Now that the project is started and the first flush of enthusiasm has been invested in preparations, the hard, long hours of writing begin. The hardest part is getting myself to put in the writing time on a regular basis. I will not be able to finish the novel within the time limit I have set for myself, if I am not consistent in my dedication to the work. Every day, no matter how small the contribution, I must move forward. I have set a pace for myself to have the rough draft finished in four months. Then the editing and re-editing begins. I do not know about other writers, but I have a need to evaluate every word to make certain that I am confident of its contribution in telling the story, that it is the right word for the moment, and that it does not disrupt the narrative flow.