How to Write a Book in 3 ½ Days

So you’re sitting in front of the computer with a spectacular idea forming in the back of your mind for the next great book. And, your publisher wants something, now. Is it possible to truly write a book in as little as 3 ½ days? The answer is yes. If you take a few moments to organize your thoughts and ideas, and follow these simple steps.

Day 1: Gathering Your Ideas

One of the most important thing to do when sitting down to write is to make sure your thoughts, ideas, and notes are in order. Many authors accomplish this task by either having their idea notebook with them at all times, using 3×5 note cards that are kept in a file box, or by arranging notes by topics in file folders. Whatever your method is, spend the first day organizing your thoughts into how you want your book to be laid out.

Day 2: More Organization and The Start of Execution

At the start of the second day of book writing, it is important to create an outline of the chapters in the book. This will give you a great foundation on which to base the rest of your writing. Give the chapters a title, and a brief one-sentence description of what is in each chapter. Then, make sure that your notes are arranged in the same manner.

For example, if you are writing a book about Abraham Lincoln, the chapters will probably be organized in chronological order based on his life. Notes about his childhood would be in one chapter, his time in the United States Congress in another, and ascension to the presidency in a third and so on. Near the end of the second day, you should have your chapters outlined, and your notes in order. Now it’s time to start typing your first few chapters.

Day 3: Wake up and Write!

This is the day where you will do most of your writing. Start by turning off your computer’s spell and grammar check, and throwing the need for perfection out the window. Transforming your words into perfected prose can come later; the idea here is to get your creative thoughts out on paper in a usable format. Make sure that you have no distractions. For some authors this means taking a vacation from their homestead, or locking themselves in a room. Eliminating the distractions can help you focus, which is essential for getting the writing accomplished. Stay on task, but be sure to take 5 or 10 minute breaks every few hours. That way you can come back to the book with a refreshed mindset and objective eye.

Day 3 ½: Read Through and Re-Write

At this point, you should have the majority of your manuscript completed, depending on the size. Take this time to finish up what is left, and begin the re-writing . Re-writing is an integral part of the whole writing process, and it will take longer than three days. This is where your perfectionist nature and exacting standards will come into play. So take your time and do it right.

As you can see, with the proper organization and effort, it is possible to write the first draft of a book in 3 ½ days. While this version might not win any awards, it is a great first step toward creating your next literary masterpiece.

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