The 90-Day Novel by Alan Watt Update 4

By Kate Phillips

After 90 days, I can officially highly recommend The 90-Day Novel by Alan Watt. Even if you don't plan on writing a novel this quickly, the book should be on your Writing Books To Be Read List.

 I am a better writer just having read it, but I also better understand how novels work because I followed through on the majority of the exercises and directions. I found Watt's insights invaluable. He made me think, to consider my options. I learned to tighten my timeline and deepen my characters' backstories to move the story forward.

For the record, I didn't complete my novel, but I did a lot more work on it than I would have without this book. It wasn't the author's fault that I didn't finish. I missed out on writing time during my job's monthly editing deadlines. I plan to finish my first draft by mid- April.

As with most projects, I started off with a lot of enthusiasm. Writing a novel has always been a goal, but it takes a lot of work, more work than I imagined.

        If you choose to meet the 90-day deadline, my advice is to make sure you have the time to put into it. Winter months worked for me as the weather kept me inside and able to focus on this goal. I tried to write the same time every day which also helped. For the first 28 days, you only spend 10-30 minutes a day. After that, you need to put in at least two hours.

        This book works best when you already have a story in mind along with some of the characters. Your plot may veer off your planned course; your characters may change names, physical attributes, occupations, and locations as you write it all down, but that is what keeps you alert and interested for the long haul. And it is a long haul, but this book keeps things manageable.

        Succeeding, of course, depends on what you put into it. If you put yourself into Alan Watt's professional writing sphere, you will meet your goal as long as you pay attention to his suggestions based on experience and follow his flexible directions. 

        Speaking of succeeding, I saw Bill Geist on CBS Sunday Morning interview a 76-year-old author writing under the name Desiree Holt who has written over 100 racy romance novels in about four years. Quite an impressive body of work! Apparently, she writes according to "The 14-Day Novel" plan.

So the reality is that if you want to write a novel, write a novel. You don't need The 90-Day Novel to achieve your goal. However, Alan Watt, author of the prize-winning Diamond Dogs, thoughtfully shares all he learned in this writer-friendly and inspirational book that makes the tough work of completing a novel easier. Writing is a solitary pursuit so why not enjoy the company of a supportive, successful professional cheering you on?

 

How are your novels coming along?