 2, so I’m accepting all speed-writing advice gratefully, and with only the slightest edge of hysteria in my laughter.
Catherynne’s advice:
It’s also important that your partner and social group knows not to expect you to be anything like human for the next month. Fortunately, you’re a genius, and geniuses are never expected to conform to primate behavior standards***. Just, you know, apologize later. If you are very lucky, you might have a partner or friend who is willing to provide any combination of the following salves for your chafed genius muscles: food, quiet space/leaving you the hell alone, a clean house, inspirational backrubs, crazy-ass genius sex.
But probably not.
Noted. Back to my novel.
1 response so far ↓
C.D. Reimer // August 1, 2008 at 5:27 pm |
I find the go-slow approach better at a chapter per week or two. I can edit faster once I know when the whole story is on paper.