How Hard Do You Work on Your Novel?

Have you ever wondered how often each person works on their Work in Progress? Well, I have. I may be one of those people who have inquisitive minds, but it does make me wonder if I am slower than others.

Myself, I work some each day. It may be one hour or six hours. I have been known to work all day when I am getting a good story going. Then there are other days when I can only write a few words. My goal is to add 2,000 words to my novel each day. Most days I do add that, but some days I do not.

What about other things? Do you count time reading and re-reading? There are times when I feel that is all I do, re-read what I have written, change it around to make it sound better and work on my characters more.

I like to write several chapters, then go back over them and do corrections. That way I can say I am one-third through, one-half through or three-fourths through. It is a game I play with myself to feel that I am making progress.

I had written a novella, but other publishers wanted to see the full story. Now I am adding and adding to the novella to make it a 80,000 word book. I do get discouraged some, but I know I am making progress. I want to finish the 80,000 words by the end of this month. I will have to work hard because next week I am spending a week with my grandchildren. Will I work? Probably not much. I will gain a lot more and be ready to work harder when I get home.

There is also a lot of research for this novel. It is set in 1796, right after Tennessee becomes a state. That's all I'm telling right now. It's not surprising that I am writing a historical. After all, I live in the second oldest town in the state of Tennessee. Rogersville was settled in 1775 and it was part of North Carolina back then. But, I'm not writing about Rogersville, although it is mentioned several times.

I love writing and I love meeting writers and authors. The people have been so nice to me and so helpful. I've worked for companies where there was a lot of throat cutting. Even when I could have been doing some of that, I was trying to help others. I am thankful for the people who have already succeeded to take time to help me. There are several authors that I hold in high esteem and who are very helpful to me.

For all of you who are wanting to write, go to it. Try it. Have a wonderful time.