Once you have the basic idea for your novel, it is time to start writing it and putting all your ideas on paper. The misconception most people have is that the entire process takes months and even years to complete, but if you have planned the storyline and characters in enough detail, the manuscript can take just weeks to complete the first draft. Some of the most famous novels have been completed in a record time. Anthony Burgess, for example, completed the novel A Clockwork Orange in only three weeks. The novel went on to be adapted for the big screen, although it is a well known fact that Burgess did not approve of the Stanley Kubrick film. I am not saying that every novel can be completed in this short period of time, but if you follow this basic blueprint, a novel can be completed in a month. The secret is not to expect to get everything perfect in your first draft; this is what rewrites are for.

      Day 1 and 2: The First Chapter

This is the most important section of any book. If the first chapter is lifeless and tedious, then the publisher will throw it straight into the bin and the reader will lose interest. It is essential the first chapter hooks the attention of whoever reads it. You must catch the reader's attention immediately either by an intriguing character or an exciting action scene. You have to answer the following questions within the first chapter: What is the story about? Who is the main character? What is their objective?

Day 3 and 4: Chapters 2 and 3

So with your first chapter complete, the next thing to do is move on to the following two chapters of your novel. Hopefully, you would have already completed a detailed synopsis and treatment and created a strong backstory for your main characters. With the next two chapters, you now have to move the main character towards their objective, you must always be working on strengthening the character's personality  and intensifying the storyline.

 Day 5: Read through your novel

Do not focus too much on changing anything at this point, but use day 5 as an opportunity to develop a better understanding of your characters. Step inside their minds, are they behaving in relation to their backstory? Is the story progressing toward the set objective?

Day 6: Chapter 4

This is the chapter where something big and climactic must happen. You have to decide what this big event is going to be, because it is this incident that is going to send your main character on the path towards their final objective. Many writers write this chapter on the first day, so they have a clearer insight into where the story should go. You also have to decide what will happen to your character after this event, and how it will change them as a person. The character will have to take an action following this incident.

Day 7: Chapter 5

Now you are halfway through your novel, your character should be clearly changing somehow because of the events they have been through. Obstacles and conflicts should become harder for the character to overcome,and while they are slowly changing as a person, they will be resisting this change.The character is now more focused and determined to reach the end goal.

Day 8: Chapter 6

Your main character is now adjusting to the changes in their situation, they are within touching distance of their goal. The conflicts are becoming harder whilst the character digs in and battles through. This is the perfect time to introduce an obstacle where the character has to face his ultimate fear. By the end of this chapter, the character is so beaten down they are ready to admit defeat. You must decide how you are going to break them down. For ideas, check the backstory for their greatest fears.

Day 9 and 10: Chapter 7 and 8

Your main character is broken and about to give up. But something happens to lift their spirits and motivate them to come back stronger than ever before. What is this event going to be? The change could come from an unlikely source, but now they are fighting harder than ever before. Have they found someone who has given them a pep talk, or reminded them of the importance to reach their objective? It maybe a good idea to include a few twists and turns here also.

Day 11 , 12 and 13: Chapter 9 and 10 – The End!

Many writers find this section of the novel the hardest to complete because this is the time when all loose ends are tied up. All questions are answered and all conflicts resolved. Maybe if this is an action novel, there is a final showndown between hero and villain; for a romance there could be a warm, profound scene. You have finished your novel.

Day 14 and 15: And Relax

Do not pick up the manuscript for at least two days, as hard as this may be; you will need this time to regroup and give yourself a reward for all your hard work.

Day 16: Read through

Read through your manuscript, and decide whether you have kept to the original premise for your book.Try not to be too negative at this point, just make notes on areas you feel you want to improve.

Day 17-29: Rewrite

Use the same guidelines for the rewrite, taking small sections each day, making alterations and notes as you go.

       Day 30: The Next Step

This is the point in time where you give a copy of your manuscript to trusted friends and ask them to assess it honestly. You may have to do a few rewrites, but then you are ready to start sending it our to pulisher and agents.