It can be a dreaded process, but every book needs one of these. It's the draft you hammer out just to get the words down, and while it doesn't look pretty, it's a HUGE step in reaching your beautiful, wonderful, final draft.
That being said, here are:
That being said, here are:
1. Don't Be Too Specific
One mistake writers make, which will only end in frustration and peril, is they are way too specific on their first drafts.
But don't get me wrong, being specific is great for the final draft, because as I've said before, it's the details of a story that really draw readers in and help build a believable world for your characters. It's just not the place right now to embellish in those details.
The reason being for this is your book, and even your style of writing, is going to evolve as you continue forward. Just like a living, breathing creature, your ideas and whole concept of your story is going to evolve and change as you draw closer to your final chapters.
Many times I go back and find certain chapters need to be changed, or some chapters I spent DAYS on just don't belong in the book anymore. So instead of using this first draft to be specific, use it more as a chance to get out the general gist of what you're trying to say. Also, use it to map out your story and get a feel for the entire novel.
Of course, all this being said, if you have a GREAT sentence you want to capture, write it down. Just don't waste effort on going back and polishing your work until you've reached the end of your first draft.
But don't get me wrong, being specific is great for the final draft, because as I've said before, it's the details of a story that really draw readers in and help build a believable world for your characters. It's just not the place right now to embellish in those details.
The reason being for this is your book, and even your style of writing, is going to evolve as you continue forward. Just like a living, breathing creature, your ideas and whole concept of your story is going to evolve and change as you draw closer to your final chapters.
Many times I go back and find certain chapters need to be changed, or some chapters I spent DAYS on just don't belong in the book anymore. So instead of using this first draft to be specific, use it more as a chance to get out the general gist of what you're trying to say. Also, use it to map out your story and get a feel for the entire novel.
Of course, all this being said, if you have a GREAT sentence you want to capture, write it down. Just don't waste effort on going back and polishing your work until you've reached the end of your first draft.
2. Keep An Index Card Layout
Any layout in general is very helpful when planning something as complex as a novel. One way that helps is to have an index card for each chapter that has a few keywords on it describing the general idea of the scene.
Having index cards is great because now you have a physical representation of your book that you can manipulate anyway you like. You can rearrange the cards, change the keywords on the cards or even throw out the cards you dislike.
But any method similar to this is great, just as long as you are mapping out your story. It's just so much more helpful to have a general idea of where you're going before you dive into any project.
Having index cards is great because now you have a physical representation of your book that you can manipulate anyway you like. You can rearrange the cards, change the keywords on the cards or even throw out the cards you dislike.
But any method similar to this is great, just as long as you are mapping out your story. It's just so much more helpful to have a general idea of where you're going before you dive into any project.
3. Jot Down Any Important Dialogue
As a firm believer that great dialogue makes an awesome story, I think this is one of the most important things you can get down.
Sometimes it happens while you're writing, sometimes it happens while you're just driving or taking a walk. But wherever you are, when good dialogue pops into your head, make sure you jot it down immediately.
Dialogue defines you're characters and explains much more about them than any form of narration can. So any type of dialogue you can think of, whether it's part of an argument, some sort of confession or even just some humorous, witty thing your characters want to say, make sure to write it down!
Sometimes it happens while you're writing, sometimes it happens while you're just driving or taking a walk. But wherever you are, when good dialogue pops into your head, make sure you jot it down immediately.
Dialogue defines you're characters and explains much more about them than any form of narration can. So any type of dialogue you can think of, whether it's part of an argument, some sort of confession or even just some humorous, witty thing your characters want to say, make sure to write it down!
4. Map Character Arcs
Just as important as mapping out your story, and ultimately its pacing, is mapping out your characters. Use this first draft as an opportunity to explore them, find out where they are going in life, and how they will change.
Just about every great book has their characters transformed in some type of way, either for the better or for the worst. So use this step to discover who they are and what they will become.
Just about every great book has their characters transformed in some type of way, either for the better or for the worst. So use this step to discover who they are and what they will become.
5. Just Keep Calm, And Write On
Finally, and most encouraging (I hope), is don't get caught up in the crazy, tiny little details. In fact, don't look back when you write your first draft at all!
Just look forward, keep going and save any minor changes and elaborations for a second draft. And believe me, there will be a lot of other drafts and opportunities for you to do this.
Of course if there is something major irking you about the first draft, you can go back and tweak it, but the quicker you finish your first draft the more confident and motivated you will feel.
For one, you will have FINISHED a book!! (Sort of) And two, you can now commence the real exciting part and mold your rough draft into shape.
So don't be intimidated! Get at that rough draft and get writing!!
Just look forward, keep going and save any minor changes and elaborations for a second draft. And believe me, there will be a lot of other drafts and opportunities for you to do this.
Of course if there is something major irking you about the first draft, you can go back and tweak it, but the quicker you finish your first draft the more confident and motivated you will feel.
For one, you will have FINISHED a book!! (Sort of) And two, you can now commence the real exciting part and mold your rough draft into shape.
So don't be intimidated! Get at that rough draft and get writing!!