Now that you developed your characters, created your world, and outlined, it's time to actually sit down and write your first draft. This can be a scary proposition if you're working on your first novel. Before I started writing Renegades, I really took my time outlining and developing my characters--probably more time than I needed to because actually writing the book seemed daunting. But don't fear! If you've done the necessary preparations then just jump in.
Last month, I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and wrote 50,191 words of my second novel, Redemption. I'm still chugging away on the first draft. I estimate that it'll end up around 80,000 words, like the first draft of Renegades did. For me, the hardest part of writing the first draft is finding the time to write it. Unless you're being bankrolled by your parents or independently wealthy (lucky you!), you likely have a day job and other responsibilities like families, pets, etc. While writing a first draft, you have to be selfish about your writing time. I went to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving with my boyfriend and brother, and even there, I passed on activities and gambling (probably best for my wallet) to make sure I hit my word count for NaNoWriMo. You may have to wake up earlier or do multiple 15 minute writing sprints throughout the day--whatever works for you--to get it done, but you have to be consistent unless it'll either take much longer than necessary or it won't get finished.
Once you've carved out time to write, you just need to write. Sounds easy, huh? Some days it is, and some days it isn't. Even on the days when you sit down and you can't think of what to write and stare at your computer for a while, you just need to start typing. This is where your outline comes into play. As you're writing, you may deviate from your outline, which is fine (I actually encourage it), but when you're stuck, go to where you are in your outline and just go.
Last month, I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and wrote 50,191 words of my second novel, Redemption. I'm still chugging away on the first draft. I estimate that it'll end up around 80,000 words, like the first draft of Renegades did. For me, the hardest part of writing the first draft is finding the time to write it. Unless you're being bankrolled by your parents or independently wealthy (lucky you!), you likely have a day job and other responsibilities like families, pets, etc. While writing a first draft, you have to be selfish about your writing time. I went to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving with my boyfriend and brother, and even there, I passed on activities and gambling (probably best for my wallet) to make sure I hit my word count for NaNoWriMo. You may have to wake up earlier or do multiple 15 minute writing sprints throughout the day--whatever works for you--to get it done, but you have to be consistent unless it'll either take much longer than necessary or it won't get finished.
Once you've carved out time to write, you just need to write. Sounds easy, huh? Some days it is, and some days it isn't. Even on the days when you sit down and you can't think of what to write and stare at your computer for a while, you just need to start typing. This is where your outline comes into play. As you're writing, you may deviate from your outline, which is fine (I actually encourage it), but when you're stuck, go to where you are in your outline and just go.
Lastly, don't stop to edit or look over grammar. Just get the words down. If you forget a character's name or some other minor detail, just make something up, highlight, and keep going. I think this is hugely important. Editing and rewriting took me more time than writing the first draft, but they were separate steps. Don't get bogged down in the details for your first draft, or it'll be even more difficult to finish. One of my favorite quotes is "You can't edit a blank page." You can always go back, and should go back, to pick a better word, correct sentence structure and grammar, and add/subtract things from your plot. But for your first draft, just get it done. That by itself is a huge accomplishment. Once you're done, have a drink and don't think about your book for a few days or a weeks. Then comes the hard part--editing and rewriting.
Next up: Editing!
If you want updates on when my second novel, Redemption, will be released, make sure you sign up for my newsletter!
If you want updates on when my second novel, Redemption, will be released, make sure you sign up for my newsletter!
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