A friend who is a professional script writer gave me the following advice. When you are drafting, first write "scenes" that interest you, and write them in any old order. Some may be useful for this project, or others down the line.
In writing a scene, populate it with characters (superficial at first) and their motivations (don't worry too much about what they look like). Describe the surroundings briefly. What is it about the place that makes characters comfortable or uneasy. What barriers and threats come from this scene that block one or more characters.
Then when you have a load of scenes at this stage, place them in some kind of order and voila you have the spine of a plot!
Now, I can't yet say that this has worked for me, as my first project is a memoir. Mind you, my life feels like a novel or a movie and unwittingly the chapters (scenes) didn't come to me in chronological order (that came later).
Thanks Gary! And great tip! Following your enthusiasm or excitement when getting started and just writing what you want to write works well for me in drafting too
I taught undergrad writing in the spring, and the one senior in a class a freshmen (don't ask) told me he didn't like doing rough drafts. I required them as part of their major papers. This did not make sense to me. I was not grading their drafts, mainly it was to ensure that they weren't leaving everything until the last minute and had some direction with their papers. Plus, I could offer them feedback and answer questions if they had any. To not want to do a rough draft was an anathema to me.
I've since read about how some folks with autism or ADHD find it more stressful to complete something they know is 'bad' or incomplete and have it then read. I'm much more empathetic to this now, but I do think there is benefit in a rough draft. Get something down on the page. Anything. The biggest hurdle is starting, and I still think there's such freedom in letting yourself write without expectations and letting yourself be bad.
"What I learned from writing a novel is that there is so much beauty in discovery. There is so much joy in coming to the page with playfulness."
I'm about to start writing a fantasy novel (my first novel attempt in over 4 years, my first fantasy story since I was a teenager!) and that quote above is EXACTLY how I've been approaching it. I, too, had a plot come and slap me right across the face. It's exhilarating when that happens, but also a little daunting. Can I make it as good as it is in my head? Am I worthy of this idea?
Congratulations on finishing your first novel, and I wish you only the best as you explore novel #2! Never lose the fun. <3
I have so many things I want to respond to! First of all, nothing beats that confidence and momentum you get after publishing your first! So relatable. You know you can do it and that removes some of the pressure itself. I felt the same thing after my first and I still feel the momentum carrying my as I write my next lol
And I also found myself in research overload mode while writing book 1. Knowing that others go through that too means, I assume, that we just try to gather as much info as possible since we’re in such unfamiliar territory, but it can really counterintuitively slow the process.
Kailey, I really needed to read this! I'm currently writing that plotless first draft and boy, it's so full of holes it doesn't even resemble a draft right now. It's more like a bunch of missing pieces from different puzzles, all together in a box. It's hard to accept it for what it is as a first time writer who isn't used to making things that feel so incomplete, so it's tempting to start over and over again. Your essay was a reminder to trust myself, my Great Creator and the process a little more.
Marta, Im so happy this resonates with you. And also big love for starting a first draft! No small feat! I totally understand what you mean about working on something where you don’t get that satisfaction of it being complete (Im still there as I just got my first round of edits from my agent haha) but the only way out is through! 😄 keep going ✨💕
I love this, Kailey! When I wrote my first novel, I micro-edited my way through the first draft. By the end, it had lost all momentum. It didn't feel like mine. The second time was totally different. I wrote a quick draft in three months and I got to capture exactly the story I wanted to. It was a delight, and even the editing was fun. I know everyone's process is different, but I know I'll never again forgo my precious SFD. :)
It’s really good. It starts with some free writing to get your ideas flowing then it leads you through a loose form of the 3 act structure while keeping you encouraged to write as much as you can each day. Ottessa Moshfegh has talked about using it!
Oh man nothing kills my creativity and drive like perfectionism! Overcoming it is actually the whole reason I started my stack. Loved this read! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Kailey. This is so encouraging and helpful! I have been going through the same journey for years. Next step; get The 90-Day Novel!
Terrific information. So many young writers haven’t a clue about the writing process. I finally get it—after years of rewriting and revision and reviving myself—I know that learning how the process works is definitely the key. A medal to all who survive writing a novel. Continued luck! 🙏
Thanks Kailey,
So much of this rings true and is so helpful.
A friend who is a professional script writer gave me the following advice. When you are drafting, first write "scenes" that interest you, and write them in any old order. Some may be useful for this project, or others down the line.
In writing a scene, populate it with characters (superficial at first) and their motivations (don't worry too much about what they look like). Describe the surroundings briefly. What is it about the place that makes characters comfortable or uneasy. What barriers and threats come from this scene that block one or more characters.
Then when you have a load of scenes at this stage, place them in some kind of order and voila you have the spine of a plot!
Now, I can't yet say that this has worked for me, as my first project is a memoir. Mind you, my life feels like a novel or a movie and unwittingly the chapters (scenes) didn't come to me in chronological order (that came later).
I really like what you are doing on Substack.
Cheers
Gary
Thanks Gary! And great tip! Following your enthusiasm or excitement when getting started and just writing what you want to write works well for me in drafting too
We also seem to share the walking thing!
I taught undergrad writing in the spring, and the one senior in a class a freshmen (don't ask) told me he didn't like doing rough drafts. I required them as part of their major papers. This did not make sense to me. I was not grading their drafts, mainly it was to ensure that they weren't leaving everything until the last minute and had some direction with their papers. Plus, I could offer them feedback and answer questions if they had any. To not want to do a rough draft was an anathema to me.
I've since read about how some folks with autism or ADHD find it more stressful to complete something they know is 'bad' or incomplete and have it then read. I'm much more empathetic to this now, but I do think there is benefit in a rough draft. Get something down on the page. Anything. The biggest hurdle is starting, and I still think there's such freedom in letting yourself write without expectations and letting yourself be bad.
"What I learned from writing a novel is that there is so much beauty in discovery. There is so much joy in coming to the page with playfulness."
I'm about to start writing a fantasy novel (my first novel attempt in over 4 years, my first fantasy story since I was a teenager!) and that quote above is EXACTLY how I've been approaching it. I, too, had a plot come and slap me right across the face. It's exhilarating when that happens, but also a little daunting. Can I make it as good as it is in my head? Am I worthy of this idea?
Congratulations on finishing your first novel, and I wish you only the best as you explore novel #2! Never lose the fun. <3
How exciting, Paige! Keep going! Definitely worthy of the idea :) Writing fantasy sounds so fun!
I have so many things I want to respond to! First of all, nothing beats that confidence and momentum you get after publishing your first! So relatable. You know you can do it and that removes some of the pressure itself. I felt the same thing after my first and I still feel the momentum carrying my as I write my next lol
And I also found myself in research overload mode while writing book 1. Knowing that others go through that too means, I assume, that we just try to gather as much info as possible since we’re in such unfamiliar territory, but it can really counterintuitively slow the process.
Anyway, really enjoyed the read!
I also love to hear Im not alone in the info overload!
Kailey, I really needed to read this! I'm currently writing that plotless first draft and boy, it's so full of holes it doesn't even resemble a draft right now. It's more like a bunch of missing pieces from different puzzles, all together in a box. It's hard to accept it for what it is as a first time writer who isn't used to making things that feel so incomplete, so it's tempting to start over and over again. Your essay was a reminder to trust myself, my Great Creator and the process a little more.
Marta, Im so happy this resonates with you. And also big love for starting a first draft! No small feat! I totally understand what you mean about working on something where you don’t get that satisfaction of it being complete (Im still there as I just got my first round of edits from my agent haha) but the only way out is through! 😄 keep going ✨💕
I love this, Kailey! When I wrote my first novel, I micro-edited my way through the first draft. By the end, it had lost all momentum. It didn't feel like mine. The second time was totally different. I wrote a quick draft in three months and I got to capture exactly the story I wanted to. It was a delight, and even the editing was fun. I know everyone's process is different, but I know I'll never again forgo my precious SFD. :)
So happy to hear this resonates! And love that your process shifted similarly:)
Thanks for sharing all of this, Kailey! I'm going to look for the 90-Day Novel!
Ooo! If you get it, let me know what you think!
ordering 90-day novel rn!!! always find your posts so helpful/inspiring :)
Yay!! Let me know what you think!
Love this. I can’t wait to hear how the drafting goes! I haven’t read the book about writing a novel in 90 days but I am curious now 🧐
It’s really good. It starts with some free writing to get your ideas flowing then it leads you through a loose form of the 3 act structure while keeping you encouraged to write as much as you can each day. Ottessa Moshfegh has talked about using it!
I’m going to check it out!
Oh man nothing kills my creativity and drive like perfectionism! Overcoming it is actually the whole reason I started my stack. Loved this read! Thank you!
Refreshing as always, you rally hope. I can’t wait to hear more about novel #2!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Kailey. This is so encouraging and helpful! I have been going through the same journey for years. Next step; get The 90-Day Novel!
Terrific information. So many young writers haven’t a clue about the writing process. I finally get it—after years of rewriting and revision and reviving myself—I know that learning how the process works is definitely the key. A medal to all who survive writing a novel. Continued luck! 🙏