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Write Your Novel in a Month: How to Complete a First Draft in 30 Days and What to Do Next
One of these days, I'm going to sit down and write that novel.... Everyone thinks about doing it, yet most people who do start a novel end up stalling after a few chapters. Where do these would-be novelists go wrong? Are the characters dull and cliched? Did the story arc collapse? Did they succumb to a dreaded bout of "writer's block"? Or maybe it was all just taking too long?
These problems used to stop writers in their tracks, but nothing will get in your way after reading Write Your Novel in a Month. Author and instructor Jeff Gerke has created the perfect tool to show you how to prepare yourself to write your first draft in as little as 30 days. With Jeff's help, you will learn how to organize your ideas, create dynamic stories, develop believable characters, and flesh out the idea narrative for your novel--and not just for the rapid-fire first draft. Jeff walks you through the entire process, from initial idea to the important revision stage, and even explains what to do with your novel once you've finished.
Whether you are participating in National Novel Writing Month or you're simply hoping to complete a draft over winter break or your vacation, this book covers the entire scope of writing a novel and lays out exactly what you need to know to get it done fast and right.
These problems used to stop writers in their tracks, but nothing will get in your way after reading Write Your Novel in a Month. Author and instructor Jeff Gerke has created the perfect tool to show you how to prepare yourself to write your first draft in as little as 30 days. With Jeff's help, you will learn how to organize your ideas, create dynamic stories, develop believable characters, and flesh out the idea narrative for your novel--and not just for the rapid-fire first draft. Jeff walks you through the entire process, from initial idea to the important revision stage, and even explains what to do with your novel once you've finished.
Whether you are participating in National Novel Writing Month or you're simply hoping to complete a draft over winter break or your vacation, this book covers the entire scope of writing a novel and lays out exactly what you need to know to get it done fast and right.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2013
93 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 19, 2016
This was an excellent informational read. Anyone can learn something from it, but that being said, I already knew quite a lot what he was talking about so this caused me to skim over some sections because of the multitude of writing articles I read everyday. :P But it's nice to have it all in one book. I'd definitely recommend it for NaNo writers.
October 28, 2018
I'm putting this on my "did not finish" shelf. It was okay up to a point, but I kept getting yanked out of what I was reading by noticing the author's personal opinions about other people being inserted into his writing. I get the impression that I wouldn't get along with the author.
September 15, 2015
In this book Mr. Gerke asserts that the only rule of fiction is to engage your reader. After finishing this book it is clear to me that he must believe this rule to apply to non-fiction as well. As I have aspired towards my authorial goals I have slogged through many manuals on the craft. There are not many as engaging and as clearly written as those penned by Mr. Gerke.
Now on to the meat of the matter. I have spent the past year writing a novel in spurts and it is driving me crazy. So naturally any book that promises to speed up the process is a Godsend. Naturally the secret is to write without stopping. But more than that the other secret is planning.
This book takes you through every single step that needs to be completed before you start writing. It covers Characters, setting, dialogue, Plot, and even how to write the always hair pulling beginning of you novel.
Once all of that is finished then you get your helpful tips on how to write continuously for thirty days.
The last part of the book is all about polishing and publishing your manuscript.
So will I complete my next book in a month? Probably not. Not because this book wasn't helpful but because I get distracted easily. But at least the task won't seem so daunting now that I have found a complete guide to novel creation. Who knows with a rough draft behind me maybe I can knock out my second draft in a month.
Now on to the meat of the matter. I have spent the past year writing a novel in spurts and it is driving me crazy. So naturally any book that promises to speed up the process is a Godsend. Naturally the secret is to write without stopping. But more than that the other secret is planning.
This book takes you through every single step that needs to be completed before you start writing. It covers Characters, setting, dialogue, Plot, and even how to write the always hair pulling beginning of you novel.
Once all of that is finished then you get your helpful tips on how to write continuously for thirty days.
The last part of the book is all about polishing and publishing your manuscript.
So will I complete my next book in a month? Probably not. Not because this book wasn't helpful but because I get distracted easily. But at least the task won't seem so daunting now that I have found a complete guide to novel creation. Who knows with a rough draft behind me maybe I can knock out my second draft in a month.
February 15, 2015
I got to pre-read this for my brother (he's doing NaNoWriMo for the first time this year). What a great tool! I really look forward to using it next time I attempt to write a book.
As I've won NaNoWriMo twice already, I don't mind that the section on the actual writing of the first draft is the shortest. It is all the preparatory work that takes up half this book--and looks very valuable to me.
I especially appreciate that Mr. Gerke doesn't assert that his way is the only way. He gives his opinion and why he thinks so, but states only one command in fiction (you must engage your reader from beginning to end).
As I've won NaNoWriMo twice already, I don't mind that the section on the actual writing of the first draft is the shortest. It is all the preparatory work that takes up half this book--and looks very valuable to me.
I especially appreciate that Mr. Gerke doesn't assert that his way is the only way. He gives his opinion and why he thinks so, but states only one command in fiction (you must engage your reader from beginning to end).
February 5, 2015
A one-stop shop for approaching a novel from start to finish and beyond. I'm applying a lot of what I learned from reading this book to the creation of my first novel.
August 11, 2019
This book reminded me a lot of Susan May Warren's The Story Equation. The process of writing was similar, although different in a couple of key areas (such as developing characters). I lean more toward SMWs method, but that's personal preference and style. This author's method will work beautifully for some.
The title is a bit deceptive for those new to publishing, but this doesn't discredit his process at all. Many new and aspiring authors simply have no idea of all the work that should/can happen before you start writing that will allow the actual writing process to take the least amount of time. Additionally, writing using this method may well include some massive rewrites/editing after the rough draft is done, so you are not going from an idea for a novel to a manuscript ready to publish within thirty days. Still, many find it easier to improve and polish a novel than to get the story down in the first place, so getting the words out of your head and onto paper quickly is an excellent method to writing a book.
Finally, the editing tips included in the book are excellent. He mentions several issues that I've seen in some obviously new-to-publishing authors and occasionally in books by some not-so-new authors. And he gives substantial reasoning and examples for those who like a lot of detail (which he admits is his preference).
The title is a bit deceptive for those new to publishing, but this doesn't discredit his process at all. Many new and aspiring authors simply have no idea of all the work that should/can happen before you start writing that will allow the actual writing process to take the least amount of time. Additionally, writing using this method may well include some massive rewrites/editing after the rough draft is done, so you are not going from an idea for a novel to a manuscript ready to publish within thirty days. Still, many find it easier to improve and polish a novel than to get the story down in the first place, so getting the words out of your head and onto paper quickly is an excellent method to writing a book.
Finally, the editing tips included in the book are excellent. He mentions several issues that I've seen in some obviously new-to-publishing authors and occasionally in books by some not-so-new authors. And he gives substantial reasoning and examples for those who like a lot of detail (which he admits is his preference).
March 20, 2021
One of the most poorly written books I have had the misfortune of picking up! Beyond being repetitive and tedious, there's next to no content. All the 'advice' could be summarised as a short bullet point list, the rest reads like the self-aggrandizing ramblings of an idiot. What's worse the author reinforces all the obstacles of self-doubt a new writer might face, and at great length!
If it took the author a whole month to write this, he should seriously think about a change of career.
If it took the author a whole month to write this, he should seriously think about a change of career.
March 11, 2018
This book is aimed as NaNoers(those who want to participate in National Novel Writing Month), and people who want to take the NaNoWriMo challenge, though not necessarily in November. the book is split into three sections:
-part 1 for outlining and craft you need to know before you begin writing,
-part 2 with tips on how to write fast from the author and many other authors
-part 3 for revision craft pointers and a little bit on publishing options
Part 1 for me was fairly familiar territory, though I did pick up several new nuggest of info and well as a few new perspectives on things.
Part two was largely a wash for me, but only because I've participated in four NaNos prior to reading this book as well as having done a lot of productivity research well before this, so had heard all these pointers before. (Yes, every single one unfortunately). To be clear though, I've read a LOT of blogs, articles, and books, and listened to an insane number of podcasts on writing productivity over the last seven years as well as discussed in Facebook groups and the NaNo forums with others on the topic so just because I didn't learn anything new in this section doesn't mean others won't.
Part three was great for me. Again, there wasn't a great deal I didn't know yet, but two big things were I finally saw someone wax lyrical about paragraphs and paragraph length (so few books seem to address this correctly IMO), and also the section on publishing your book once revised was very good. It gave relevant information on the publishing industry TODAY, not a decade ago before self-publishing became affordable and exploded. Gerke is still clearly pro-trad publishing and gives compelling reasons for this and covers off how to go about it (a section even covered some trad publishing contract clauses to burn with fire if you see them), but he also didn't dismiss self publishing as an option and carefully covered off thing like the difference between vanity publishing and more modern self publishing.
This book covers a broad range of topics very well, and recommends a few other books and courses worth looking into if one wants to delve deeper into a topic. Definitely a good read, especially if you're considering doing NaNoWriMo for the first time or trying to pack a quick write in on your long service leave or something similar.
-part 1 for outlining and craft you need to know before you begin writing,
-part 2 with tips on how to write fast from the author and many other authors
-part 3 for revision craft pointers and a little bit on publishing options
Part 1 for me was fairly familiar territory, though I did pick up several new nuggest of info and well as a few new perspectives on things.
Part two was largely a wash for me, but only because I've participated in four NaNos prior to reading this book as well as having done a lot of productivity research well before this, so had heard all these pointers before. (Yes, every single one unfortunately). To be clear though, I've read a LOT of blogs, articles, and books, and listened to an insane number of podcasts on writing productivity over the last seven years as well as discussed in Facebook groups and the NaNo forums with others on the topic so just because I didn't learn anything new in this section doesn't mean others won't.
Part three was great for me. Again, there wasn't a great deal I didn't know yet, but two big things were I finally saw someone wax lyrical about paragraphs and paragraph length (so few books seem to address this correctly IMO), and also the section on publishing your book once revised was very good. It gave relevant information on the publishing industry TODAY, not a decade ago before self-publishing became affordable and exploded. Gerke is still clearly pro-trad publishing and gives compelling reasons for this and covers off how to go about it (a section even covered some trad publishing contract clauses to burn with fire if you see them), but he also didn't dismiss self publishing as an option and carefully covered off thing like the difference between vanity publishing and more modern self publishing.
This book covers a broad range of topics very well, and recommends a few other books and courses worth looking into if one wants to delve deeper into a topic. Definitely a good read, especially if you're considering doing NaNoWriMo for the first time or trying to pack a quick write in on your long service leave or something similar.
January 9, 2018
I loved this, not only is it helpful in the set up process leading up to the thirty days of writing with suggestions for stuff to decide and be aware of beforehand. It doesn't have that typical scheduled out days for the 30 days of writing. It does have a bunch of tips on how to make the 30 days less painful, however the aftermath of some of the advice such as no cleaning can be treacherous but it's fine. What I really enjoyed was the now what pages of advice. It was extremely helpful to have a little insight on the publishing process.
June 1, 2019
While there are as many approaches to writing a novel as there are authors, Gerke's focus on the Great Commandment of Fiction: "Keep the reader engaged" does apply to all of them.
That said, the parts of this book that I found most helpful and appealing were the general guidelines for revising the initial draft of your novel.
I also appreciate Gerke's summary of the changing landscape of publishing and what that means for newer authors. It's a necessary pouring of cold water on the author's dreams, to mix metaphors terribly.
I'd recommend this as a writing guide book because of its excellent structure, but I'm not sure the actual writing advice holds up to that in other writing books I've read. Again, that might just be because my process doesn't gel with the recommended approach here as well as it does with other approaches.
That said, the parts of this book that I found most helpful and appealing were the general guidelines for revising the initial draft of your novel.
I also appreciate Gerke's summary of the changing landscape of publishing and what that means for newer authors. It's a necessary pouring of cold water on the author's dreams, to mix metaphors terribly.
I'd recommend this as a writing guide book because of its excellent structure, but I'm not sure the actual writing advice holds up to that in other writing books I've read. Again, that might just be because my process doesn't gel with the recommended approach here as well as it does with other approaches.
September 7, 2023
This is very much a beginner's book. It offered tips for specifically Nanowrimo participants on how to plan your novel before writing it and how to start the publication process once it is written, but offers very little in terms of actually doing the writing. There were a couple of good points, but most of the information you can easily find for free online.
He starts the book talking about how the only true rule to a good novel is to engage the reader, then goes on to impose many rules. He will say it doesn't need to be written in a particular way then describe exactly how he thinks it should be done as if it is the only correct way to write. It was incredibly easy to see his personal opinions and political/religious views as well.
In all, it wasn't all terrible information, as some of it was good, but it was executed poorly.
He starts the book talking about how the only true rule to a good novel is to engage the reader, then goes on to impose many rules. He will say it doesn't need to be written in a particular way then describe exactly how he thinks it should be done as if it is the only correct way to write. It was incredibly easy to see his personal opinions and political/religious views as well.
In all, it wasn't all terrible information, as some of it was good, but it was executed poorly.
March 27, 2018
It should be titled "Write Your Novel in (not really) a Month." Yes, you will end up with a first draft of words you have spewed on to the page in your month from hell but it will not be a polished gem. The author admits it will take three hard edits and seven re-writes to get into final form. The author does give some great advice on characterization ( think Briggs Myers), plotting, and editing, not to mention marketing your novel to publishers and the general public. Sometimes, however, the book relies too much on Jeff Gerke's advice to get a lot of words on paper.
July 2, 2019
Overall, a very helpful book inspiring and helping you get excited to write that novel you've always been wanting to write. Gerke includes tips on craft, structure, the actual writing timeline, and publishing which is fantastic. I chose to give him 4 stars because there were multiple times where I thought his tone was a bit abrasive and he has very strong opinions that I don't necessarily agree with. I appreciate his honesty and sincerity but it don't take every word of his as gospel, take them with a grain of salt.
April 6, 2024
I did find some valuable and helpful information in this book but overall, it was just an okay book for my purposes. I am challenging myself with some writing (but not trying to write anything in thirty days -- just trying it out and looking for some insight), and I picked up a couple of writing books to learn more about the craft. However, now that I am trying my hand with writing and studying the art of fiction, I am noticing more about the quality of writing in the books I am reading -- not sure that is a good thing!
June 27, 2019
This had some decent tips in it, but I felt like it was a lot better for genre fiction than for literary fiction. And like The 90-Day Novel: Unlock the story within, it seems to be better advice for screenplays- a lot of the examples he gives are movies rather than books.
January 2, 2021
I think this was an excellent book for those who wish to write a book quickly. I don't know if such a task is for me (as I prefer taking my time in the initial writing of a novel over the heavy editing that is sure to follow), but I definitely see the value of the book and the quality of how it presents its information. Jeff Gerke did a great job in making it seem possible to do so much quality writing in such a short time. And who knows, maybe I'll love writing a book in a month! We'll see.
August 7, 2021
“Write Your Novel in a Month” was well written and presented in a logical sequence for anyone writing a novel from scratch. I enjoyed reading/listening to this book as I believe the Great Commandment of Fiction and could relate to the author’s view of what makes a good novel. In addition, I benefited from all the tips and advice, especially when supported with examples, and will include this book among my handy writing craft references.
January 18, 2023
I loved the humorous and conversational style that was easy to read and learn from. I also loved the way the author offered an opinion on writing, then showed an example of a best seller that broke his rule.
Unfortunately, I found this book after taking three years to write my first draft, but I found the sections on editing and what's next very helpful since I was a little lost on how to begin editing.
I will definitely use the prepping tips for my next book, though.
Unfortunately, I found this book after taking three years to write my first draft, but I found the sections on editing and what's next very helpful since I was a little lost on how to begin editing.
I will definitely use the prepping tips for my next book, though.
July 30, 2017
Some really helpful stuff in here. Some of it was repetitive so I skipped over a few parts but most of the information was useful. I'll be rereading the 3rd part once I actually finish my novel. I felt very inspired while reading this book and the author is great at building your self confidence and giving you tools to craft with said new found confidence. I recommend it.
November 27, 2018
What a great book if you want to write a novel - in 30 days for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) or just to get that first draft done and on the table to dissect. Gerke is an enjoyable companion as he details the specific steps to take to write the beast - and also the specific steps to realistically get to publication. His enthusiasm for the new age of self-publishing we are in is contagious. The only step I didn't care for was his rather mechanical approach to character construction that occurred early in the book and almost made me put it down. But the rest of the book was terrific and useful and an inspirational pleasure to read.
February 27, 2019
4.5/5. Excellent, comprehensive guide on planning for success to write a novel in 1 month, aka NaNoWriMo. With a slew of helpful tips on how to implement your writing habit to must-haves while plotting and planning your novel, I found this helpful for writers even if they don't participate in NaNoWriMo.
August 3, 2025
Enjoyed this one, easy to read and understand and lots of good practices to get the writing done and how to prep to write a full novel in 30 days.
I havent done too much research/searching for books on writing but this is the first one that actually included information on publishing and the various types, pros/cons/etc and that was SUPER helpful!
I havent done too much research/searching for books on writing but this is the first one that actually included information on publishing and the various types, pros/cons/etc and that was SUPER helpful!
February 14, 2018
If you've always wanted to write a novel but just don't know where to begin, I recommend this book...the author assures you that the only golden rule of completing a novel is to know how to engage the reader from beginning to end
June 2, 2019
A reference book for fast writing
This is a good reference book, but a big share of it was repeats from other books I've read. What I did love was his section on characters and how to develop them. With all the prep work, your 30 day wonder should be decent.
This is a good reference book, but a big share of it was repeats from other books I've read. What I did love was his section on characters and how to develop them. With all the prep work, your 30 day wonder should be decent.
January 18, 2022
The book was structured well and I enjoyed the authors voice. Some great tips and I felt that he kept a well rounded opinion on which rules to follow.
I do think we could have trimmed many lists into smaller bullets and the content on publishing was a bit depressing but overall a good read
I do think we could have trimmed many lists into smaller bullets and the content on publishing was a bit depressing but overall a good read
March 19, 2023
Excellent tips, got me farther on outlining and planning than anything else ever has. Unfortunately the answer to 'how to write a novel in a month' is 'do nothing but write for a month' which of course isn't doable for 98% of people. Still lots of great advice!
October 15, 2017
There is a ton of useful information in this book and I still use it as a reference for my writing. I found the section on editing to be particularly enlightening.
April 23, 2018
Good book.
August 3, 2018
Practical, engaging and inspiring. Jeff Gerke does it again, providing helpful advice and encouraging mentorship to writers at any stage.
October 8, 2018
The first half of the book is very useful to help prepare for NaNoWriMo; the second is too much information about publishing and marketing. The second half should have been its own book for later.
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