Just Do It
Last week, I talked about writing a quick first draft. Today, I want to look at that process a little more closely.
Some of the things you do when writing a speedy first draft are no different than when you write anything else. Set aside a specific time and place in which to work. Pick a time when you have the space to yourself. Avoid any interruptions or distractions. Keep all this in mind as we look at some ideas for taking a deep dive into your fictional world.
Get comfy
Before you begin, make sure you have everything at hand that you’re going to need. Adjust your seat, desk, lighting, etc. so everything works for you. You don’t want to lose your train of thought by getting a back pain because your chair is an, uh, pain. Adjustable chairs are great, but cushions can be helpful too, if you need back support.
Yes, you can wear your lucky hat if you need, but if you find you have to keep adjusting it, you’ll have to learn to do without. Maybe just put it on the shelf so it can smile benignly at you as you create your masterpiece.
Avoid distractions
Do not bring snacks, drinks, or anything else that may distract you into your writing area. Most of us will think about what happens next while we dip our coffee. The idea here is to move quickly. Don’t second-guess yourself. Just keep going. Promise yourself a snack when you’re done. That said, I wouldn’t try to force myself to work for too-long periods. Half-an-hour to an hour is probably best. You can probably manage to go without coffee for that long. Oh, stop whining. Of course you can! Also, if the work is going well, you can decide to keep going as long as you want. You also need to turn off your phone, the TV, and anything else that might invade your thoughts.
Music
If you really have to have music while you write, at least make sure you set up enough pieces that will keep you going during your writing session. You don’t want to have to turn the record over when you’re only half-way there. What do you mean, people don’t listen to records any more?
I recently discovered this classical music for writing on YouTube. It lasts two hours, which should be as much time as you need. You might enjoy putting together your own compilation, if your tastes run to jazz, rock, or something else. But there’s a lot to be said for silence, too.
Remind yourself that you’re working on a rough draft
One thing I find helpful when I’m working on a quickie first draft is to use a different font and colour. I like Ariel 14 in blue or purple because it is easy to read when I come to the rewrite. If you prefer to write by hand, use a different ink colour. It sends a message to your brain that this is just a first draft so you don’t need to fuss over it. It may take you a few days to get used to this being a draft, but once it sinks it, it will really loosen up those brain cells. Are loose brain cells a good thing? For the sake of argument, let’s say they are.
Eschew perfection
Don’t expect perfection or anything like it. All that matters is words on the page. Whether you organise your time by the clock or by wordcount, just keep going until you reach your goal. Don’t stop to correct mistakes, to look up a spelling, or research something. You’re only job is to put the words down. If you use a computer, disengage all the grammar- and spell-checks. They will only distract you from the task at hand.
Finally
The bad first draft is a stereotype for a good reason. Don’t even look at it again after you’ve written the whole thing. You may need to check where you left off by reviewing the paragraph before, but otherwise just keep going. Don’t worry about it being a hopeless muddle. All first drafts are, at least to some degree. Do not stop for anything. Okay, maybe if the house is on fire, but barring all genuine disasters, just keep going.
Photo by Geri
