Question #1: Am I a writer or a re-writer?
Some writers enjoy drafting, while others like myself prefer re-writing and revising.Neither preference is better than the other, but knowing what parts of the writing process you most enjoy will likely shape how you choose to draft.
For example, if you’re not a fan of revising, you may want to spend extra time and energy on your first draft, perhaps even doing a bit of editing as you write so the revising process isn't so overwhelming.
Or, if you’re like me and would rather revise than write, you may want to finish the drafting process as soon as possible by utilizing fast-drafting techniques. Whatever the case, don’t be afraid to tailor your drafting process to fit your writing preferences. Doing so is just smart writing!
Question #2:How much pre-writing helps me draft with confidence and excitement?
Pre-writing tasks such as outlining, mapping out character arcs, world-building, and defining theme can be a sore spot for many writers, who far prefer the creative exploration of playing with characters and scenes on the page.
Other writers, however, love how pre-writing allows them to draft with purpose and precision, both enabling them to draft more quickly and to avoid heavier revisions later in the writing process. Still others find pre-writing to be the perfect bridge between the exploration of draft one and the careful crafting of draft two.
Discovering the level of pre-writing that allows you to make the most of your drafting experience may take time, but it should prove well worth your while when you find your writing groove.
Question #3:Do I prefer to sculpt drafts or knit them?
We’ve talked a lot about discovering process thus far in today’s breakdown, but we’re not done yet. You see, many writers treat their first drafts as a sculptor would their clay, carving out a complete figure that they’ll later go on to revise and refine.
Some writers, however, like to knit the many elements of their stories together over the course of several drafts. In most cases, writers who work this way focus on dialogue and action during drafting, adding in additional descriptions, backstories,and narrative prose once they’ve finalized their stories’ scenes.
Again, there is no right or wrong here. Whether you’re a sculptor, a knitter, or somewhere in between, what matters most is that you’re utilizing techniques that help you make the most of your unique drafting process.
Question #4: What are my goals for my first draft?
Setting specific goals for drafting can help you find focus and clarity as you write, though the goals you choose to set can vary.
Begin by asking yourself why you’d like to draft your novel. Are you looking to fall in love with writing again? Do you plan to query agents, self-publish, or upload this project to an online fiction site like Wattpad? Are you writing for the sheer joy of writing?
Whatever the case, knowing your why can help you set actionable goals that put a little healthy pressure behind your drafting process. These goals may be time-oriented, such as writing for a certain amount of time each day or working to complete your novel before a specific deadline, or you may wish to set a goal for how many words you’d like to write per drafting session.
Of course, you’re also welcome to skip goals altogether in favor of a little fun, carefree writing. If you do choose to set goals, however, make sure to do so with your unique drafting process in mind.
Question #5: Where do I struggle most in finishing first drafts?
If you’ve struggled to finish first drafts in the past, it’s time to address the root cause of those pesky writing issues now so that you can avoid or counteract them in the future.
For example, if you often find yourself stuck on a scene for weeks on end, you may want to try non-linear drafting or writing notes within your draft, such as “I’m stuck here. Fix later!”. Doing so can help you maintain writing momentum as you work to rock your next first draft.
Is this not your particular struggle? Here are a few other common drafting issues you may face, complete with suggestions for conquering each one:
Struggle: Do you often lose motivation or edit too much as you draft?
Solution: Give fast-drafting a try.
Struggle: Do new and exciting story ideas frequently plague your attention span?
Solution: Combat plot bunnies with these popular tips and tricks.
Struggle: Do you often struggle to draft your story’s middle act?
Solution: Learn how to avoid Sagging Middle Syndrome with a little extra pre-writing today.
Struggle: Does your protagonist’s journey seem directionless and without end?
Solution: It’s time to take a step back and discover your character’s story goal.
Struggle: Do you frequently think of “better” ways to tell your story & find yourself starting over?
Solution: Learn how to conquer the fear of finishing a first draft.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of the struggles you may face as you work to complete your first draft, but if certain pesky writing snags appear often in your drafting process, don’t be afraid to tackle them head on. Divide and conquer, writer. You’ll be whipping up first drafts before you know it!
