The Second Step in Writing Your Novel: Setting Clear Goals

Writing a novel is a journey that requires not only creativity but also structure and determination. In Step 2 of our comprehensive guide to writing your novel, we explore the vital aspect of setting clear goals. Goals are the roadmap that will guide you through the intricate terrain of storytelling, helping you break down your writing process into manageable steps, measure your progress, and ultimately reach the finish line.

1. Break Down Your Writing Process into Manageable Goals

The prospect of writing an entire novel can be overwhelming, even for experienced authors. To tackle this monumental task, it’s crucial to break it down into smaller, manageable goals. This approach not only makes the process more achievable but also provides a sense of accomplishment as you reach each milestone. Here’s how to get started:

a. Define Your Overall Goal:

Begin by setting your overarching goal—completing your novel. This is the ultimate destination of your writing journey, and it’s essential to keep it in mind as you establish smaller goals.

b. Create Milestones:

Identify key milestones that will mark your progress along the way. These milestones can include completing specific chapters, reaching word count targets, or finishing significant plot arcs.

c. Set Realistic Timelines:

Assign deadlines to each milestone. Be realistic about your abilities and the time you can dedicate to writing. Remember that writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint, so give yourself ample time for each stage.

d. Use SMART Goals:

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Ensure that each of your goals meets these criteria. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “write more,” specify “write 1,000 words every day.”

e. Prioritize Tasks:

Break down each milestone into smaller tasks or actions that need to be completed. Prioritize these tasks based on their significance and how they contribute to your overall goal.

f. Create a Writing Schedule:

Establish a regular writing schedule that aligns with your goals. Dedicate specific times each day or week to work on your novel, and stick to your schedule as closely as possible.

g. Stay Flexible:

While it’s important to have a structured plan, it’s equally crucial to remain flexible. Life can throw unexpected challenges your way, so be prepared to adjust your goals and timelines when necessary.

h. Celebrate Achievements:

Celebrate your successes as you reach each milestone. Acknowledging your accomplishments boosts motivation and reinforces your commitment to the larger goal.

Case Study: Breaking Down the Writing Process

Imagine you’re an aspiring author who has set out to write a fantasy novel. Your overall goal is to complete a 100,000-word manuscript within one year. To break down this daunting task, you establish the following milestones:

1. Complete Act 1 of the novel (25,000 words) within three months.

   • This milestone includes introducing the main characters, setting the world, and establishing the central conflict.

2. Finish Act 2 of the novel (50,000 words) within six months.

   • Act 2 delves deeper into character development, explores subplots, and intensifies the story’s central conflict.

3. Conclude Act 3 of the novel (25,000 words) within nine months.

   • Act 3 brings the story to its climax and resolution, tying up loose ends and providing a satisfying conclusion.

4. Spend the last three months revising and polishing the manuscript.

Each of these milestones is specific, measurable, achievable within the given timeframe, relevant to the overall goal of completing the novel, and time-bound with the one-year deadline. This structured approach ensures that you have a clear roadmap for your writing journey.

2. Set a Daily or Weekly Word Count Target to Measure Your Progress

Writing a novel is a gradual process, and measuring your progress is essential to stay on track. One effective way to do this is by setting a daily or weekly word count target. Word count targets provide a tangible metric for your achievements and help you maintain a consistent writing pace. Here’s how to implement this strategy:

a. Determine Your Writing Speed:

Start by gauging your writing speed. Write for a set amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes) and count the number of words you produce. This will give you an estimate of your words-per-minute rate.

b. Set Realistic Targets:

Based on your writing speed and the time you can allocate to writing each day or week, set realistic word count targets. Ensure that these targets are challenging but attainable, considering your other commitments.

c. Use Writing Sprints:

Writing sprints are focused, time-limited sessions where you aim to write as many words as possible within a specified period. Popular durations for sprints range from 10 minutes to an hour. Experiment with different sprint lengths to find what works best for you.

d. Track Your Progress:

Maintain a writing journal or use writing apps to record your daily or weekly word counts. Visualizing your progress can be motivating and provide a sense of achievement.

e. Adjust Targets as Needed:

Be flexible with your word count targets. If you consistently exceed your goals, consider raising them to challenge yourself further. Conversely, if you struggle to meet your targets, adjust them to be more manageable.

f. Prioritize Consistency:

Consistency is key when setting word count targets. Aim to write regularly, even if it’s in shorter, focused bursts. The cumulative effect of consistent effort is significant.

Case Study: Setting Word Count Targets

Using your estimated writing speed of 500 words per hour, you decide to set a daily word count target of 1,000 words. This goal seems achievable given your available writing time and allows you to make steady progress toward your milestones.

You commit to writing for two hours each day, with a goal of producing 500 words per hour. This totals 1,000 words per day and 7,000 words per week. As you consistently meet these targets, you find that your novel takes shape more rapidly than expected.

By setting daily and weekly word count targets, you not only measure your progress but also maintain a disciplined writing routine, ensuring that your novel steadily grows toward completion.

3. Establish a Realistic Deadline for Completing Your Novel

Deadlines are powerful motivators for writers. They create a sense of urgency and provide a clear endpoint for your novel-writing journey. However, it’s crucial to set realistic deadlines that align with your goals and commitments. Here’s how to establish an achievable deadline:

a. Assess Your Available Time:

Begin by assessing the time you can realistically dedicate to writing each day or week. Consider your work schedule, family responsibilities, and other commitments.

b. Calculate Your Writing Rate:

Use your writing speed (words per hour) to estimate how long it will take you to complete your desired word count. For example, if you aim to write a 100,000-word novel and write at a rate of 500 words per hour, it will take you approximately 200 hours to finish the first draft.

c. Factor in Revisions:

Remember that writing the first draft is just the beginning. Factor in time for revisions, editing, and proofreading when setting your deadline. This ensures that you have a realistic timeline for the entire writing process.

d. Be Flexible but Committed:

While it’s essential to set a deadline, be prepared to adjust it if unforeseen circumstances arise. Life can be unpredictable, and flexibility is key to maintaining your motivation.

e. Establish Milestone Deadlines:

Breaking your overall deadline into smaller milestone deadlines can help you stay on track. For example, if your goal is to complete the first draft in six months, set monthly milestones to track your progress.

f. Use Accountability:

Share your deadline with a trusted friend, writing partner, or writing group. Accountability can provide an extra layer of motivation to meet your target.

Case Study: Setting a Realistic Deadline

With your writing schedule of two hours per day and a daily word count target of 1,000 words, you estimate that you can complete your first draft in approximately six months. However, you also factor in an additional two months for revisions and editing.

This gives you a realistic deadline of eight months to finish your novel. You choose to set milestone deadlines at the end of each month to track your progress and ensure you’re on course to meet your overall target.

Setting a concrete deadline not only gives your writing process structure but also serves as a source of motivation. As you see the finish line approaching, your commitment to your novel remains steadfast.

Conclusion

Setting clear goals is the compass that guides you through the vast wilderness of novel writing. It transforms the daunting task of writing a novel into a series of manageable steps, making the journey not only achievable but also rewarding. As you break down your writing process, establish word count targets, and set realistic deadlines, you empower yourself to stay motivated and make steady progress toward your ultimate goal—completing your novel.

In Step 2, you’ve equipped yourself with the tools needed to navigate your writing journey. But the adventure is far from over. Step 3: Create a Writing Routine delves into the importance of establishing a consistent writing schedule and the strategies to make writing a habitual part of your life. Continue your journey with determination, and watch as your novel unfolds, one word at a time.