Writing can be mildly terrifying…particularly if it’s a first draft.
It’s like going where no one has gone before. It’s like conquering a planet except you’re blindfolded and the planet is full of holes you could fall down and end up in Wonderland and rename yourself Mad Hatter for the rest of eternity BECAUSE WRITING HAS REDUCED YOU TO MUSH.
[Deep breaths. Deep CALMING breaths, everyone.]
NaNoWriMo is coming and that means writing a 1st Draft. And it can be scary! Particularly if you’ve never done this before! Some of us are hardcore veterans and some of us are crying like wretched onions. But guess what? I’M HERE FOR YOU, MY ONION FRIEND. I have written 21 first-drafts so I would like to think this makes me a genius relatively dependable when it comes to dishing out tips and advice.
Today I’ll list some top tips for how to write a successful 1st draft. These tips are FLAWLESS, since I invented them. Although I will remind you that: all writers have difference processes! So if you look at my list and wrinkle your little nose in heinous disgust and retreat back into the darkness hissing, “Noooo, noooo, that is not good for me” then THAT’S OKAY TOO. But maybe something in this post will help you! And if so: MY WORK HERE IS DONE.
And if nothing helps you, then hey, at least you got to spend time with me. And that’s the best thing ever obviously.
- When it comes to NaNoWriMo (or actually any novel I write of ever) I am pretty big on planning. Of course YOU DON’T “HAVE TO” PLAN. But I’m going to talk about planning because that’s who I am as a person.
- If I am a person?
- No one truly knows, to be honest.
- There are many different types of outlines and methods and you can GOOGLE THEM because I don’t know how they work. The important thing is just to figure out your (A) beginning, (B) middle, and (C) ending.
- That way you lower the risk of wandering aimlessly through the middle of November screaming “WHO AM I. WHAT AM I DOING. WHAT IS THIS BOOK. WHAT IS LIFE.”
- Existential crisis during NaNo? Not recommended.
- My outlines are bullet point lists…basically like a long synopsis. I plan the full book in my head before I outline, so I’m basically blurbing my own book! GO ME. FYI writing synopsises is so much easier before you write the book.
- You know what else is easier to do before you write the book? REMEMBER WHAT JOY AND SUNSHINE FEELS LIKE BECAUSE SOON THEY WILL BE GONE.
- I’m kidding, writing is fun. Totally fun. We’re having so much fun all the time.
- If you’ve never written a book before I definitely recommend trying some sort of outline. It makes things a little less overwhelming. You have a PLAN. You can DO THIS.
- Also planning helps if you have a horrid memory (like I) and end up writing 20,000 words that basically involve characters eating food and then saying “Okay but where was I going with this???”
- My tippiest toppiest advice for writing is this: GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO BE THE WORST MULBERRY TO EVER FALL OFF THE TREE.
- Also realise that “tippiest and toppiest” are probably not even words, but whatever. Back to the mulberries. Focus on the mulberries because that’s what we’re talking about right now.
- Give yourself permission to write badly. To fail. To be imperfect.
- Oh don’t don’t dooon’t give me the “well I’m a perfectionist and it’s who I am to try and make it right” lecture because guess what? I’M A (RECOVERING) PERFECTIONIST TOO. I nearly quit writing altogether because I couldn’t get my first drafts “perfect” the first time. That’s ridiculous. The world would probably have decayed into fire and poisoned mushrooms without the glorious blessing that is my writing to the universe.
- I had to decided either: (A) I will write imperfect first-drafts and then edit/rewrite them to perfection later, or (B) I will not finish novels and I will be a sad potato.
- I chose (A).
- PLEASE CHOOSE OPTION (A) WITH ME.
- I firmly believe striving for perfection in first draft is the #2 cause writers fail. The first cause is, of course, getting distracted by twitter. DARN YOU TWITTER. IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT.
- The object of your first draft is to write a skeleton. An ugly skeleton. It’s to get all the scenes down and to get into your characters’ heads. It’s to actually have fun. Because there’s no pressure to write beautifully! There’s just writing wild words and being a horrible mulberry and enjoying getting to know your children.
- YOUR SMOL CHARACTER SONS AND DAUGHTERS. BLESS THEM.
- Plus you know how freeing it is to write badly?! It’s AWESOME. It’s fun and exciting and there is zero pressure. Enjoy this. (Editing is actual hell.)
- Sticking with a 1st draft can be abominably hard. Especially if you’re aware of how horrendous your writing is. Trust me: I knooooooow. My first drafts are AWFUL.
- The trick is to accept your first drafts are about as attractive as a moose — and to realise they’ll get better.
- You must believe me now. When have I ever lied to you? (I mean there was that one time I promised you cake and then ate it all myself, but you can’t hold that against me. Move on, fiend. Forgive and forget and all that.) I AM ALWAYS THE TRUTH.
- Good writing is rewriting.
- I think that’s a quote from a famous person, actually. Or you can pretend it’s a brand new though from me because that’d also be fun.
- There are several things I do to motivate myself. Which I’ll share with you, because I’m nice:
- I think about how much I want a career in writing and that ain’t happening UNLESS I SIT AND WRITE THIS BEAST. There’s no greater motivation for me than thinking that one day I could be an author.
- I remember that this book will be better after I rewrite it.
- I picture my book on the shelf and me being famous and all that stuff that will OBVIOUSLY HAPPEN.
- I excite myself by making pinterest storyboards. There is nothing like aesthetically pleasing conglomerations of pictures to make you think “WOAH MY BOOK IS ACTUALLY QUITE AWESOME.”
- I chat with a writing buddy while I draft. For some reason talking about it gets me more excited?!?
- I make sure I have epic scenes I’m specifically looking forward to: like an explosion or a huge plot twist reveal
or a super stabby scene. And I hype myself up for how fun they’re going to be to write. - I REWARD MYSELF FOR ACHIEVING GOALS WITH FOOD, DANGIT, BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO SOMETIMES.
- Reward yourself! It’s a great motivator. Chocolate, for instance, or buying yourself a book or nice stationary, or conquering a small planet and crowning yourself Ruler Of All. Just go for the simple things that make you happy.
- Also focus on your writing strengths. For me that’s dialogue. I have soooo much fun writing dialogue in my first drafts. My description sucks. My action scenes are horrendous. My world building is like a bunch of yogurt tubs taped together. BUT HEY, THAT DOESN’T MATTER, BECAUSE I WRITE SOME GREAT DIALOGUE AND ENJOY MYSELF. The rest comes later.
- Sometimes it’s hard to remember writing can be enjoyable. But it can.
- OH STOP IT.
- There are fun parts about writing. Exploding doors. Riding dragons. Majestic hair flips.
- Find the parts that make you happy to write and FOCUS ON THEM.
- So much focus.
- And don’t think your writing strengths are insignificant. Pfft. Lemme let you in on a little secret: half of writing is just faking you have confidence until you get into the habit of being confident. It totally works.
- Also please don’t compare yourself to other writers. Is your name Mulgabill? No? Then don’t compare your process to Mulgabill’s.
- Trust me, when you get to be an old gnarled writer (like I) you stop caring about other writers’ journeys and you just become a self-absorbed pineapple frond who only cares about yourself and your journey and your process. As it should be. 10/10 would recommend being narcissistic when it comes to your writing journey. You’ll be happier, trust me. I have scientific evidence (myself) to confirm this theory (you’re welcome).
THERE. Now go forth and write a very successful first draft of your glorious novel for NaNoWriMo.
Also, FYI, “successful” means “a finished novel”. That’s the total definition. If you don’t believe me look it up in any dictionary ever. Just remember: PLAN (!) SILENCE YOUR PERFECTIONISM (!) BE A MULBERRY (!) ENJOY YOUR WRITING STRENGTHS NO MATTER HOW SMALL THEY MIGHT SEEM (!!!)
Be writing the writing queen. Because your story is important and deserves to be told. *
* OMG THAT WAS SO SAPPY AND MOTIVATIONAL! AHH!! Aaaaand…I just ruined the moment, didn’t I? #MyBad
*applauds* I agree wholeheartedly with this post! The beauty in first drafts is the pure freedom to explore the story without worrying about perfection (and this is coming from an absolute perfectionist!) And yessss always reward yourself with food. Or write about food. Both are guaranteed to make you extremely happy (unless, you know, you can’t eat the fictional food…) 😀
Ahhh, thank you, Miss Writerly Queen! 😊🎉 And this is all coming from an absolute perfectionist too haha (although I hide it will, so I call myself a “recovering perfectionist” 😂) But I highly agree about writing about food. Also guaranteed to make your book a bestseller. #LEGIT.
Thank you though I really don’t deserve the title of queen! That would better apply to you. 😊Haha yeah that’s a good idea. I should start calling myself that. 😄
This is totally the post I needed to read right now! I’ve decided to ever so slightly cheat at NaNoWriMo this year and am using the novel I’m currently writing, and want to add another 50,000 words to it so that I can hopefully finally finish my first ever first draft! Hooray!
I am a former pantser who is slowly being converted to the ways of planning, and I have to admit it is working out so much better for me. Generally I used to just write myself into a corner and ‘ wandering aimlessly through the middle of November screaming “WHO AM I. WHAT AM I DOING. WHAT IS THIS BOOK. WHAT IS LIFE.”’ is a pretty good description of how my last NaNoWrimo went! Nowadays I am a pretty extensive planner (in fact I think I’ve taken it too far!) and have full character profiles, general plans including the main plot and all sub plots, and I’m even now making a chapter by chapter outline for my NaNoWriMo novel, just to make sure there is absolutely no way i can possibly get stuck.
I definitely still need to take on board the whole ‘first drafts aren’t meant to be perfect’ thing though, or at the very least not read back my first draft until afterwards and then I don’t know just how bad it is until I’ve already finished! I just can’t help it though, I just have to read it back and then be horrified by how awful it is! 🙁
Great post anyway! I’ll definitely be following your expert advice! 🙂
That is still an AWESOME idea!!! Go you!! And I really hope you get through this last 50K and have a lot of fun doing it.🎉
And hehe, I totally understand switching from panster to planner. 😂 I used to plan, back when I started writing at 15. And then EVERYBODY I knew where all pansters so I felt like I should be (I’m such a sheep, omg, I just follow the crowds). But I got so stuck and drained trying to write and wing it. Chapter-by-chapter outlines are the BESSSST. Although, technically I just outline scene-by-scene. My “chapters” (during my first drafts) are usually 10,000+ words long.😂 It’s a problem. EDITING IS NO FUN AROUND HERE.
bUt yes! Let yourself suck writing the first draft! IT’S SO FREEING. And even though editing is daunting…you still have something to work with later on!
This post is as brilliant as the chocolate brownie I’m eating for breakfast.
(And yes, chocolate brownies for breakfast because i just wrote 2k and am taking your advise by rewarding myself.)
I love first drafts too! And although finishing the book is my motivation I OFTEN misplace that motivation at about 60k because I’M TIRED, HUNGRY, WANT ALL THE THINGS TO BE PERFECT AND WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE A NAP.
I love these tips and because of you am a proud plotter…even though my characters change the story half way through?
Oh, and my favourite thing about first drafts is finishing because, yes, I love them and yes, I love writing but afterwards I need a cupcake and a nap.
Omg you’re eating brownies for breakfast?!? CAN I COME OVER TO YOUR HOUSE PLEASE??? I’LL BRING MY CUTE DOG AND YOU CAN PET HIM WHILE I EAT ALL YOUR BROWNIES?? (I see no downside to this idea honestly.)
And YES I kind of always have a motivation slump while writing.😂 Usually it happens if I go past 50K and realise the book is going to be MUCH longer than I anticipated. Waaaah. I’m super lazy so I write short books so I don’t have to edit as much. Plus more nap times. #winning
Seriously though, writing “THE END” is my favourite too. And then, like, slamming the laptop shut and running away screaming. Also favourite part. Such good times. :’)
GREAT POST AS ALWAYS. (Well no surprise there😒) YOU have written 21 NOVELS?? Omg Cait I bow to you. *crumbles to the floor* I mean you are 21( it says so on your About page) so is it like one novel for one year of your life?? And when does your birthday come? Just wondering. Anyhow, I have never completely finished a novel. I have written some short stories and fanfic but definitely the feel that comes from finishing a novel would be quite different from finishing a short story. NOVELS ARE HUGE. Maybe I will do NaNo this year but I am not really sure as I have school, then so much homework and let’s not forget tests. LIFE SUCKS.😭😪When are you planning on posting that Ebook bookstagram tutorial? I AM PATIENTLY WAITING.
OMG I’M ACTUALLY 22. HHAHAH. I should….update that page…before I turn 23 in January.😳 Ahem. But anyway. Yes I’m a little bit obsessed with writing, it’s very hard to tell. So my NaNo novel will bounce this up to one-book-per-year-of-my-life which makes me very satisfied. :’)
Eeep, but I can’t imagine balancing writing and school.😱 THAT WOULD BE SO HARD. I was writing in highschool but only really got serious when I finished because soooo hard to find time for it all, right?!?
I WILL DO THAT TUTORIAL SOON!! Before the end of the month at least!😂 Keep yelling at me about it haha, because I’m so slack on posting things in a timely manner. *sweats nervously*
Thanks so much for these tips, Cait! First drafts are the worst. I’m still trying to find the willpower to sit down and actually write my first book so this is really motivating!
Eeep, I’m glad it’s motivating!! Honestly I think it gets easier after the first book is finished because you know what you’re in for.😜
I have to say that I sat down with my laptop with the INTENTION TO WRITE FRIVOLOUSLY AND DUTIFULLY AND THEN I got a notification that you had posted this post…about being diligent…about writing…and here I sit and still haven’t written a single word *SOB* I WANT TO FINISH THIS FIRST DRAFT BEFORE NANO SO I CAN START ANOTHER EXCRUCIATING FIRST DRAFT *FOR* NANO.
NOW I FEEL BAD FOR DISTRACTING YOU. But hey! This is like a motivational pep talk (with lots of … yelling?? and gifs??? idek what this post is to be honest) SO NOW YOU CAN GO WRITE AND BE FREEEEE IN YOUR WILD AND WOOLLY DRAFTING! (Also good luck finishing this draft. You’ve got, like, 2 weeks? YOU CAN DO IT!)
Jessss I am going to have to HUNKER DOWN AND TACKLE IT because, while I know what my NaNo book will be, I STILL HAVEN’T WRITTEN THE OUTLINE. #plshelmpe. And the current book is currently at 48K and it’s not even HALFWAY DONE. Sometimes I wonder if I enjoy torturing myself. I’LL NEVER KNOW. THE MIND IS A FICKLE THING.
So much wisdom in here Cait. As per usual. I must go share this with all my insecure writerly friends. Much wisdom. Much truth.
N’awww AREN’T YOU THE SWEETEST.
YES I AM ACTUALLY. *cough* But seriously. Great post Cait. <3
I struggle greatly while writing first drafts. My first drafts can take years to finish. I HATE first drafts. I actually enjoy the second drafts more. Weird, huh. Now I don’t enjoy EDITING, but second drafts? Hell yes. Second drafts give me the satisfaction of knows that I’ve cleaned the first draft up, fixed 95% percent of my first draft mistakes, and that it’s slightly more presentable.
When I’m struggling for motivation I listen to either 1) Two Steps From Hell (this really works I swear. Their music is so inspiring. Like, epic battle type inspiring) and 2) Listen to Green Day. Idk, but Green Day’s music has this way of motivating me. But who am I to talk about motivation?! I’m currently procrastinating writing by reading your blog and commenting lol.
I don’t know what my writing strength is. I feel like it could possibly sarcastic dialogue?? Not sure.
Second drafts are totally satisfying!! I FEEL SO GOOD WHEN I FINISH ONE. Because it’s actually semi-acceptable now and I can show it to people and be proud of it…instead of 1st drafts which I like to, you know, burn with holy fire or whatnot.😂 BUt you can’t get those second drafts without the first *nods* which is pretty motivating for me to finish them.
OH. I love epic music like Two Steps from Hell!! Have you listened to Really Slow Motion!?? THEY ARE AMAZING.
YASSS I’M SO GLAD I’VE FOUND SOMEONE WHO ALSO LOVE TWO STEPS FROM HELL. I haven’t listen to Really Slow Motion, I’ll go look them up at once.
DUDE YES. DEVOUR THEM. If you ever want any other epic music composers let me know.😂 I may or may not be obsessed with finding new songs.
From a fellow recovering perfectionist (quite slowly recovering I should say) THANK YOU CAIT! I agree with all of this (especially regarding the mulberries wich are delicious btw) and it was actually what I needed to hear right now.
For NaNo Im not strictly writing a first draft … it’s kind of the third draft of something I haven’t worked on in a couple of years so it feels new, you know. Have you decided what you’re doing yet? ; )
I think I most enjoy working out the style of narration or tone of the story in first drafts. If nothing else I like for that ti be established and established well. : )
I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT. *hi fives for recovering perfectionism* I mean, our perfectionist tendencies will come in VERY MUCH ALL THE HANDY when it comes to rewrites and edits! We just have to shush it for the beginning.😂
Also spoiler: there is a mulberry tree in my neighbour’s backyard and I may or may not be coveting it. 😂
I HAVE finally made peace with what I’m writing! Okay, haha, that sounds weird…but I wanted to write this pirate book I’ve been plotting, but I told myself, like BACK IN JULY I’d write a contemporary. I need to be responsible and actually write the contemporary, so I’M GONNA. Pirate book will wait! (although I’m still hugely coveting it…because pirates….)
Cait. This is so funny, entertaining and inspirational. You did it again! Thank you! *give you huge cake* Wish me luck writing my novel
*eats all the cake* Thank you, Hana! YOU ARE SO NICE!! And all the best with your novel, eeep, I’m sure it’s going to be a very successful first draft! 😉
Oh, Cait, you are the best!!! NaNo prep is beginning to make my blood pressure forget what “calm” means… Reminding myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect on November 1st is a big help!
Oh oh yes FOR SURE. Keep reminding yourself of it and make sure NaNo stays fun and not a nightmare!😂
😀
Ooooo…. this is the post I’ve been waiting for! Thank you, Cait! My problem is definitely a lack of planning. That’s why I can never finish anything. Because I will start something, and then a few thousand words later I lose motivation because…. I don’t know where I’m going? I definitely need to plan… see, it’s a personality issue… I hate planning in general. I’ve always been the type to swing as I go…. but I suppose if I ready want to write something until it’s actually finished then I have no other option but to actually write up an outline first, eh?
I FINALLY DID IT WOOOOOO. Well, I mean, I think yours was just the request for how to stay motivated? But I still squished it in.😂 (I’m sorry I was so slow!! I had this planned out for ages, I just had to sit down and write it. Hahha…the irony…)
ANYWAY. I think it’s okay to be a non-planner. In fact, it can be awesome and a very emotional way to write, which is great. But I’m a big believer of the fact that: if writing isn’t working for you, try something new! I was getting SUPER burned out a few years back when I was writing like…maybe a 200-word summary for my books and then diving in? Now I write 10K outlines (shhh, I know that’s ridiculous😂) and it makes me SO much happier. So it’s all about finding what works for you. Try all the things! Try a more detailed outline. and if you hate it — never do it again!
I really, really needed this. 😅
I’ve nearly written the first draft of a novel, and it was getting to that 120k stage so a bit too long but that’s okay because cutting and editing, right? But now I don’t like it. I don’t want to keep writing it because I know how much the rest of it will need to change. And it’s just… Ugh. It’s such a frustrating feeling, because it feels almost like I’m incapable of completing a novel (even though it’s only my first, so shut up, Beth, you’re being silly), which is kind of terrifying when I know I want to be a published author and now don’t know if I’m capable. (I know I need more practice; I know I’m just worrying needlessly, it’s just such a frustrating position to be in.)
I’ve been reading a lot of guides on fiction writing, where it turns writing into a technical composition (which has it’s own pros and cons), and this has reeeeallly been helping me get a grasp on why things are probably falling flat for me. I’ve been reading one of the basic guides lately – ‘How to Write Fiction for Dummies’, and also some essays by C.S. Pacat, and they both show so clearly how a plot needs to be formed on a basic level, and how the basic premise of any scene works on a proactive/reactive structure. I think for anyone worrying about plotting and planning and just writing, they should definitely read some things like this. I’m reading them thinking about my favourite novels, and realising WHY those scenes in the novels work because of the technical structure of them, which is making it so much easier to identify how to transfer that to my own work. A novel, after all, should be your Ultimate Book — the one you’ve always wanted to read and can never find — and being able to approach it with some structure and understanding of why things work well in novels has been so much help to me.
I might re-write my novel in a short style for NaNo (since the limit is only 50k), which will bring it down to its bare bones and basic structure and which I can embellish later. Or I might do something entirely new and come back to the novel once I’ve got the confidence of writing a completed novel.
What do you think is the best choice? Please impart your omniscient wisdom on me, Cait. 🙌🏻🙊 I also wondered if you of any ‘Find a Writing Buddy’ system in place online? I don’t know anyone IRL to bounce ideas off. My best friend is super encouraging, but she’s a reader — she’s not a writer who can help me develop and who I can exchange things with, and I think I really need something like that at the moment, especially someone who is on the same level/more experienced than me.
It is COMPLETELY understandable to stress over it, Beth! TRUST ME I KNOW. I think I’ve been writing “seriously” for about 7 years and I swear I spent the first 5 just purely stressing that I’d never be able to be a true writer and worry about just about ANY AND EVERY aspect of writing. So it happens. And honestly I think the more you do it, the more comfortable you get with your styles/methods.
(Also I totally just finished writing a 130K beast that was HORRIBLE.😂 But I’ve made peace with that fact and I’m going to edit it one day [hahah not soon] and it’ll work out! The thing with editing is, you already have something to work off, so it’s actually easier in a way! kind of..just more pressure to get it right.😂)
Ooh, I really don’t know what to suggest about your NaNo project! I’d say do whichever calls to you most? And it’s totally okay to take a break on your original project and write something new too. You will come back to the original one! I totally just came back to the first story I ever wrote last month….6 years later. Not saying you have to do that of course, hahahaa. But don’t be scared to dabble in a new project.
Also I think people host critique partner match-ups occasionally? But I don’t know of anyone doing one atm.🙈🙊 You can always make friends with writers on twitter and then reach out to them! I know Maggie Stiefvater used to do critique-partner matchups…she might still host them? But I totally agree having a writing buddy is MARVELLOUS. I have 3 (two writers; one reader) and they are so helpful. <3
The first novel-length story that I ever finished started out as an exercise in writing flashbacks. Even when I’d decided to turn it into a novel and written out the plan, I didn’t care if it was good. Writing it was fun because I was just writing what made me happy. I want to get that feeling back and, to do that, I NEED TO STOP BEING A PERFECTIONIST. How do you do it?!?
My writing strengths are characters and character dynamics. My plots are a problem.
It’s actually super hard to mute that annoying little perfectionist for the first draft…so I don’t knoooow. Practise, I think?!? I mean, I’ve been writing about 7 years, but only the last 2 I’ve really just been all “this first draft will suck and that’s okay”. So I think keep telling yourself the first draft can be messy! And then make sure you do edit/rewrite, because it proves to your brain that your book WILL BE GOOD ONE DAY even if it’s not good the first time you get it written!
Plots are such problems omg. I shall rename myself The Plot Hole Queen, honestly.😂
Is it wrong that I love this post because you used Guardians of the Galaxy gifs? I mean it is just the most amazing, hilarious, amazing film ever. BUT WHY NO GROOT GIF.
Sorry, sorry, I’m getting side-tracked. *Toddles off to watch Guardians of the Galaxy again*
It’s just SUCH A GOOD MOVIE, THOUGH #TRUTH
I’m not a writer, but I do love this post, because I love the IDEA of writing. I love the IDEA of having my book on a shelf, having people review it (I would legit love this – good and bad reviews) but I really do not have the effort/inspiration/imagination to actually sit down and write even 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo. So I’ll stick with reading, but these tips are amazing, and if I ever do get the inspiration to write (which happens every once in a while, but I ignore it…) this is the FIRST post I’ll be reading.
How YOU are not a published author yet amazes me, because your voice is amazing, Cait. Your blog posts are ALWAYS my favourite to read every time there’s a new one (so please don’t have any more breaks, PLEASE DON’T LET ME CAITTTTT!!!). Thank you for brightening up my days, with your posts! 😀
Pfft, the only reason TO love this post is because Guardians of the Galaxy gifs. #winning AND I’M SORRY THERE’S NO GROOT GIF. I try to only use like 2 gifs per post and this one ended up with 3 hahha..so I thought I’d better calm myself. (Also just a sec, lemme grab some popcorn and I’ll come watch it again with you. I confess to watching the first hour like…on repeat. I DON’T KNOW. IT’S JUST SO FUNNY.)
I’m glad you like the idea of reviews! That actually TERRIFIES ME hahha.😂 I swear, if I become an author, I’m never going to read reviews. (I’ll fail this on day 2 probably but pfft.) But n’aww, aren’t you the kindest. :’) THIS MAKES MY DAY. FINGERS CROSSED THAT ONE DAY I’LL HAVE A BOOK OUT!
Yes! This is exactly what I needed! I am SO nervous for NaNoWriMo, but I’m also SO excited. 😀 I did Camp NaNo in July and it went great, but I didn’t plan enough. I definitely want to plan more this time. Right now I’m working on character development and then I’m moving on to plot.
These are sooo helpful! And definitely some food rewards are perfecto! My mini-goal is to write 2000 words a day…then I can finish in 25 days. Hopefully I can do it! O_0
Thanks again for this amazing post! And sorry I kinda rambled in this comment, LOL! XD
~Grace <3
*flails happily* I’m so glad it was a helpful post!! And you can SO DO THIS!! 2K is a wonderful amount *nods* and you can get that done before breakfast. hahah KIDDING.😂 But still, I hope you have a lot of fun writing your project. And planning is great. Planning is life. Although someone actually needs to tell me to staaaaahp because a 10K outline is too much.😂
I LOVE THIS POST!!! Especially now…November is so close….I have ever-present writing butterflies taking over my stomach. Your tip on just allowing yourself to write badly in first drafts is so important, I believe that’s why I’ve never finished a book before! I would start, all excited, then disappoint myself and feel bad and then leave the poor thing. 🙁
Not this year! My bullet point outline is halfway done, and planning is a joy.
Thanks Cait!
Oh you do bullet-point outlines too? *HI FIVES* WE ARE QUEENS, CLEARLY. I think it takes a bit of practise to really let go and just write badly. (Hence I repeated that so much in this post!😂) Honestly I’ve been writing for about 7 years and I’d only say the last 2 years I really got “good” and writing horrific first drafts and being comfortable with the process!
This post is 1000000000000000% GOLD.
I LOVE YOU CAIT
BLESS YOU AND THANKS FOR THIS AMUSING AND PERFECT POST.
I’M REALLY GLAD YOU LIKED IT. THIS MAKES ME ALL THE HAPPY.
A+ GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY GIF USE, YES.
Even though I’m not doing NaNo, I’m still in the middle of four first drafts atm, so this is very helpful!
Yes – I’ve also found that planning works better than pantsing. Sometimes I just CAN’T WAIT AND MUST WRITE or all the lovely sentences will fly right out of my brain, but recently I’ve been trying to plan a little more, and it’s really helped! Even if it’s simple as writing down each chapter title and figuring out approximately what will happen in each chapter, it definitely minimizes the sudden and unwelcome stops in writing because I have no idea what’s happening next.
Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality
EVERY POST IS BETTER WITH GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY GIFS. This is fact. *nods sagely*
Omg FOUR first drafts?!?!? You are an inspiration to us all.😂 I can barely survive one at a time! And yes, omg, I went from writing maybe 200-words as an outline…to now writing 10,000-words. heh. I mean, everyone’s processes are different, but I just find it so relaxing when I know exactly what’s coming up! And it totally kills writers block WHICH IS GLORIOUS. (Plotters block, on the other hand, I am very familiar with.😂)
Great post Cait! Even as a non-planner and as someone whose done NaNo now 7 times I’ve learned some things. I think I may try planning at least a little bit this year and see how it goes. 🙂
Oh go you, being a panster!! 😂 YOU ARE THE TRUE WIZARD! I just get all lost and start sobbing if I don’t have a really detailed outline bahaha. But anyway, I’m glad you still enjoyed the post. :’) I AM THE HAPPY.
A great post about the struggle we writers all know too well: I personally get a little discouraged now and then because I look at this HUGE pile of first draft that still has to be written and then think to myself “It’s going to take me 1000000 Years to finish this draft” and fall to the floor contemplating my motivation. Anyways this post is a great motivator! I also always like to remind myself that all the books that I read are published work and NOT a first draft, but a first draft edited many, many times into perfection, so there’s no use comparing my first draft to this published work, because there are in so different stages of the work process. Thinking that you have to write so perfectly in your first draft is only going to make one unhappy!
omg so true about comparing to published work! And also I’ll add to that that (if it’s a traditionally published book) there isn’t even one person behind it! THERE ARE DOZENS. Which is actually really encouraging because even famous authors out there are writing horrible first drafts and getting help to make them perfect. :’)
ANYWAY! I’m so glad you liked the post!!
Yeah so I shouldn’t have read that post at all because now I want to do NaNoWriMo and write but I have like, zero time to do so. WHY.
This was such a FANTASTIC post, and everything in here is so, so true. I was so nervous last year to really get into my first NaNo draft, but it felt SO liberating to get all the ideas, to write and write and write without even ONCE looking back at the dumb things I wrote. It’s quite awesome. I actually love it. I think you should be an official NaNoWriMo motivator of some kind, because with this, you totally made me feel like I could do this craziness again. I can’t, but I could, and it is THE BEST FEELING. So thank you.<3
I’m sorry for torturing you! I AM THE CRUEL. Ahem. But awk, I’m so glad you liked the post. <3 And yes isn't it just the most freeing thing to just WRITE and worry about the mistakes later?!? I wish someone had told me to do that when I started writing. I would've had a lot more fun and a lot less angst.😂
Ooh, yes. SOMEONE HIRE TO BE A NANO MOTIVATOR. I mean, I yell about lasagna, but it works. I'm sure of it.
I sooo needed this right now! Although I did write my, “”firstest”” first draft for Camp this year, but I’m struggling with the middle portion right now, especially because I think I keep making everybody evil. Opps! But this post provided a lot of motivation and to brainstorm! So thank you! Love the post Cait!
Waaaait. Why is making everyone evil the problem? THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE SOLUTION.😂 Bahah, I’m just kidding. Ahem. But I’m really glad this was motivational! I mean, I’m just yelling about lasagna half the time but whatever. I try.😇
Thank you for not rewarding yourself by stabbing people. I’m sure we’re all grateful. I mean, cake is better, right?
Also my world-building is totally like yogurt tubs… Except without the tape. It be muchly terrible. BUT YASS! Sassy dialogue all. day. WHEEEE!!!!!!
I think it’s a writer thing about talking about your stories. I have three siblings living at home that get to be my victims (HAHA, oops, I meant AUDIENCE. Ahem) while I blather their ears off rambling endlessly about my story until my eyes are glazed and my soul is pleasantly befuzzed and they are lying passed out or dead on the floor. But at least I’m ready to rock and roll and kick some manuscript tail, right? THIS TOTALLY DOES WORK, I CERTIFY.
Ironically, I have very little difficulty with most first drafts; IT’S THE EDITING THAT KILLS ME AND FEEDS MY SOUL TO THE DARKNESS!!!! I literally thought I was dying/going to die 98.89% of the time. That said, I’m currently struggling to get back into my WIPs. And I’m all mad at myself BECAUSE THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE EASY PART. I had to halt my flow and rhythm for planning a vacation/working on publishing my novel, AND I’M DOOMED FOR ALL ETERNITY. I can’t get the flow back and lost my momentum. Maybe I need to reevaluate my approach… Plus I was trying to cram in two WIPs (one that will probably be about 100,000 words long and one about 40-50k long) BEFORE NaNo, so #stressed. I dunno, I’m a little ambitious? I MUST NEEDS REKINDLE MY FIRE. SACRIFICE SOME SOULS TO THE WRITING GODS. TRY CAIT’S TIPPIEST TOPPIEST TIPS. WHATEVER WORKS.
Thanks for this post, Cait, and your “sappy mush” at the end is a good reminder! 😜 Sometimes we get so lost in the nitty gritty that we forget the important things, like why we do this. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Your Majesty. #CaitIsAlwaysRight (<- how many votes to start THAT as a trending hashtag?!?!?!?!)
Cake is ALWAYS better. And like I totally reward myself by stabbing characters, but yes, not actual people. I need people to SERVE MY GLORIOUS SELF. You can’t rule the world if there are no people left. #sensible
Omg I love making siblings into victims!! (Victims is A MUCH BETTER WORD.) Although my sister recently got too busy to listen to me prattle on. So I haven’t had a sibling to torture for over a year. *sheds tear* But it’s SO much easier to pin a story together when talking aloud sometimes!
Awk, I hope you get your muse back soon though! And omg two wips before NaNo?!?😳 I thought I was being industrious doing one! hahah. Maybe you could finish both those as part of NaNo? (And honestly I think I’m going to die 100% of the time when I’m editing. And I regret everything and start thinking about taking up a job as, like, a dog sitter or something.)
THAT IS AN EXCELLENT HASHTAG. I APPROVE.
I heard a quote years ago that was something along the lines of, “Write your first draft from your heart. Write your second draft from your head.” That really helped me. The first draft is just about getting it all down on the page. You have to turn off the internal editor (who will be trying to natter at you while you’re writing, because that’s just what internal editors do).
I like writing first drafts, but only if I’ve done a lot of groundwork beforehand. If I’m just flailing around with no idea where I’m going, I’ll stall. I used to do that all the time when I was a kid. I’d think, “I’m going to write a novel!” and just start writing… but I often only had a vague idea for a plot, or maybe just a character I wanted to write about. Inevitably, I’d get one or two pages in and forget where I was headed… because I hadn’t figured it out before I started writing. I know some people can write without an outline (“pantsers”), but a lot of writers need something concrete to work from and towards (“plotters”).
Oh yes I love that quote!! I don’t think I’ve heard it before but it’s SO TRUE. *nods sagely* (I guess that’s a better rewording of Hemingsworth [? I think it was him] quote of “write drunk; edit sober”. 😂) And honestly it gets easier to ignore that inner editor. Mine now just takes notes on what it wants to improve instead of having a panic attack because I used the word jump like 4 times in one sentence.😂
omg I cannot even think to write unless I have a THOROUGH plot. And have imagined out every. single. scene. many man times. hehheh. I spend a lot of time walking and listening to music and constructing books in my head. But I used to be the kind of person who started writing a book with only 4% of an idea. AH HOW TIMES CHANGE. I admire pantsers but I DO NOT GET THEM.
I…have only ever finished one first draft of a novel…… The other one had, like, five chapters before completion, and then I dropped it…. #fail
However!!! This post really motivated me to keep writing, even if I hate my first draft! I am TOTALLY going to pick option A next month, and I hereby refuse to be an option B-er any longer. Thank you SO much, Cait! This was exactly the push I needed to keep going!
That’s okay!! Writing is REALLY HARD so the fact that you’ve finished even one book is amazing and you deserve cake the size of a small planet. #legit And I’m also soooo pleased this post was helpful for you! CAKE FOR US ALL THE SIZE OF PLANETS.
Aww!! Thank you! That really means a lot!! And OH MY WORD!!! CAKE!!!!
I’m so super excited to start my NaNo novel (time travel and sci-fi-ish knights and DRAGONS, Cait!). 😀 I don’t mind writing first drafts, but I tend to get stuck and not know what should happen next (I have trouble filling up the middle of a story), so that bums me out sometimes. 😛 Other than that though, I think first drafts are fun! Starting something new is always exciting. 😀
DRAGONS?!? DRAGONNNNNNNS!!!!!! OKAY I AM OFFICIALLY YOUR FAN. *flails wildly in the background* Ahem. But anyway. I do understand the pain of middles!! I try and not think of it as a middle actually, haha. I think of it as the beginning and then the build up to the climax. Sometimes that helps get rid of middle-book-blues!
Thanks for this handy-dandy list, Cait! I am struggling towards recovery from my chronic perfectionism in writing. We’ll see how it goes.
Saaaame, my friend. *hi fives* It’s hard to let go, but I think the results are MUCH better when it comes to writing! There is definitely need for perfectionism in writing but just not in the first draft.😂
I LOVE writing first drafts! I’m more of a zero-drafter though. I write ALL THE SNIPPETS first, and then piece them together like a big messy quilt and fill in all the gaps XD. BUT IT WORKS. So I don’t care *nods*.
“Also planning helps if you have a horrid memory” OH my goodness, this is me. I don’t plan (bleh) – sometimes I’m a plantser, but never a plotter unless it’s a second or third draft. SO I’M CONSTANTLY LOOSING PIECES OF MY FIRST DRAFT. Oh well XD.
(also, random, but what’s your NaNo username?)
OH THAT’S COOL THO!! I love how writers have such difference processes. *hi fives* We’re all amazingly confusing creatures of glory *nods* And haha, I do confess…I still forget everything when I’m drafting and I write super intricate outlines. I CAN’T WIN WITH MY HORRIBLE BRAIN.
Mine is caitgrace because paperfury was taken. *sheds tear*
Well… I’m not doing NaNo this year, but this was super helpful! Especially the part about the perfectionism, because that is totally me. I got about 15k into my first draft a couple months ago and then realized exactly how horribly nonexistent my outline was… So now we’re back to planning. But I’m still super excited, and I can’t wait to actually write this thing! (Once I figure out what exactly is going on, ha ha).
AHhh I’M REALLY GLAD!! *flings confetti over you* And I totally get that whole realisation that a book isn’t quite a book yet.😂 I actually have an idea I’m developing that I THOUGHT would be a good NaNo option only to realise it has like…no plot.😂 Some books need more cooking, right?!
I don’t see why sobbing onion and veteran are mutually exclusive, to be honest. This is my third Nano and I’ll probably be crying in the next few weeks. But yes, you TOTALLY give up the perfectionist BS when you sign on for Nano. Those two things DO NOT MIX. Now to stock up on chocolate and stationary, because I’m sure as well going to need it!
You can be a veteran crying onion, I will not stop you. *pats shoulder reassuringly* And YUS perfectionism just has no place in first drafts. I mean, you can probably be a bit more careful than I am hahhaha, but otherwise, we writers need to accept that a book is REWRITTEN before it’s perfect.😂
Haha. Great post, Cait! NaNo IS nearing. eek. Makes me scared. I won’t do it probably. no time to write. (Much less do anything other than study. Thanks, school.) But you have some great tips. I’ll definitely try these when I write next.
And AWESOME GOG GIFs.
Ugh school is so mean to steal everyone’s times. *cries piteously for you* But THANKYOU! I’m glad you liked the tips! And the gifs. 😉 I mean, every post is better with Guardians of the Galaxy gifs amirite?!
Narcissism and picturing yourself famous are A+++ tips I agree. FIRST DRAFT WRITING IS SO FUN THOUGH. I don’t worry about anythinggggg because I already know it’s going to be awful. Which is fine. CAN’T WAIT FOR NANO BUT OMG I AM SO UNPREPARED IT’S CRAZY.
Aren’t I the best advice giver, omg? :’) Like no one gives advice like me, I’m just so perfect for this universe. And there’s SO much freeeeedom that is just glorious. Plus if a scene sucks, WHO CARES. (I mean, I care, later. While editing.) But are you doing the Jumunji or the Dancing Princesses? I MUST KNOW.
Great post! I’m not participating in NaNoWriMo though I am working on a first draft right now. I’m super excited about this project because it’s a dark fantasy Sleeping Beauty and Snow White retelling all in one! I really struggle with first drafts though. I’ve written one before of a book that got so weird and far from what I planned, I didn’t even understand what I was writing half the time. That was like two years ago though, so I really want to finish this one soon. I don’t think people realize just how hard writing (first drafts especially) is!Great post! I’m not participating in NaNoWriMo though I am working on a first draft right now. I’m super excited about this project because it’s a dark fantasy Sleeping Beauty and Snow White retelling all in one! I really struggle with first drafts though. I’ve written one before of a book that got so weird and far from what I planned, I didn’t even understand what I was writing half the time. That was like two years ago though, so I really want to finish this one soon. I don’t think people realize just how hard writing (first drafts especially) is!
Whoops, didn’t realize that was written twice. Haha! Sorry about that.
OHhh a dark fantasy retelling?!? THAT IS AMAZING. I AM ALREADY INSTANTLY YOUR FAN. (I looove dark retellings.)😍 And yes I agree that first drafts can be SUPER HARD…although, dare I whisper, I think they get easier the more you do them? But then it also depends on the book! Like some books just come out much easier!! I wrote a contemporary this year that was like PULLING TEETH UGH and then I wrote a fantasy that came so easily I couldn’t stop typing.😂 I’m glad you enjoyed the post! THANKYOU.
Ugh, I am doing Nanowrimo. I am not telling my family though, because then they say things like “You’ll become a writer someday Leah.”And I don’t aspire to write for a living. I do aspire to read for a living though! The only people that know are you (don’t tell), and my writing buddies. Lucky thing my family does not have the same interest as me, they would take one look at my computer and know. Bwahahahah, but they will never know. I wasn’t even planning on doing Nanowrimo, but then I saw a Youtube video, and was like “I better start a plan *Shrug*”. I feel like my writing strength is the opposite of yours, I suck at dialogue, but I can paint a picture(with words, not with any other utensil [I wish though]). I don’t really like 1st drafts, I love editing though. Sometimes I look back and say to myself though “What was I thinking?!” Do you ever get that?
Oh I think writing for a living is a GLORIOUS idea and boooo to all the haters who doubt us. It’s like my entire prospective career hhaha, so I hope it works…*sweats nervously* OMG I FEEL VERY HONOURED TO KNOW. WHAT A SEC WHILE I TELL EVERYONE!! *runs around shouting*
…
…
Just kidding. I am a tomb. My lips are sealed. (My fingers-typing are…sealed? Idek. I think I should stop talking before I embarrass myself.)😂
Oh and yes I get the “what was I thinking” SO MUCH. Actually I find whole scenes that don’t make sense and I just completely delete them. Ahem. I find editing very satisfying when it comes together! But I always dread going into it…because that’s when I put pressure on myself to start making it look readable.😂
I WANT to outline, Cait! I want to! But I don’t know how. I think everything’s fine until I get to the plan and can’t figure out how they get from point A to point B. THERE ARE ALWAYS SO MANY HOLES.
I DO GET THAT TOO. *nods* I spend a lot of time imagine scenes and then stringing them together like a movie in my head before I attempt to outline. But hey, it’s not for everyone! So if it’s not your process, then don’t force yourself. 🙂
I read this out loud to my roommate and I think it motivated both of us. (Also, this is really fun to read out loud.) 😀
Omg! *blushes* I’m so glad you both enjoyed it…and I’m
dyinglaughing thinking of it being read out loud omg.I GET LOST WRITING ALL THE TIME! The few first drafts I have tried (and sadly abandoned) have all gotten derailed by going… wait, what happens next? I’ve had vaaaaggguuueee ideas, but then I spend 5 pages describing running through a forest (no joke, that totally happened *cries and eats chocolate*… to be fair, there were Nazis chasing at the time if that helps?). I’m going to try your bullet points idea and hope NaNoWriMo does not kill my laptop (also happens every time I get more than 50 pages in >.<)! Off to write my beautiful pages blog post 🙂
OHHHH I HOPE IT GOES WELL FOR YOU!! WOOO!! *twirls majestically* I think bullet-point lists are the best, tbh. Because, OH, I didn’t mention this, but when I write I go back to my outline and tick off as I go.😂 It’s super satisfying.
Thanks for these tips. I just figured out where my book starts. It’s a bit cruel and tragic, but something has to get these characters moving. And I have an idea for the middle and a very vague idea of something near the end. And I have a free 15 minute brainstorming session with an editor next week.
The #1 problem for me is NOT Twitter. I haven’t started using the thing. It’s Facebook and reading random cool stuff on the internet. It’s an ENFP superpower to learn thing while you should be doing something else.
There’s nothing like a cruel/tragic beginning to a story. I AM FOND OF THOSE. :’) And woah, a brainstorming session with an editor?! That sounds amazing! But yes, haha, you can replace “twitter” with basically ANYTHING ONLINE. Sometimes for me it’s pinterest instead.😂
Oh yes, Pinterest is great too. And this book is nowhere near as tragic as the one I started writing and had to put on hold. Planning it almost made me cry once.
The brainstorming thing was a special offer to the first 10 people to email her about it. I’ve been turning the first book into a one page summary in preparation. That’s (not) fun. But it had to be done. The one I wrote before the first draft is comically out of date.
“REMEMBER WHAT JOY AND SUNSHINE FEELS LIKE BECAUSE SOON THEY WILL BE GONE.”
^Yep. I clearly remember several times last year emerging from my writing cave (it was a chair in my room covered with a blanket for the entire month of November) after two hours of writing non-stop and seeing my family in the outside world… it was bizarre. They were just… there. It was normal and they were watching TV… life had gone on with out me.
I haven’t written a 1st draft since last November. Hopefully I still can do it after I’ve spent all stinking year editing and editing and EDITING AND EDITING. We’ll see. I must go outline before time runs out. O_O
Thank you for this post, Cait, and making sure to tell people that IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE PERFECT. Because this is NaNo and that’s like the main idea of NaNo. xD
You are entertaining as always. :’)
It’s always hard trying to return to society after nano. It’s like CULTURE SHOCK OR SOMETHING. *stumbles around in confusion* But ALL THE BEST LUCK for you doing NaNo again!! And like editing is super hard (*applauds you*) so this should be like a nice change of gears for you right?!? And I’m so glad you liked the post!
Ahh I really wish I could join NaNoWriMo! But unfortunately, november is always a hectic month for me, and I’m not much of a writer myself 😶 But I do agree that writing your outline in bullet points and keep re-writing is a really great tips for writing. Goodluck with NaNoWriMo!
Oh Cait, I also tagged you for the Raven Cycle book tag. I know what a rabid stiefvater fans you are. You can check it out here http://theliteraryhuntress.blogspot.co.id/2016/10/the-raven-cyce-book-tag.html
Ahhh thank you for the tag! IT LOOKS AMAZING AND I CAN’T WAIT TO DO IT. *pets precious Raven boys*
Also I totally understand that NaNo isn’t for everyone. *nods* But I hope you get a chance to write someday if you want! 😀
So pumped to write a first draft *enthusiastic first pumping*. It’s always amazing to read back over the first thing you’ve written and by like GOOD LORD WHERE IS THE HAMSTER THAT WROTE THIS. First drafts are like the stick-figure equivalent in the writing world, *nods*.
I find it really hard to make my scenes long enough. I reread what I’ve written and I’m like WELP. This is going to be a 3 page book. Also it sometimes feels like my characters were having a lovely conversation and I suddenly hit them with a snowball in the face and there’s just nothing left to say. *pushes peas around a plate*. NaNoWriMo sure is going to be interesting.
BAhah “the hamster that wrote this” completely made my day.😂 THAT IS EXCELLENT SOMEONE PUT THAT ON A TEE SHIRT. And yes, 1st drafts are totally stick-figures and that’s awesome in a way, because then you get to come back and colour them in. :’) (wait do you colour-in stick figures? Idek. Can we tell that I should never be allowed anywhere near art because I cannot art.)
Making scenes longer can be tricky, but I’ve read tons of books with super short scenes, so if that’s the way the book falls…then go with it!
I HONESTLY DO NOT AGREE MORE WITH THE LETTING YOURSELF WRITE CRAPPY FIRST DRAFTS THING. I could never get anything finished (or started) until I just admitted to myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect, as much as it pains me. Plus it’s nice to read back through a bad first draft and realise there are still bits to it that you quite enjoy. 🙂
Astrid
http://www.astridkaniele.com
WOOOO I’M GLAD WE ARE IN AGREEMENT HERE. HI FIVE ME, MY FRIEND. *hi fives across the continents* And yes it is actually great to reread first drafts and kind of envision how good it can get and also…laugh. At yourself.😂 omg I laugh at myself a lot. But still ALWAYS find bits that I’m proud of!
Aaaaaand here comes Cee with her rebel ways to stick her feet up on the coffee table, knock her shoes off, and talk to you about ‘thinking outside the box’ and ‘loving the process.’ (I was raised by hippies. It’s not my fault. So much pan pipe music in my childhood.)
I don’t plan. Sometimes I’ll scribble the odd thing down if I want to work out how it would work, or if I think I’ll forget it. I then promptly lose the paper and/or close the computer file only to re-open years later and wonder what the hell ‘give him shoes’ meant, who ‘he’ is, and why he wouldn’t have shoes to begin with.
I actually don’t focus on writing one thing at a time. I write the stuff. Sometimes I use the stuff. Sometimes I continue with the stuff. Sometimes I completely forget I wrote that random paragraph about bonfires, and never use it again. It’s just the way it goes. Sometimes I take the random pieces of stuff and stitch them together like some sort of Frankenstein of the written word. S’all good. 🙂
I also don’t do NaNoWriMo – because me + pressure = anxiety x depression, and I’m just no good at maths.
Instead, I just write. It’ll be done when it’s done, and all I have to do is write and enjoy 🙂
(OK, in the past I used to stress out about EVERY LITTLE DETAIL. But dude, I just can’t be doing with that any more. Self Care all the way.)
HAHHHAHA. Wait. I have some cake and I will throw it at you.😂 No I’m just kidding! It’s great that you’re a panster-writer! I don’t think planners don’t “think outside the box” however…we just don’t do it on the fly. 😉 And HEY if you’re process works awesomely for you, then that means it’s an awesome process! NO DOUBT.
*sends you cake because anxiety/depression suck* I know that feel, gah, and fair enough not to do NaNo and just stick with doing it how you enjoy it. Self care is super important!!
Hahahah – THIS POST IS MY LIFE, CAIT!!! Thank yooouuu!!!
Um, so basically I edit as I go??? Which, of course, I acknowledge to be THE WORST THING EVER. So my goal for NaNo is to NOT DO THAT. And just write. We shall see how it goes!
Ooh, yes, editing as you go is generally a sure fire way to get stuck.🙈🙊 Just because sometimes you can get stuck trying to fix things when you need to have the whole book done to know how it fits together. I USED TO DO IT TOO DON’T WORRY. But hey, everyone’s process is different!
I LOVE HOW YOU WRITE STUFF LIKE IT’S ALL ABOUT CRYING AND CAKE AND DETERMINATION, BUT I STILL HAVEN’T WRITTEN TRISTAN AND GANG, SO WHAT’S WITH THAT?????????
BUT YOU’RE AN AMAZING ARTIST WHICH IS AMAZING SO BE PROUD OF THAT MY ARTISTICALLY AMAZING FRIEND.
Now THIS is the best advice ever. <333 (also, I be happy that nano is in november, because I CAN PILFER ALL THE HALLOWEEN CANDY. that's a sort of huge plus.)
Omg pilfering Halloween candy is GENIUS. GO YOU. DON’T EAT IT ALL ON DAY 1. 😂 Just kidding, eat it all, my writer friend. LET THE MUSE DO AS IT MUST.
I actually DO enjoy the first draft… but then if I think for even a second about how awful it is and how much has to be torn apart I want to cry and then I hate it. I do not plan though. Ever. Because I get to anxious when I plan. I have a few little notes I will jot down if an idea comes to me, sure. But as a rule, the planning is a no-go. I mean, maybe that is why i will be re-writing every word of the draft from last year, but STILL. Maybe my first draft IS my planning 😉 My writing strength is… I have no freaking idea. I LIKE developing the characters. I find that the most fun, watching them become real. But I don’t know that I will ever be able to come up with coherent stories, so that may be a deal breaker, yes? 😉 Thanks for the awesome tips, my dear!
Hey I plan 100% and STILL rewrite every single word.😂 It’s just about finding one’s process and having fun with it, right??! Like last year I was stressing so bad and this year I’ve just become an Australia (…um…well…just go with this) and my attitude to everything is “SHE’LL BE RIGHT” and she’s not right, she’ll be right in 98 more re-drafts. All this pressure to get it perfect RIGHT NOW is not needed. 😂
NaNoWriMo SCARES ME. This year I had told myself YOU WILL OUTLINE EVERYTHING SO YOU WILL BE PREPPED AND HYPED FOR THE TIME NOVEMBER ROLLS AROUND…buT WHAT DID I DO?….I laid face down doing nothing. All year.
SO NOW. I have a little teeny bit more than a week to OUTLINe EVERYTHING AND I AM FRIGHTENED.
I’ve come to peace with the fact that nothing will be exactly how I want it the first time around and 2017 will have be the year of re-writing and editing.
I AM A PERFECTIONIST but I understand it WONT be perfect. It’s going to be messy and scattered but that’s OK. I’m excited for a change. I’m so particular about everything to be perfect it’ll be a great change of pace to do everything messily like a five year old finger painting. I AM MUCH EXCITE FOR NOVEMBER. IT’LL BE MY FIRST TIME. *screams until December*
I’m totally a perfectionist too, SO I KNOW THE AGONY! I think the trick is for us to let ourselves be perfectionists *later* …. after the first draft is down so we don’t get bogged down in the details too early.😊 😂
HUZZAH THAT THIS WILL BE YOUR FIRST NANO! I shall be here with cupcakes for you!
Whoa, this was a much more serious post than I’m used to reading of yours! But such GREAT tips. I’m hoping to finish the novel I started LAST YEAR during NaNoWriMo THIS year. So, thank you for such wonderful tips to stay motivated and organized 🙂
Oh yes very serious. The mulberry commentary was DEATHLY SERIOUS.😂 heeh. But I’m so glad you liked it and BEST OF LUCK with your novel!!
Ooooh I love this post!
I think I’m going to write my first draft now. I’m gonna kill NaNoWriMo thanks to you. It’ll be ugly and terrific, but I don’t care anymore. My muse is FREE!
YESSSS. YOU’RE GOING TO BE GREAT! YOU’VE GOT THIS!!🎉
Cait, I think you just convinced me to join NaNoWriMo…
Oooh, goodie! GOOD LUCK. I shall be here to give you motivational cake.🎉🍰
This post is basically heaven and that’s pretty much all that needs to be said. You win. You rock. Can we be your henchpeople Cait Almighty?
I’M VERY GLAD YOU APPROVE. *hi fives*
I used to hate first drafts too because I couldn’t get the words to do what I wanted them to do. But now, I actually enjoy first drafts because I CAN DO WHAT I WANT!! *cough* And I can be the worst mulberry that ever mulled a berry [this makes zero sense but whatever] and just write. It really is freeing. And relax. . . okay, actually it’s not. Writing is hard. But somehow tortuously fun. 😉
YESS THAT’S THE WAY TO APPROACH IT!! I love the freedom. It’s actually more fun than future drafts because they you actually have the pressure of trying to make it make sense. Sheesh. Why must books make sense. WHY IS LIFE SO HARD.
I needed this, thank you Cait!
Aww, you’re welcome!
THANK YOU FOR THIS^^ I’ve been working on my first first-draft for some time now, but I’m blocked. Mainly because I need to FIRST outline and THEN go back and fix things. The perfectionist in my wants to fix as I go but then I get side-tracked and end up stuck. I need to just write the mother down. PERIOD. And then I’ll go back. Basically, your post is exactly what I needed. Thank you ♥
I am SOOO excited for NaNo this year I could flip out!
Yayyyy I hope your project goes super well too! *cheers for you*
oh, THANK YOU for this post!! honestly I need more motivation to actually FINISH A NOVEL, but I think my problem is that I get stuck in these roadblocks and then get discouraged and quit. Or I skip ahead because who needs finished chapters? HAHAHA. no but seriously, I think outlining could really help, and I want to try doing that. Especially when it comes to the fantasy I’m writing, because I get stuck after not actually building my wold. I’m also hoping NaNo will get me back into the “write this many words in a day” goal. (I probably won’t be able to go along with the daily rate to make 50,000 in the month), but writing at least 500 words a day is better than nothing. One summer I tried 1,000 a day, and I did SO WELL with it! I really should do that again. I also do need to let go of trying to make a first draft perfect. I KNOW it doesn’t have to be, and that editing/revising is a huge part of the process, but my brain just doesn’t seem to understand that. If I know I want to rewrite a good chunk of whatever I already have in the WIP, then I don’t have as much motivation to finish the book.
I really should just let myself write a terrible first draft. Haha.
When I was around 14 or 15 and just starting out as a writer, I was so terrible at just letting myself write badly. I figured I would be smart and save time by not having to rewrite my first draft if I just wrote it all perfectly the first time. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA WHAT A GENIUS I WAS. And then by the fifth page, I’d just sit there in a puddle of my own tears. Outlines? Pffft. What were those? I wrote extensive character sheets about how they looked and what their personality was but when I tried to make them do anything, they wouldn’t cooperate. Turns out I was missing goals and motivations.
When you find character sheets online–or at least the ones I found–all the questions were about what their favorite food was or their workplace and their height and weight on the BMI scale. I’M WRITING FANTASY HERE KAREN, THIS DOESN’T PERTAIN TO MY NOVEL. And of course, I thought I was so qualified to write fiction because I took AP English classes. Reading old WIPS is freaking painful because they are all so damn pretentious. I literally tried to cram every vocabulary word that I had to learn. Here’s a metaphor for this paragraph. Here’s some alliteration sprinkled here, here, and here. Let’s make this novel an allegory! Why? What’s the allegory? Oh, I don’t know but Animal Farm did it and that book did pretty well.
Oh, I’ve learned so much since then even though it feels like I’m still a dying fish flopping back and forth in an empty pond.
I’m definitely going to try some of these tips, mainly planning! I have so many ideas for books that I often just sit down and start writing without having any actual direction and then by the time I hit between 10,000 and 20,000 words I have no idea what I’m doing or where my story is headed. I’m good at planning in real life (I probably plan a little too much) but I need to apply it to my writing! But this makes me excited to write more first drafts!
and now you’re a published author yay!
Well soon!😂 My debut comes out in June!