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How long does it take to write a novel?

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I want to be a writer and was wondering how long it usually takes

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Thank you comment icon It can take as long as you want to write a novel. The thing about it is if you want to write a fiction novel, you can create anything with just your imagination. Never give up. Always keep trying. Writing novels takes time so do rush it! -Dakota W. Dakota
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Larry’s Answer

Good question... literally. Some writers are fast, others slow.... I'm slow. My first draft of my first fiction novel took about a year, with no research involved. Once completed I got a professional editor who tore it to shreds. After I recovered (about a year later), I began my second draft, which was much better and worth the time and effort. Once it was completed I was very proud of it but too insecure to submit it to publishers. Then fate smiled on me and helped me find an extraordinary editor who works with many best selling authors. She inspired me to write a third draft, which was a joy in of itself. My novel is now on Amazon and I'm very proud of it even if it took me six years. Before my novel, I was a columnist for a local newspaper, which was also a lot of fun. If you have a lot of experience writing, then go ahead and dive into a novel. If you're new to the game, shorter pieces might be advisable. Note: I'm 71 and finished my novel in 2018. Now there's tons of writing opportunities on the internet that can give you a lot of valuable experience. Wishing you the best of luck.
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Rebecca’s Answer

I am glad to hear that you are would like to be an author. This time your write a novel really depends on a number of factors:
1. Do you have information on the topic your novel is about? Do you need to do any research?
2. Do you have any idea on the story? Is it a complex one? If you have idea, it may be quicker. Otherwise, it may take time to come up with ideas
3. How long you need to take for proof reading? You may make some revision. It is also subject how much change you would like to make.
If you would like to be an author, you can start writing some short stories on topics you are familiar with. You can have some ideas how long it takes to write a novel. And, practice makes perfect. You can also consider to publish the story online. You could receive some feedback and that can help you to improve.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Stephanie’s Answer

Hi, Zoe! It really varies based on the writer. If you have an outline, you can use that to schedule achievable goals each week (ex: chapters 1-2 by Sunday). If you want to have X number of chapters, then that'll give you a prediction of how long it might take you to complete a first draft.

That said, whether you're a "plotter" or a "pantser," a best practice is to schedule dedicated time to writing (no internet, no distractions!) a few times a week. Carving out the time to do the work and then sticking to that schedule is more important than hitting arbitrary numerical goals like chapter or word count.

Completing a first draft is a huge accomplishment. It's also the first of many steps. Revision (Step 2) is its own, different kind of challenge. :) But growth happens in fits and starts, and each step is important and well-worth the time you put into it.
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