Daunting Drafts

Writing a first draft is a challenging process because it requires translating a monstrous amount of ideas into a cohesive narrative. In the beginning, the story might seem perfect in your head, but putting it into words can reveal gaps, inconsistencies, and unexpected difficulties. It's a journey filled with self-doubt, distractions, and the fear of not living up to your own expectations.

Writing the first draft of a novel can be an exciting yet daunting process. Here's a 10-step guide that helps me streamline the journey:

1. Develop Your Idea: Start with a basic concept or premise. Think about what story you want to tell and why it's important. Jot down the main idea, themes, and potential conflict. World Building is my favorite part!

2. Create an Outline: Map out the plot structure, including key events, turning points, and character arcs. An outline serves as a roadmap, keeping you focused as you write. It can be as detailed or as loose as you need, but don't get tooo caught up on this step!

3. Define Characters: Flesh out your main characters by exploring their backgrounds, motivations, desires, and flaws. Understand what drives them and how they will change throughout the story. Sometimes knowing a bit of phycology or human behavior can help make your characters seem more realistic.

4. Establish the Setting: Decide on the time and place where your story occurs. A vivid setting can enhance the narrative and influence the mood, tone, and character actions.

5. Set Writing Goals: Break the writing process into manageable chunks. Setting daily or weekly word count goals to keep you on track and maintain momentum helps prevent writers block. Even if you only write a boring scene, you can edit it later!

6. Write the Opening: Start with a compelling scene that hooks the reader. It should introduce key elements like the protagonist, setting, and central conflict.

7. Focus on the Middle: Develop the central conflict and explore character relationships and growth. The middle is often the longest and can include multiple subplots that enrich the main narrative.

8. Build to the Climax: Increase the stakes as you approach the climax. This is where the main conflict reaches its peak, and the characters must confront their challenges head-on.

9. Write the Ending: Resolve the central conflict and show how the characters have changed. The ending should feel satisfying and coherent with the story's arc.

10. Embrace Imperfection: Remember, the first draft is about getting your ideas down on paper. It doesn't need to be perfect. Allow yourself to write freely without over-editing or second-guessing. You can revise and refine in later drafts.

By following these steps, you'll build a solid foundation for your novel and create a first draft that captures the essence of your story, while giving you the freedom you need for creative discretion.