14 Comments

The first time I did the 3 day novel writing contest I was very pregnant and my husband was away for his grandmother's funeral. I managed to complete a first draft of a novel. But boy was I bummed when I learned afterwards that people had entire chapters drafted!!! I had nothing but a vague idea.

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"Entire chapters drafted" is not according to the rules, I'm quite certain!

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“The first time”? Were there second and third times?

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Oh - this is a new concept for me, I had no idea such a thing existed - and I love the idea of it! Even the timing could work. Hmmm. Ok, tucking this in for consideration!

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Let us know if you decide to... we can cheer you on!

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I had quite forgotten about the 3-day novel contest. I was interested taking this on a few years ago but didn’t follow through. It got me thinking and, after a mostly sleepless night, I have the outline for a story in mind. Chapters drafted in my mind - I’m sure that’s within the rules. The story is set locally and involves a recent local event. One character is Dolly, the world’s most neurotic border collie. Dolly the collie.

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I believe you can have a written outline--at least, you used to be allowed one.

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Bach5G Congratulations on having an idea! Are you really going to go ahead with a 3-day novel writing contest? I'm thinking about it as well, inspired by Alison's article here.

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Maureen: I am still thinking about this. In fact, the other day I had the opening sentence come to me whilst waiting in line for my coffee. And the arc of the story generally. And the ending and an epilogue. But the story is, I fear, too big for me. And, I may need several months of Prozac afterwards. (It is not an uplifting story).

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It's tough when the idea feels too "big" to fit. The 3 Day is more a novella, truly. But you have time to mentally sift through the idea: is there a chance you could work on a thread of it? So good to hear that you do have the pieces you do in hand...

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Starting to think I might give this a try

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Yes! I like...

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I signed up. No story idea (and of course no outline). Just going to wing it!

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Love this! Keep us posted...

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