Love this article and thanks for addressing my comment! I'm currently on a first draft (actually, half a dozen, but let not go down that tunnel) and I have to keep reminding myself that this isn't the final product (nowhere near) and that's okay.
I also see vivid, fully formed scenes long before I write them, as if the film is already playing in my mind. The challenge, of course, is translating that clarity onto the page. I find the idea of drafting it first as a screenplay, then using that structure to guide the prose, particularly interesting. I love writing screenplays as well, so it feels like a natural approach. I think I will have to try it.
The first draft I type out is usually not too far from the final version. However, I write it many, many times in my head before I touch a keyboard or pen, usually when I should be doing something else.
I love love love this!! I am not currently in the middle of a first draft (as in, not actively working, I have like 20 abandoned ones lol) but I'm going to save to reread it when I do work on a new project, it's so comforting <3
“I accept it is messy. I accept it’s half the length I want it to be.” - this is SO helpful to hear :) But I must know, how do you then approach the second draft?
It’s so impressive that you write your first drafts on colored paper iiiii love that
I’d be so grateful if u did a post on how you move on to your second drafts (which usually means cutting scenes or reordering them completely) that’s where I’m stuck on my novel lol I don’t even know how to approach it 🙃🙂
Inspiring words and something I need to remember when I can't see the wood for the trees in the valley...
Make sure you do <3
I love this idea of writing on a colorful paper :) and in general writing by hand
I swear by it <3
Oooh I love this. You certainly produce immaculate vibes 🫡
Awh thank you <3 so glad you enjoyed!
Love this article and thanks for addressing my comment! I'm currently on a first draft (actually, half a dozen, but let not go down that tunnel) and I have to keep reminding myself that this isn't the final product (nowhere near) and that's okay.
You’re so welcome ❤️🔥 you got this though! It’s a marathon not a sprint 😇
I also see vivid, fully formed scenes long before I write them, as if the film is already playing in my mind. The challenge, of course, is translating that clarity onto the page. I find the idea of drafting it first as a screenplay, then using that structure to guide the prose, particularly interesting. I love writing screenplays as well, so it feels like a natural approach. I think I will have to try it.
The first draft I type out is usually not too far from the final version. However, I write it many, many times in my head before I touch a keyboard or pen, usually when I should be doing something else.
I love this!
When you're starting to write, do you map out what happens on the timeline, or write anything about the characters to get to know them better?
I’m a little bit in the middle of- half plan, half not! I talk about that in the Substack post above :)
Still scared by this mess, but this is uplifting. Thanks a lot!
❤️🔥
I love love love this!! I am not currently in the middle of a first draft (as in, not actively working, I have like 20 abandoned ones lol) but I'm going to save to reread it when I do work on a new project, it's so comforting <3
You got this 🥹❤️🔥
plant some seeds, watch how (or if) they grow!
"I accept it is messy" - good advice, thanks for sharing, a nice read here!
Glad you enjoyed <3
The image-first approach resonates so much. I get the same flashes of detail that shape the scene. Damn writing is so fun.
“I accept it is messy. I accept it’s half the length I want it to be.” - this is SO helpful to hear :) But I must know, how do you then approach the second draft?
It’s so impressive that you write your first drafts on colored paper iiiii love that
I’d be so grateful if u did a post on how you move on to your second drafts (which usually means cutting scenes or reordering them completely) that’s where I’m stuck on my novel lol I don’t even know how to approach it 🙃🙂
This is the motivation i needed.
Great tips!