Yes, you can complete the first draft of your first novel in just six months. You'll need discipline, a positive attitude, and a structured approach to stay on track.

Here are some basic tips to get the job done.

The Six-Month Plan: Weekly Milestones

Week 1: Set the course

• Create a premise

• Stake out a beginning, middle, and end

• Find your main character and character arc

Weeks 2–3: Research and sketch, sketch, sketch

• Research the characters, their context, the setting

• Write character sketches for the main characters

• Sketch out the main settings

• Identify the themes you are going to explore

Week 4: Outline the scenes in three acts — take a first stab

• Refine your premise

• Refine your ideas about your main character's journey: What does she want, what stands in the way

• Stake out as many plot points as you can — scenes that will take place in the novel

• Organize the plot points into scenes

• Create an outline that sorts scenes into three acts with major turning points (reversals) between each act

Week 5: Write the opening scene

• Make some basic decisions: tense (present/past), viewpoint (first-person, third-person, or multiple third-person), tone (formal/informal)

• Write the first scene

• Don't obsess over it. Move on!

Weeks 6–9: Write the rest of the scenes in “Act I”

• Start each scene as late as possible; end as early as possible

• Make sure every scene has an arc and a turning point

• Each scene should have conflict

• Slow down when you introduce a character or setting for the first time

Week 10: Between the acts: Catch your breath

• Read and revise what you've written

• Revise your outline of Act I so it reflects what you wrote

• Add as much detail as you can to your outline of Act II

Weeks 11–17: Write the scenes in “Act II”

• Continue writing scenes

• Develop the characters

• Move your story, introduce complications and raise the stakes

Week 18: Between the acts: Catch your breath

• Reread and revise what you've written

• Revise your outline of Acts I and II to reflect what you've written

• Add as much detail as you can to your outline of the scenes in Act III

Weeks 19–24: Write the scenes in “Act III”

• Continue writing scenes, raising the stakes, and bringing your main plot to its main climax

• Tie up your subplots

• Show how the conflict has been resolved and your main character has experienced a journey and a transformation

• Type The End for the first time.

Weeks 25–26: Read, revise, and celebrate! You've completed the first draft!