Letter to your First Draft

This is a version of Writings on the wall. When I am frustrated with a scene, a chapter, a character, a part of the writing process I tend to write letters in my journal to get it out. I naturally do the same with celebrities, it's something I love to do! So today I decided to share one I wrote to my first draft.

First draft,

Take it easy, I'm not used to being in the driver seat (people say it's unsafe). So hear I sit with a good idea (trust me I can see those from a mile away). The problem is that I've written ten thousand words and my main character decides she doesn't want to fall in love with Paul (this will not end well).

Who said she got to decide? I'm the writer, I should get the final say. After all, she wants bad boy Blake and he's not right for her. She insists he's going to change (but we all know he won't). She has the audacity to stomp her feet and tells me to make him perfect in the end complete with his bad boy image (which we know is impossible)!

Her parents would never approve nor would I. Disaster has officially struck and it'd be nice if you'd quit dragging your feet and talk some since into Hannah. Since she doesn't like listening to the writer I'm leaving it to you to tell her to end up with Paul.

Don't talk to me until it's finished, Jen

Finishing the First Draft

Something I've always done well is finishing the first draft, the process is simple for me.

I have an idea.
I let it marinate (plot in my head).
I sit and write.
My life is consumed until it's complete.

1st novel written (5 weeks), 2nd novel written (14 days), 3rd novel written (5 days).

So here are tips to help you finish writing your novel.

1. Set aside a time to write and keep it sacred. (I make time, my mind and the story consume my brain until it's written. I write until my fingers are about to fall off).

2. Remove all distractions while you write. (this insures you get the most out of the time. I fall victim to distractions but when I'm in the moment nothing stops me.)

3. Outline your plot. (I added this for those who struggle with their thoughts. Write them down, get the story set up before you begin.)

4. Avoid the intimidation of a blank computer screen. (Key: Just write)

5. Keep a draft mentality. (This is a draft. Several writers revise and write, revise and write, but when you're just looking to finish a draft, put that revise mentality in the back of your mind and Just Write.)

6. Don't feel compelled to begin at the beginning. (for NaNo writers I'm not sure this would work, but if you're just looking to start writing, start where you feel is right.)

7. Organize your chapters, especially if you are not going to write in order. (If writing out of order this will work for you a lot more!)

8. Don't be afraid of putting yourself out there. (sharing work will change your life!)

9. Only you can determine when you are finished. (When it's done it's done. Don't let anyone tell you, only you really know.)

10. Make up your mind to finish your novel, and you can do it. The only thing standing in the way is you.

For more tips in detail visit this link.

Have any other thoughts you'd like to share? Any other tips?