Katie French Books
  • Home
  • Books
    • The Mating Games Series
    • Demon Hunters Wanted Series
    • Shadow Lake Vampire Society
    • Supernatural Academy Series
    • Dark Fae Trials Series
    • Second City Series
    • Dragon's Creed Series
    • The Breeders Series
    • Monster Island
  • Blog
  • Bio / Contact
  • Free EBooks!
  • Buy Direct

How to Write a Down and Dirty First Draft (Or How to Kill the Fear)

2/27/2013

9 Comments

 
Picture
First drafts are hard. No, let me rephrase. First drafts are as tough as fitting into my jeggings after a Chinese buffet. To put it precisely, they suck big time. Over ninety percent of writers who attempt a first draft quit before the end. That gives you, dear writer, worse than Vegas odds on completing your manuscript. But, I'm here to help. After writing my fifth completed first draft (check out my book The Breeders), I've outlined a seven step process that will get you to that golden finish marker. And it won't even hurt that much, I promise. 

Step One: Pre-plan
I didn't always pre-plan. I, like many of you, read On Writing by Stephen King and decided, "Yes, I'll just pants my way along and a gem will appear after all my toil." However, I missed one important point. I'm not Stephen King (a surprising fact no-doubt). But, pre-planning doesn't have to be highlighted grafts, two tons of sticky notes and color-coded pie charts. I do it rather loosely. My research is in the form of websites, articles and pictures, anything that paints my world in brighter colors. It's sloppy plot outlines and character sketches written in a google doc that no one will ever see. It's a map so I know where I am going and where I am going to end up. It doesn't have to be pretty. It just has to get me there. 

Step Two: Set a goal
I stick to 1000 words a day and more if I can carve out time. I work full time and have two little children, so time is like gold in my hands (I couldn't resist a Joe VS. the Volcano reference. Fans? Anyone?).  However, having little time is no excuse. Let me repeat: Having little time is no excuse. I've learned along the way that anything could stop me from writing: a bad day, indigestion, a poopy diaper (my kids, not mine). I'd never write if I let any little issue stop me. So I do 1000 words a day, six days a week. No excuses unless someone is bleeding, dying or on fire. (Or if Downton Abbey is on. Hey, a girl has to live once and a while). 6000 words a week will get you done with a rough draft in three months. Not too shabby. 

Step Three: Write, darn you, write
Here's the thing. Whenever I sit down to write, for the first five minutes I am always thinking I can't. When my little fingers touch the keyboard I think, "I've got nothing left. Whatever is inside my head feels more like moldy swish cheese than brains. I'll just do it tomorrow." See, our brains are condition to avoid something hard like creating a new world. Writing is hard work. But, we have to fight our brains. How, you ask? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, that's how. 

You don't need a psychologist. What you need is a set of mantras. Below are the ones I use to kick my lazy brain into gear. 
 - If I just get started, I'll write something. And something is better than nothing.
 - I've felt this way before and been able to write by just making myself. I can do it     
  again.
 - It is okay if I write crap. I know I can always change it later. 
 - At least if I start I can meet my goal and feel good about myself, no matter the outcome. 

Once I give myself a good talking to, I write. No excuses. Remember: bleeding, dying or on fire. 

Step Four: Go Forward. Always Forward
Now once you're happily typing away, don't stop. No, really, don't stop. You may want to read the last few paragraphs and tweak them. You may find errors, spelling, something you missed. You may think that by fixing these things you are doing yourself a favor. You are not. This is your sneaky brain tricking you again. It thinks, "Boy, it's easier to fix what already exists, so let's just do that instead." Don't let it fool you. You must get words on the page fast or your momentum will die. This is the secret that those 90% that never finish don't understand. Words on page. Do. Nuff said. 

Step Five: Stop for Nothing
Imagine writing is an all night road trip from Florida to Michigan with two children under the ages of five crying in the back and your husband is throwing up in the seat next to you. (This really happened to me. No joke.) You are tired and sick. The smell from your husband is nauseating and you kind of want to put him in the trunk. You know you must get home or face trying to sleep in a Motel 6 with your fussy one year old while bed bugs climb up your nose and give you Herpes. Stopping is not an option. You pound two Red Bulls and you just keep driving.  

Writing is like this. Don't stop and come up with an awesome metaphor that takes you two hours to create. Write something like, "PUT AWESOME METAPHOR HERE," and keep on truckin'. Need a funny line? Write, "MAKE THIS FUNNY HERE," and go. Remember, momentum is your friend. 

Step Six: Finish. Like a Boss
Do the above for ninety days. Moses wandered the desert for forty years. You can write 1000 words each day for ninety days. Man, it feels good to write THE END. Kick the pants off the rest of the 90% who will never cross that finish line. 

Step Seven: Celebrate for One Day. Then get back in the saddle 
You get one day off for good behavior. Go out to eat. Watch a movie you haven't seen (and believe me there will be many to choose from). Frolic in the gales. Enjoy it. 

Then get your butt back to your computer and fix all the crap. And believe me there will be a lot of crap. 

But, Katie, you say, haven't you just accomplished writing a hunk of junk? Yes, but it is a complete hunk of junk and you will be surprised at how many things actually make sense. Sure there will be a million things to fix, but none of them would even exist if you hadn't made yourself bang out the draft. Remember, it is easier to fix something than to create something. So, you've just done the hard part. Congratulations. 

That's my take for good or ill. I'd love to hear from you on what works in your drafts. So, what about you? What techniques do you use to write a first draft?


9 Comments
Sharon
2/26/2013 10:08:04 pm

Step 4 is where I always go wrong! In fact, I've been rewriting all week since I kinda lost my way with the story. Yes I've planned. But.... anyway... you've helped me see the error of my ways!

Oh and I think Downton Abbey should be included in your "bleeding, dying or on fire," list :-)

Reply
KatielFrench
2/27/2013 10:20:15 am

I used to do that too Sharon. I would write some and then revise until I couldn't see straight. But I hardly ever got to the end that way. Keep at it. You are also quite right about Downton Abbey.

Reply
Anthony Lozen
2/26/2013 11:36:13 pm

Step Three is where I go wrong... I mean once I start writing you cant stop me. I mean you can distract me and I'll yell at you all the while still writing.(Though there was the awkward moment where I actually wrote what I said... oopsies) But Yeah 16 and writing a story... can't wait to get it published.....
My Technique is this...
Step 1: Gather snacks and Drinks
You do not want to write without having those by you... otherwise your brain will think 'Oh I don't have anything to drink.. lets go get something.
Step two:Turn off All Distractions But Music
Music helps... A LOT. Nothing is a better muse and motivator than music itself.... I use this and I can write on and on without worrying of having no motivation
Step Three: (Although this may seem a part of two) Make sure nobody talks to you.
I do not know how many times I've stopped writing just because someone wanted to talk to me (Makes me seem antisocial yes, but I'm trying to write a story here) Talk is distracting VERY distracting.
Step Four: If you can, have someone lock you in an empty room
Empty being where there is nothing but a desk, music, notebook (I write my stories in these), Pens/Pencils, snacks, and drinks and a lamp, Any object can distract you.
Step Five: Before you get locked in said room Debate, or something
Do something to get your brain working, it doesnt help you if you can't think of any ideas, this is where playing games, debating, or anything mentally challenging comes in, it makes your brain work.
Step Six: Lock yourself in that room and get to writing.
Most important step... write write write. I do not have a set requirement but Like you said Katie 1000 words a day... even though I actually tend to write 2000 words to 3000 words a day... What can I say once I'm on a roll.. nothing can stop me.

But yeah those are my steps... I only get stumped sometimes when writing because I'm like... crap what should I write to extend this chapter.. but yeah they work perfectly

Reply
KatielFrench
2/27/2013 10:21:54 am

Awesome, Anthony. I wish someone would lock me in an empty room sometimes! :0)

Reply
H.S. Stone link
2/27/2013 12:50:18 am

Funny that you mention Stephen King's On Writing. I did a lot of planning when I wrote my first book, and then I read King's book and decided to pants it for my second book. Surprisingly, it worked out better than expected. Since then, I've done a blend of planning and pantsing.

Somewhere between steps 3 and 5 is where I usually fail. If I were on that nightmare road trip, I would've pulled over long before you did! But thanks for the advice. I'll keep your trip in mind whenever I want to stop. :-)

Reply
KatielFrench
2/27/2013 10:22:39 am

H.S. I think I still have PTSD from that trip.:0)

Reply
Matthew Saunders
5/4/2013 05:15:51 am

I'm writing my first book, and getting a writing session started is the WORST! Every day I have to sit down and stare at those blank pages, telling myself I can't do it. So, instead I distract myself with the internet until I hate myself for not writing long enough to grab a coffee and force the words onto the keyboard no matter how much I don't want to. And once I FINALLY get started I can't stop writing, and it feels great. I guess writing is kind of a masochistic practice.

Anyway, thank you for this awesome post, Katie French. You don't know how many times I've read this just so I could pull myself out of that daily pit of unproductive self-hatred.

Reply
Aaron Jeremy
10/19/2021 06:29:14 pm

CHIEF DR LUCKY HERBAL THERAPY
Thank you very much for curing my Human Papillomavirus (HPV) totally. You are really a Godsent, I promise you that I will always recommend you. and to share your testimony to people. Contact him now thanks all.
CHIEF DR LUCKY HERBAL THERAPY CAN AS WELL CURE THE FOLLOWING VIRUSES :-
1: HIV/AIDS
2: HSV
3: LUPUS
4: ALS
5: HEPATITIS B
6: DIABETES
7: HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV)
8: CANCER
9: PAD
10: PENIS ENLARGEMENT
11: THYROID ETC..

WhatsApp him on +2348132777335 or email (chiefdrlucky@gmail.com).

Website: https://chiefdrluckyherbaltherapy.wordpress.com/

Http://facebook.com/chiefdrlucky

Reply
Isabella Lucas
11/4/2022 04:07:06 am

My ex-husband and I had always managed to stay friendly after our divorce in February 2017. But I always wanted to get back together with him, All it took was a visit to this spell casters website last December, because my dream was to start a new year with my husband, and live happily with him.. This spell caster requested a specific love spell for me and my husband, and I accepted it. And this powerful spell caster began to work his magic. And 48 hours after this spell caster worked for me, my husband called me back for us to be together again, and he was remorseful for all his wrong deeds. My spell is working because guess what: My “husband” is back and we are making preparations on how to go to court and withdraw our divorce papers ASAP. This is nothing short of a miracle. Thank you Dr Emu for your powerful spells. Words are not enough.
Email emutemple@gmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp +2347012841542.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Click here to be the first to know when my new books will be released. 
    Did you know Breeders 1, 2, and 3 are available on audio book? Get a 30 day free trial of Audible and listen to them for free! 

    Categories

    All
    Book News
    Interviews
    Marketing
    Promotions
    Publishing Journey
    Publishing Journey
    Reviews
    Self Publishing
    Self Publishing
    Writing Advice

    Archives

    June 2022
    September 2021
    July 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    October 2020
    August 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    September 2018
    May 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012


    Picture
    Katie French is the author of The Breeders, a Young Adult dystopian adventure and Eyes Ever to the Sky, a sci fi romance. Nessa: A Breeders Story, a prequel novelette is available on Amazon for FREE. Sign up for notifications, or like her on Facebook. 

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.