Writing a Novel in November? These Tips Will Help You Hit 50,000 Words

November is a good time of year to focus on your writing and set a goal. The days are shorter and the weather is cooler, at least if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere. A good target to aim for is 50,000 words: this is the length of a short novel or a long novella. With 30 days in the month, you can hit this target if you write an average of 1,667 words per day. This may seem like a lot, but your goal is to write a first draft, not a polished manuscript; that word count is attainable with a bit of planning.

Here are some tips for reaching 50,000 words this November with Scrivener.

Plan ahead

To hit the ground running, do some prep work before November begins. You could plan your project with Scrivener’s Outliner or use Scrivener’s Corkboard. You don’t need to plan it in detail; you may not even need to outline it; many writers don’t use outlines at all. But you should have a good idea of where you want the story to go, at least for its first act. One good way to prepare is to use the Save the Cat! method of outlining your novel, but any structural overview will help you know where you’re going, even if you don’t know how your story will end.

Set a writing routine

You most likely need to fit your writing into your existing schedule, and you should block out time to hit your word count. Many writers find that it’s easier to write when they develop a consistent rhythm. This could mean getting up early and writing for an hour every morning before work or school, or writing in the evening when you get home. While writing every day is the best way to develop a routine, you may not hit your target each day. You can catch up on weekends when you have a bit more time. Don’t be too rigid with your daily word count and focus on the final target.

Use Scrivener’s statistics and targets to stay motivated

Scrivener can show your word count as you write, and you can set targets for each writing session, or for each document in the Binder. Hitting these targets daily can help you maintain motivation, and watching the word count increase as you approach your monthly goal can spur you on in the final stretch.

Don’t aim for perfection

The goal is not to write a finished 50,000-word novel in one month; it’s to write 50,000 words and make progress toward a novel. Some novels may be around 50,000 words, and for others, this may be the framework for a project that will expand as you revise it. You shouldn’t try to create a polished manuscript; your goal is to get words on (virtual) paper so you can edit and revise later. Don’t worry if your grammar isn’t perfect, if you don’t find the right verb for every sentence, or even if you don’t write every scene. There’s plenty of time later to refine and perfect your work.

Write out of order when inspiration strikes

One advantage of using Scrivener is that the app’s Binder lets you write out of order. You can set the Binder up in a way that matches your style, and, if you plan ahead, you can write scenes and chapters when you’re inspired. Even if you haven’t outlined your entire novel, you’ll have some scenes in mind that you can write when you’re motivated. If you have multiple timelines or point-of-view characters, you can keep writing one of those threads even if you haven’t written the alternating scenes or chapters.

Write in short bursts and take breaks

Just as when you go to the gym, and take breaks after a certain number of reps on weight machines, you need to take breaks when writing. Use short writing periods where you block out everything and think about nothing but writing. During these periods, focus on getting words down without worrying about quality. This is especially effective when your time is limited. One way to do this is to use the Pomodoro Technique, where you write for 25 minutes, then take 5-minute breaks. You can do two sessions in an hour, with a break for coffee or tea, each morning.

Use writing prompts to get you started

No matter how well you develop a writing routine or schedule, you will get stuck at times. When you need a boost, try using writing prompts. These prompts may have nothing to do with your story, but you can use them as warm-up routines, like stretching your creative muscles, to get your mind into the right state to get words down. Spending ten minutes writing about something unrelated to your story can help your mind get into its creative mode.

Plan for obstacles

You won’t hit your word count every day. You’ll have unplanned obstacles, such as work or family responsibilities, or, if you’re in the US, there’s Thanksgiving weekend near the end of the month. Plan for these hurdles: try to get more than your daily minimum word count each day so you can take days off when needed. If you have an extended Thanksgiving holiday, you may be able to write while traveling or catch up on the weekend.

Don’t feel bad if you don’t reach 50,000 words

The problem with a 50,000-word target is that you may feel like you’ve failed if you don’t hit that word count. No matter how much you write, you’ve won your gamble: you’ve planned a novel, started to develop a writing routine, and seen how things can get in the way. This is what happens to all writers. Even if you reach only half of your target, there’s no reason to stop at the end of November. If you want to hit 50,000 words, keep writing.