As someone who is currently attempting to write their first novel, I can't stop thinking about how long this process might take. The blank page is scary! I asked some inspirational authors how long it took them to write their first book. The variations between answers may surprise you...
Cally Taylor- It took me just under 4 months to write the first draft then another 6 months or so to edit it.
Lorraine Wilson- about 3 months for the first chalet girl novella, a lot longer for a full length because I had a brain injury mid book!
Lucy Dillon- Er, about five months? It is the re-writing, re-writing and editing that take the extra time!
Rowan Coleman- About nine months, delivered just before my first child!
Sara Sheridan- 14 weeks.
Kat French- Undertaking Love took about eight months I think.
Miranda Dickinson- I was writing it for fun over seven years and then when it was signed by Avon I spent another eight months editing it.
Rebecca Raisin- 2 months to write and about six months to rewrite!
Louise Douglas- The first took about six months working in the evenings. It was the quickest!
Mandy Baggot- About a year.
Let's just say that these responses have really encouraged me and I am realising that it really is a 'how long is a piece of string?' type question!
Great post. Interesting, very different responses :)
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on the type of book you are writing and research required, etc. The edits and redrafts are part of the process, though, and can be quite fun (I know, I'm a little bit mad!). Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteGet cracking. I can't wait to read yours :-) x
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