Stop looking. Focus on process instead.
I am the first one to preach that writing a novel is a marathon and not a sprint.
And yet, I am also constantly keeping my eyes open for a short cut.
A quick fix.
A faster process.
Sound familiar?
Whether it’s in my writing or creating a new course or offering for my coaching clients or starting a new exercise routine, I want to get to the finish line faster.
But that is NOT how anything in life works. Is it?
[No. It is not. In case you were also hoping I was going to say that it is.]
You can’t skip the process for the results.
There is only one way this thing works, whether it’s writing, creating, launching, working out, etc…, and that’s by doing the work.
One word, one sentence, one piece at a time.
If we spread out the pieces to a puzzle on the table, there is no faster way of putting it together other than putting it together. You can’t just mash a bunch of pieces together and have the picture turn out like the one on the box.
You have to engage YOUR PROCESS to start.
For me, that’s finding all the edge pieces first. Then I may pick a portion of the image with a distinctive color or font or design to focus on next.
You may sort all your pieces by color, or pattern, or theme.
Someone else may sort their pieces by their physical shape.
There are a number of ways to go about solving a puzzle, but no matter what way you choose, you can still only put the puzzle together one piece at a time.
Similarly, you can still only write your novel one word at a time.
I am currently struggling with a draft, looking for the quicker path. I’ve put some vague pressure on myself about completing it “as soon as possible.” The problem with this non-specific deadline is that as soon as I run into a rough spot that requires a bit of research or background work, I feel behind. Even though there is no set deadline beyond “I’d like it to already be done.”
Super helpful, right?
Nope.
The same happens for writers in revision. You may start and want it to be done “as soon as possible” then resent it when it requires multiple passes or you spend a ton of time line editing before realizing that the order of the chapters is wrong or a character needs to be eliminated.
If we want to speed up, we need to slow down.
What does that look like?
Focusing on the process.
Specifically…
When DRAFTING, slowing down can look like:
- Setting a realistic deadline. How many words do you typically write in a session? How long would you like the book to be? Divide how many words you typically write in a session into the target word count and determine how many sessions it will take you. Now, take a real honest look at your calendar and schedule those sessions.
- Prepare. You don’t have to have a detailed outline to prepare, but you should have a handle on your story foundations. These pillars will help guide your writing so when you start to feel off track, you can course correct before you get to “The End” and end up having to rewrite half the book.
- Daydreaming. I’m a big believer that thinking is writing. Slow down, have a think, journal as your protagonist, interview your cast, brainstorm, stare out the window as you let your subconscious ponder a plot problem. Plowing on may get you to your word count goal faster, but you’ll take more time in revision having to tease out the same information later. Take a moment when you’re drafting to slow down and be intentional.
When REVISING, slowing down can look like:
- Taking a break. Giving yourself time between drafting and revising can feel like a time suck, but will bring you back to your story with fresher eyes allowing you to see your story more clearly.
- Preparing for your revision. You shouldn’t pants a revision, and yet a lot of writers will try. Taking a step back to analyze your story, triage your revision needs, and tackle them one at a time in multiple passes of your manuscript will make your story stronger from the ground up.
- Asking for feedback and/or support. Whether that’s a beta reader or a coach or an editor, taking the time for third party feedback isn’t quick, but can help you avoid plot holes, big picture issues, and help you find those weird writer crutches we all have (confession: all my characters enjoy a good shrug/nod/smile during dialogue if I’m not careful!).
There are no quick fixes in writing. There is only the work. And the work takes what the work takes. Just like the puzzle. Some parts will come together quickly and others will take more time.
And the fun is in putting the puzzle together. Once it’s finished, there is no solving the puzzle anymore. It’s done.
Investing in the time to do it right will save you time in the long run. I know, it sounds counterintuitive, but the tortoise and the hare story endures for a reason.
When you find yourself frustrated with how long it’s taking to achieve your goal, slow down, focus on your process, and find the next right piece.
Before you know it, you’ll have a completed novel that you actually enjoyed writing.
If you’re ready to create a process for your revision, reach out. I am here to help.