The Mountain of the First Draft.

I have wanted to be a writer for a long time but the hurdle of becoming a writer is that, at some point, you have to actually sit down and write a book.

Many people say that they’d like to write a book but few get through their first draft.

Ah yes, the dreaded first draft. I’ve been working on my manuscript for a long time and it’s been through many stages and false starts. I have an idea but getting it down on to the page terrifies me.

I’ve taken part in National Novel Writing Month for about five years now and it’s strange how differently I approach that challenge. As I know no one else is going to see my draft and that it IS just for me, I can write (my record was 23,000 words in one evening. A productive night that I, to this day, don’t know how I managed and have never since.)

However, when it comes to my current work in progress, I get into my own head and then get blocked. My main problem is that I expect too much of my first draft. I’m too quick to go to that delete button when I read back what I’ve written as I don’t feel it’s good enough. What I need to remember though is that, at this stage, quality doesn’t matter. It’s not going to be good. That’s the point of the first draft. It’s all about getting the idea down on the page and learning about “your style and voice.” Words I wish I could remember when I’m actually writing.

Many wonderful authors have given me advice; three pieces have particularly stuck with me. The first was from author Cecelia Ahern who told me to write for myself. Write the book I want to write. Margaret James has told me a couple of times to “just keep going.” Trisha Ashley likened the first draft to having a “shut door’ on your writing. When writing your first draft, look on it as writing in a room with the door shut. You are writing just for you. The second draft is for everyone else. I’ve written out these inspirational words and placed them near my computer for the moments when the first draft seems too overwhelming.

Anyone got any advice for writers who are working on their first drafts? What methods, routines or advice have worked for you?

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.