Thanks so much for all of your kind words in my last post. Dealing with grief is tough, but we're coping. Mostly :)
I'm having a blast with my new NaNo draft. As of October 31st, I didn't have a clue who my characters were or what their story was, but it's flowing!
Writing first drafts is my absolute favourite part of the writing journey. And, as an added bonus, I'm getting better at them. Usually I have a bit more of a foundation to start with. I don't outline, but I generally have a solid idea of who my characters are, what drives them, what's holding them back, and how they need to grow.
I also usually know (in the loosest sense of the word) my ending. Definitely a bonus (for me) of writing romance is I know the end goal before I write a single word. I want my characters to grow enough to be able to trust another person with their heart.
Sounds simple, which is where the internal and external conflicts come into play - and where the fun is to be had!
So, I'm having a fabulous time watching both of my characters work hard to hide their pasts and shield their hearts, knowing it's not going to do them a bit of good in the long run!
What's your favourite thing about the writing stage you're at right now? Are you a first draft fan too? If you're doing NaNo too, I'm jemifraser over there if you want to buddy up!
29 comments:
It was so interesting reading your post today, Jemi. First drafts are the hardest part for me. Even if I think I know where I'm going, looking at the white screen/blank piece of paper in front of me is daunting. But I love editing - taking what I've written and shaping it so it's even better.
I'm with Beth. First drafts are really hard for me even knowing where my story is going. I love editing so much more.
I outline to death and know my ending in full detail - and I still hate writing the first draft. Editing and revising is much more enjoyable for me.
But if you are rocking it, then enjoy!
I missed your post, and just caught up...hugs to you, Jemi!
Good luck with NaNo! I'm like you...the nice thing about my genre is that I know the bad guy will be caught, just like you know the couple in question will get together. It's nice at least knowing the ending!
The fun of first drafts to me is the rush of ideas to page. When it's going well, it's like running full speed down a hill. I've been keeping tabs on your word count over there and you're kicking my butt--keep it up!
I enjoy first drafts. Everything is so fresh at that point.
I love revising my first draft. Finishing up one this week and then I have to fix it up. A lot.
Beth - and that's the part that terrifies me! Although I'm getting better at that :)
Natalie - I'm learning to not hate editing/revising but it's been a slow go :)
Alex - I'm not sure I'd bother writing the story if I knew it all in advance :)
Thanks Elizabeth! And that's exactly it - having that ending in sight makes drafting good!
Jeff - I've had some good days! I know I won't have a computer this weekend, so I'm banking words now! :)
Diane - exactly! And there's no worry about much :)
Susan - I'm getting more comfortable with revising - still makes me nervous! :)
I am glad to hear that NaNo is going so well! How exciting that the writing is flowing. :) I like writing the first draft too!
Good luck!
~Jess
I love first drafts! I use an outline, but I like to give the story enough room to turn in different directions and surprise me. :)
I hate first drafts!!! Ugh!!! I LOVE revising… first drafts are torture and revising is where the beauty happens, LOL… Good luck with NaNo… <3
Jess - there's nothing like the freedom of it!
Shelley - I wish I could figure out how to outline better - I keep trying! :)
Morgan - love it!! this is exactly why there is no Right Way to Write! :)
I'm an every draft fan, currently in the editing stages. Hey, you can us that last paragraph as part of your synopsis or a tag line ... both of my characters work hard to hide their pasts and shield their hearts, knowing it's not going to do them a bit of good in the long run!
I'm in the prewriting stage. It's easier than first draft :)
I have a love/hate relationship with first drafts.
Stephen - oooh! I never thought of that - that's a great suggestion. Thanks! :)
Carol - I need to get a prewriting stage! :)
I'm in the final proofing and polishing stage on my current story and getting excited at the prospect of that next first draft.
Hi Jemi,
Yay, I'm here! :)
May you continue to cope and I know the power of the written word is a valuable, positive resource.
You immerse yourself in the characters. That's the way forward, my delightful friend.
My writing stage is enhanced by the ongoing encouragement of a very patient superstar dog :)
I shall make no mention of NaNo! Doh!
Gary :)
Linda - so exciting! Have fun :)
Gary - thank you! No NaNo for you :) So glad to see Penny is feeling better and stronger!
That's wonderful. I enjoy drafting, but I had to put two projects to the side because of editing and promoting.
If I ever join NaNo, I'll look you up.
Thanks Medeia! You're such a prolific writer!! :)
Hmm ... I was sure I commented on this post. Clearly I have lost my mind!
Yes, I like first drafts too, Jemi. It's the time when a writer is the most excited. Ideas flow and energy is high. Then the editing comes around and it's like wading through mud. Oh well, it's all part of the fun :)
Wendy - nope, no mind lost! Just blogger protecting me from spammers adding comments on posts more than a week old. Got you now, though!!
That's exactly it! I'm learning to enjoy the revising stages, but first drafts are definitely me first love! :)
Sounds like you're acing the challenge, plus having loads of fun, Jemi!
Thanks Michelle - not sure about the acing, but I'm having fun!
Hi Jemi. Sorry to hear about your sad news. Death is one sure way to lose your writing fire, at least temporarily.
I signed up to NaNo, deliberately knowing I wouldn't get anywhere near finished (like you, I'm drowning in first drafts from previous NaNos), but it is a good way to get a story idea onto the page. I din't get time to outline, so I keep stopping to outline...bah!
I wish you well. Whether you finish or not is not the question. You're writing, and that's the important thing.
Denise :)
Denise - thank you. That's how I'm feeling now. Getting some creativity back is helping all the way around :)
Fingers crossed you get that draft done on time, but don't forget to relax and enjoy Thanksgiving!
I'm a little late, but I'm so, so sorry about your loss. It sounds like you've been able to bury yourself in writing somewhat, which is a perfect distraction. Still, I'm sending you hugs!
Catherine - I'm almost there! We already had our Thanksgiving, but I'm planning on enjoying yours as well :)
Caryn - thank you! I appreciate the hugs - they do indeed help :)
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