Writing a Book in Just 20 Days: The Journey Behind Ettavum Ilaya Kutti

DIVYA VELAYUDHAN
Nov 19, 2024
2 min read

Have you ever come across ads claiming, “Write a book in 21 days!” while scrolling through Instagram? It might sound like an impossible feat, but it’s entirely achievable with the right plan and mindset. Author Divya Velayudhan proved this by writing her Malayalam novel, Ettavum Ilaya Kutty, in just 20 days as part of an Instagram writing challenge.

This novel, spanning 152 pages, is currently running successfully in its first edition and is available on Amazon. If you’re wondering how to write a book in such a short span, here’s a step-by-step guide inspired by Divya’s journey:

How to Write a Book in 20 Days

Step 1: Planning and Analysis

Begin with a strong thread of an idea that can be expanded into a full story, ideally covering around 200 pages. Analyze your idea critically:

Consider the socio-political aspects of the story.
Reflect on the theme’s relevance and its potential to connect with readers.
Dive deep into the roots and causes of the central theme.

This groundwork forms the backbone of your writing journey.

Step 2: Developing Characters and Plot

Create well-rounded characters by understanding their:

Age, appearance, and background.
Socio-political context, gender, and sexuality.
Unique behaviors, speech patterns, and roles in the story.

Simultaneously, refine your plot. A clear outline of events makes the writing process smoother and more focused.

Step 3: The Writing Process

Now, it’s time to write! Aim for an average of 10 pages per day, dedicating around 2 hours daily to focused writing. With a clear story and plot in mind, this pace is achievable. Divya, for example, completed the first draft of Ettavum Ilaya Kutty in 18 days!

Step 4: Finalizing the Manuscript

Once your draft is complete:

Revise for factual and literary accuracy.
Edit and polish the content for clarity and flow.
Prepare it for final submission or publication.

The Key to Success

Achieving this feat requires thorough planning, brainstorming, and dedication. Developing your story into a solid structure before you begin writing makes the process much easier.

Want to see the result of this approach? Check out Ettavum Ilaya Kutty on Amazon! And if you’re ready to embark on your own writing journey, we’re here to provide the support and resources you need. Feel free to reach out to us!

To check the video on How to write a book in 20 days: https://youtu.be/jl7XLiJZzYo?si=aArj-NpJMZddv6an

Amazon link for the book ETTAVUM ILAYA KUTTI: https://amzn.to/3UWdgbr