Writing 20,000 words in 12 weeks may feel daunting, but with a solid plan, you can stay on track and enjoy the process. This episode focuses on breaking down your writing goals, building a routine, and keeping the momentum going throughout the challenge.
Step 1: Assess Your Schedule
Before you start writing, take a good look at your calendar. Identify your busiest days and carve out time for writing. Remember, consistency is key, but flexibility is your friend. Even just 15-30 minutes of writing per day can add up quickly.
Ask yourself:
- Do you write best in the morning, afternoon, or evening?
- Can you dedicate certain days to longer writing sessions?
- Are there upcoming commitments that might impact your writing time?
The more you understand your schedule, the easier it will be to find and protect your writing time. I highly recommend calculating your time for writing. Use a simple monthly planner for the 12 weeks (three months) and mark off the days!
Step 2: Set Realistic Goals
To hit the ONC milestones, you’ll need to break the 20,000-word goal into manageable chunks. Here’s how to align your strategy with the contest’s deadlines:
Weeks 1-4: Aim to write 2,000 words by the end of Week 4. This breaks down to about 500 words per week, or approximately 70-80 words per day.
Weeks 5-8: Reach 8,000 words by the end of Week 8. This means writing 6,000 additional words over four weeks—about 1,500 words per week, or 200-250 words per day.
Weeks 9-12: Complete your novella by reaching 20,000 words by the end of Week 12. That’s 12,000 words in four weeks, requiring about 3,000 words per week, or 400-450 words per day.
These goals are flexible! Adjust them based on your personal writing pace and schedule. The key is to keep moving forward, even if your daily word count varies.
Remember: The goal is write with consistency. And you are not stopping when you reach 2,000 words. Continue writing until your overall word count reaches 8,000 words, and do the same to reach an overall word count of 20,000!
Step 3: Create a Writing Ritual
A writing ritual signals to your brain that it’s time to focus. This can include:
Setting up a dedicated workspace.
Playing a specific playlist or lighting a candle.
Starting with a short freewrite or journaling exercise.
Join a writing sprint!
Most authors and writers have livestreams on their YouTube channels. Don't be afraid to join one!
Find what works for you and make it part of your routine. The more enjoyable and intentional your ritual, the easier it will be to get into the flow.
Step 4: Stay Motivated
The ONC is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some tips to keep your momentum:
Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself for hitting milestones, whether it’s a favorite snack, a break to watch a show, or sharing your progress with friends.
Connect with the Community: Join ONC discussions on Wattpad and social media. Engaging with other writers can boost your motivation and provide valuable support. I will be posting my progress using the hashtag #20kin12wEH if you're interested in joining the conversation!
Overcome Writer’s Block: If you’re stuck, try brainstorming, skipping to another scene, or even taking a short break. Progress is progress, no matter how small.
Step 5: Track Your Progress
Use tools like word trackers, apps, or even a simple spreadsheet to monitor your progress. Seeing your word count grow can be incredibly satisfying and motivating.
For those looking for extra organization, don’t forget about the 20k in 12 Weeks Workbook Planner! This resource includes habit trackers, weekly planning pages, and milestone checkpoint trackers to help you stay on top of your goals.
Crafting a writing strategy is all about finding what works for you. By breaking down your goals, establishing a routine, and staying motivated, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable ONC journey. Remember, every word you write is a step closer to completing your novella. You’ve got this!
In the next episode, we’ll dive into character development and world-building—two elements that will make your story shine. Stay tuned, and happy writing!
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