ONC 2024 : 9

Fast Drafting

If you don’t know what is fast drafting, fast drafting is a writing technique that involves quickly producing a draft of a story or novella within a compressed timeframe. The goal is to overcome perfectionism and self-editing tendencies, allowing the writer to generate a complete draft more efficiently. Here are some tips to perform fast drafting:

Know your deadlines and daily word counts: (which is especially useful for ONC)Understand the overall timeline for your writing project, including any submission deadlines.Break down the total word count goal into daily or weekly targets to stay on track.Having a clear schedule helps you manage your time effectively and ensures steady progress.Plan out your novella as much as possible: (try your best)Create a detailed outline or plan for your novella before starting the fast drafting process.Having a roadmap helps you stay focused and reduces the chances of getting stuck during the writing process.Outline major plot points, character arcs, and key scenes to guide your writing.Stick to your routine: (it’s hard, I know but let’s try it out)Establish a writing routine that fits your schedule and energy levels.Consistency is crucial in fast drafting, so allocate dedicated time each day to focus on your writing (15mins, 30mins or an hour).Minimize distractions during your writing sessions to maximize productivity.Try word sprints: (finding that buddy really helps. I know mine really helped)Word sprints involve setting a specific time (e.g., 15, 30, or 60 minutes) and challenging yourself to write as much as possible during that period.Engaging in word sprints can boost your writing speed and help you overcome mental blocks.Find a writing community/buddy or use online tools that offer word sprint challenges for added motivation. (Easy and achievable – Set a timer with your phone).Use placeholders if you must:If you get stuck on a particular scene or can’t find the right words, use placeholders like [INSERT DESCRIPTION HERE] (I usually put an asterisk sign * and move on. I will use the search function, to go back later to edit).The goal is to keep the momentum going during the drafting phase, and you can come back later to refine or fill in the gaps.Don’t let perfectionism hinder your progress; focus on completing the draft first.

By incorporating these tips into your fast drafting process, you can enhance your productivity, meet deadlines, and successfully navigate the challenges of writing a novella within a condensed timeframe.

.

If you’re interested in checking out my story, here’s the link to my story on Wattpad : Oxy-Gen