4 Week First Draft - Daily Update And Random Thoughts

Yesterday's writing progressed well. Again, what I do is write in sprints, usually 14 or 15 minutes at a time. I can write 1100 words in 28 minutes, so I try to stick to 14 minute sprints.

Make no mistake, this is first draft copy. Like Hemingway said, it's sh!t and, yeah, I can confirm that. But what I find totally surprising is the ideas that spring forth while I put the crap down. I've now developed a wicked subplot for my main character, Sissy, and and intriguing surprise that will be foisted on her later in the story :)

This is me tenting my fingers in anticipation...

It's clear as I write this novel that I'm getting faster at putting words down. When I think back to that first novel (the one that shall never see the light of day) and my other first novel that I actually published, I'm reminded of the painstaking effort it took to write. I see this too with my novel workshop writers... they struggle over every word in the first draft.

I suppose it comes down to developing an effective mindset to writing 5,000 words or more per day... one that doesn't fuss about spelling or punctuation or even the best way to weave a line. That heavier work comes after the first draft is done, and that's how I wrote The Quantum Awakening once the first draft was completed.

Truth is, we must all find what works for us. And I'm thrilled I've learned how to write quickly, with a story that has been well-planned (even though it morphs along the way).

​What works for you?