First Draft Is Done!
I started my stand alone young adult book currently titled Through the Mists on March 3 with the intention to have a 90,000 word first draft by April 30. I scheduled writing time, created a word count tracker for motivation, developed characters and set the foundation for smooth writing. I did quite a bit of research during the drafting. In addition to life happening, I also taught writing workshops.
After 99 hours, I finished this draft on June 29 with 91,986 words and 332 pages. It took approximately 24 hours a month which translates to about 1 hour a day if I really want to get technical. I look at word count, pages and time as they help me to be productive and efficient. Even though it took me four months instead of two, I’m happy with the results. I love writing but I don’t want to miss out on life while I’m doing it—especially since life feeds my writing.
I usually write Monday-Friday for 2-3 hours. Being responsible for my own deadlines can get daunting so that’s why I schedule in my writing and treat it like the career that it is! 99 hours of that first draft is solitary. It involves keeping my butt in a chair writing or typing out the words that I hope will have exciting characters and an interesting plot.
Having writing groups like Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) and my Super Cool Writers’ Group (SCWG) is essential to getting a book written. I try to meet with each group monthly to have parts of my book critiqued, go over plot, and possible formats. Plus we cheer each other on every step of the way.
Before I continue working on Through the Mists, I’m going to celebrate because writing a book is a feat in of itself, whether it’s your first or eighth.
Writing a first draft is letting your light shine in all its brilliance. Then you see what has taken root.
You pull out the weeds until your inner light has grown into the story only you could tell.
A few things to do before I read through the first draft.
Update my journal index (Check out tips on how to set up your writer’s journal.)
o Check off all the incorporated notes
o Read through any ideas I didn’t include
Second Draft:
Read through the draft
Highlight the gems
Figure out what I need to research
Develop the protagonists, secondary characters, and add in details on my character charts
Establish themes that will continue throughout the book
Clarify plot and subplots
Separate book into chapters
Create a book map with short paragraphs describing each chapter
Writing a book is an exploration in patience, curiosity, possibility and trusting your gut. I don’t take this first draft too seriously, so it allows me to be curious, open, and most of all—tell a story while having fun. That’s what writing is all about!
Now on to the next ten drafts!