Tips for Fiction Drafting
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Drafting is an essential part of the fiction writing journey but not everyone knows what they’re doing when they sit down to write a book. When you sit down to write a novel or memoir, it can be tempting to dive straight into your story without much preparation. However, in order to create a well-crafted and cohesive narrative, taking the time to plan your first draft is crucial. In this article, I’ll explore the role of drafting in fiction writing, and provide you with tips and tools to successfully write a first manuscript for your book idea.
The Importance of Drafting
Drafting is the foundation upon which your novel is built. It's where you organize your thoughts, engage in character development, and map out your story. Without a solid first draft, revising and self-editing your novel will be much more difficult. The drafting stage is the time to experiment and explore, to play with different plot points and character arcs. Drafting allows you to make mistakes and learn from them, or to explore themes and perspectives you might not have otherwise discovered. When you approach drafting with an open mind and a willingness to revise, in the spirit of progress, rather than perfection, you set yourself up for success.
How to Approach Drafting a Novel
Approaching drafting can be overwhelming, but breaking writing a first draft down into manageable steps can make the process much easier. Start with a brainstorming session to jot down any story ideas that come to mind. This is not the time to make judgments about your output, but to see if your book idea has enough substance to carry a novel-length execution. From there, create a novel outline or a story framework to organize your story. Set achievable daily or weekly writing goals, and stick to them. Treat your writing like a job and hold yourself accountable for meeting your goals, even though a daily habit might put too much pressure on you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as they often lead to breakthroughs in your writing.
Completing a first draft can seem like an insurmountable task, but breaking it down into smaller steps can make it more manageable. During the drafting process, focus on telling your story rather than perfecting your writing style or messing around too much on the sentence level. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or take your story in a new direction if needed, especially if your writing intuition is sending you signals. Once your draft is complete, take a break before diving into revisions.
Drafting Tools and Troubleshooting Tips
When you’re drafting, it's important to have the right tools at your disposal. A writing notebook or software is essential for jotting down ideas and organizing your story. Scrivener is a popular software for novelists, as it allows you to outline your ideas in one place, as well as drafting right in the same document. Additionally, a timer or productivity app can help you stay focused and motivated. Tools like Grammarly can also be helpful for catching errors and improving your writing. Nothing can replace a critique partner or freelance editor for feedback, but the more organized you can be during the drafting phase, the easier it will be to invite someone to your document for writing notes down the road, and to revise the project.
Writer's block is a common issue that many writers face during the drafting process. When faced with writer's block, try changing your environment, taking a break, or freewriting to get unstuck. Another common issue is that your story may not feel cohesive or connected, especially when you’re initially drafting. To address this, try revising your novel outline, or consider rewriting certain scenes. Remember, revisions are where the real work happens, so don't worry too much about getting everything perfect in your first draft.
Drafting is a vital part of writing a novel. It allows you to experiment and explore your story so that you ensure there’s a “there there.” By approaching drafting with an open mind and a willingness to revise later, once you’ve hammered out all of the components of your story, you set yourself up for success. Use the writing tools and tips here to help you complete your first draft, and remember, revisions are where the real magic happens.
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