Interesting debate so far... I'd say I spend 80-90% reading and the rest writing. I wish it were the other way around, as I'd have more of my first draft under my belt!

Michelle

I couldn't agree more Michelle.

However, after reading this thread I've decided once I finish the novel I'm on (the excellent The Blue Nowhere by Jeffrey Deaver) I'm only going to read non-fiction that aid's what I'm writing until I get a first draft done. Fortunately my fiction is very technical so there always background reading to be done. Like a previous poster said if you read anything too similar to what you're writing it could taint your style. It's going to be hard breaking the book a week habit though!

I'm making it my resolve to get a first draft out in three months. It would be great to have the first draft done by the end of November. Then I can have a few weeks off it and start the second draft over Christmas.

Thanks everyone - you could, collaboratively, be responsible for getting me to pull my finger out.

DrQ - I'm in the Novel Motivation group, if there's a space you are welcome to join. Completing your 1st draft in 3 months sounds like quite a challenge, but best of luck with it.

I don't think my reading interferes with my writing in terms of style or anything. I wish I could give up reading novels for non-fiction, but life wouldn't be worth living!!!

Michelle

Sounds interesting although what is involved? The reason I ask is I'm so ridiculously busy so if people rely on me to put any time into something they'll be let down.

I've decided on a three month deadline as

a) I won't get in done otherwise
b) I'm used to deadlines through work
c) I feel if the first draft takes too long - even if it's a shoddy first draft - I'll lose motivation for it and it won;t get finished

In the Novel Motivation Group here we don't crit each others' work but encourage each other with word counts and general motivation. I find it really helps me

Good luck with it!

Michelle

DrQ, as Michelle says, you sound perfect for the Novel Motivation group.

There really aren't any obligations in there. Posting your daily or occasional word counts can help motivate the poster and those who read it, but it's up to you how often you do so. By swapping word counts achieved we help gee each other up and keep going. It's motivating rather than distracting.

There seems to be space atm so please do give us a try. Come and have a look, initially, if you like.

Deb

You've talked me into it - how do I join?

P.S. I'm still in research mode; I'm getting married next month so plan to start writing when I get back form my honeymoon (I should be refreshed by then, I've only had 4 days off all year!). Am I eligible?

Yes of course - we'd love to have you!

Just click on the orange Groups tab at the top of the page, then pick Novel Motivation Group (bottom of the lh column), then you'll see a sentence to click on at the top of the Novel Motivation Group page - it says 'Click if you want to join this group' or something.

You just do so and then it does ask for reasons, but I don't think they take much notice of that so just type something brief along the lines of what you've said here. You should be joined very soon - usually takes less than half an hour.

Congrats on the forthcoming wedding - that's great!

Deb