Writing a Novel in Three Days!!

[Geocosmic Valentine]

I have absolutely no idea if I can do this, but I'm going to try. The Novel in 3 Days contest begins this Saturday, September 5th and ends at 11:59 PM on Labor Day Monday. They do it every year and I'm going to try it this year. Am I really going to submit the form? Because it's $50 Canadian and I don't know if I'm willing to compete for best book and have it published for $50. I suppose I can judge it after I finish writing. I'd love to not be doing this by myself so if anyone else is reading this and is interested in doing this insane project along with me, just for company and support, send me a friend invite. I'm a brand new nerdfighter and I'm nervous.

I've decided to devote 10 hours on each day. Since the novel has to be an average of 100 pages, that means I'd have to write 3.33 pages per hour. I'll write for an hour then break for an hour all day. The novel has to be in the mail by September 11th or something, I should go to the website and review the rules again.

This is what I like to call "The Toothpaste Tube Pressure Method" of getting things done. I once wrote 90 songs in 90 days which yielded around 30 great songs, 30 average songs and 30 horrifyingly bad songs, but an infinite amount of brilliant song ideas. Maybe that's what this will be like. I've already used the Toothpaste Tube Pressure Method for Nanowrimo where I wrote 1 memoir, 1 novel and one unfinished novel (none of them edited) and 1 screenplay for Scriptfrenzy.

I don't know if it's clear that the The Toothpaste Tube Pressure Method means when I have such a short deadline I get the feeling or the image of a tube of toothpaste, with the cap off, being stomped on and the contents come squirting out quickly instead of the slow slight pressure everyday. There's no time to think and no time for your critic to sneak up on you and kick you about the ears, nose and throat.

That's all I have for tonight, I'm falling asleep and must wake up tomorrow for a dry run of maybe 6 pages tomorrow and a super clean up so my house is decent enough for clients.

Geocosmic Valentine

[Victoria Bongiorno]

Good luck! I personally would never be able to pull that off.

[Britta]

This sounds a bit like a WriDay, which is an unofficial part of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I did a WriDay the first Saturday of January 2008. I wrote for 12 hours and got 25040 words.

Anyway, best of luck to you with your three day novel endeavor!

[Melanie C.]

Shortcuts to Success for 3-Day Novel Contestants without using any payday loan.
Seasoned 3-Day novelists find that though they have crafted a detailed outline, plot and characters evolve as the story progresses. Roles shift and develop, personalities take on a life of their own and new situations appear seemingly out of nowhere.
Prepare for this potential time-robber by creating plenty of suitable monikers for major and minor players. As the 72 hour deadline looms, characters will meet, scheme and seduce each other in a variety of places, so concoct names and backups for towns, restaurants and businesses as well.
Writers need a nutritious supply of foods that are easy to prepare and eat. Constant hydration is also important. Pain relief might be required for the inevitable stiff necks, sore fingers and aching joints. The 3-Day Novel site, which is filled with useful tips, suggests allowing at least four hours at the end of day three for editing.
Writers Block and the 3-Day Novel Contest.
“Nothing conquers writer’s block like physical exercise.” So says Kelly James-Enger in her book Six Figure Freelancing, The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money. She recommends taking periodic five minute breaks for stretching, deep breathing and generally moving around.
Use a timer as a reminder and place food and beverages far from the writing area to encourage physical activity.
Stay Motivated During Low Points
Some writers find it beneficial to have a close friend, writer or not, available to provide on-line encouragement over the 72 hour period. As the event takes place during the busy Labour Day weekend, one should line up a personal cheerleader in advance.
Veterans and greenhorns alike share their highs, lows and creative advice in the contest’s entertaining chat room. And a bottle of bubbly on ice to celebrate the end of the contest can also be a souce of inspiration.
After the 3-Day Novel Contest
Expect to feel physically and mentally exhausted after completing this literary marathon. One will also experience a profound sense of satisfaction and increased respect for one's own writing abilities.
Completed novels must be mailed and postmarked by Friday September 11 to be considered for the contest awards. First prize is the offer of a publishing contract, second prize is $500 and third is $100. Winners are announced the following January.