The Time It Takes to Craft Long Fictional Stories: Insights from a Professional Writer

Creating long, fictional stories can be a meticulous and rewarding process that can take anywhere from a few months to several years. As a professional writer, I have had varying experiences in completing different projects, from a decade-long journey to a matter of months. This article explores the factors that influence the time it takes to finish a long fictional story and provides insights based on personal experience and industry benchmarks.

Factors Influencing the Writing Process

Several factors contribute to the duration it takes to complete a long fictional story. One of the most significant is the degree of inspiration and motivation felt at the time of writing. If you are deeply inspired and the storyline is clearly formed in your mind, the process can be quicker. Conversely, if life events or other distractions get in the way, the process may take longer.

Personal Experience

For me, the time it takes to complete a long fictional story varies widely. Some projects, like one particular manuscript, took over a decade to complete. Others, like two other works, were completed in less than a year, demonstrating the importance of motivation and focus. The key is to remain dedicated and find a balance that works for you.

Writing Productivity

Productivity varies from writer to writer. I personally write 1250 words per hour, dedicating 7 hours per day to my craft. However, this productivity is distributed across four ongoing novels, meaning that some projects receive more attention than others. Furthermore, the writing process typically involves multiple drafts, with the final edited version taking varying lengths of time depending on the manuscript's complexity.

Time Management

Time management is crucial in the writing process. Once a story is fully fleshed out, it can be a relatively straightforward task of putting words to paper, especially if the writer maintains a consistent schedule. Writing sessions can be segmented into sessions of 7 hours a day, with a goal of completing 1250 words during each session. This level of productivity can help writers complete short stories and novels quickly, but it is essential to balance this with necessary editing and revisions.

The Evolution of the Story

The initial writing process is just one part of the journey. A long fictional story often requires extensive editing and polishing to ensure that the narrative is compelling and consistent. For example, my first full-length story, which was over a thousand handwritten pages, took about a year to write and several years of editing and refinement before it became a trilogy. The journey from initial ideas to a polished manuscript can be a long and challenging one, requiring patience and attention to detail.

The Role of Editors

Collaboration with editors is a vital part of the writing process. After completing a draft of the manuscript, it typically goes through multiple rounds of editing. The editing process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the story and the level of editing required. The editor plays a crucial role in refining the narrative, ensuring consistency in tone and style, and enhancing the overall quality of the work.

Conclusion

In the end, the time it takes to complete a long fictional story is highly variable and depends on a range of factors, including the writer's inspiration, life circumstances, and time management skills. While some projects can be completed quickly, others may require a significant investment of time and energy. The key is to remain dedicated to the process, maintaining a balanced approach to writing and editing, and seeking the guidance of experienced editors to refine your work.

By understanding the factors that influence the writing process and by consistently working on your craft, you can ensure that your long fictional stories are both compelling and well-received by readers.