We've all heard of fasting. You know, going without food for xyz period of time. Yeah, but that's not the fasting I'm talking about today. It's actually the total opposite. Fasting as in I'm gonna speed through this draft, kind of fasting it is what I mean.
I must completely draft book II in my MG series over the next four weeks, which means consuming more wordage in a short period of time than I've ever done before.
Feeling a little stressed and insecure, am I? Why yes, thank you for asking. But I'm also feeling empowered.
Writing is like everything else in life. It's an opportunity to grow and learn more about ourselves as individuals and our place in the grand tapestry of existence. How will I ever grow if I won't push myself? I won't. I'm at a stage in my writing life where it's time I reach for that next hurdle and become more. A lot of pulled muscles and grumbling may be involved, but I'll heal. So if I'm a tad scarce over the next few weeks this is the reason. Feel free to drop by any of my social media outlets to offer a word of advice, encouragement, or even some cyber chocolate. Wine works, too.
Anyone ever fast drafted a novel? How long did it really take you for how much wordage? Any tips?
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.
No, I never could fast draft a novel. I'm the slowest first drafter ever. Glad you're working and being so productive and pushing yourself as a writer.
Yeah, but I think I made it sound easier than it is. Fast drafting is sooooooooooo out of my comfort zone. I like perfect (#mybad) and leaving misspelled words and such is driving me nuts. But I need to flush this second story out, so I can let it sit for a month. And then edit the #$%^^ out of it. :)
I've done it for two different NaNo-type events, but I still had a couple more weeks of writing to actually finish once the month ended. Just hope you don't type as slow as I do.
Go Girl!! I'm giving myself more challenges this year to raise my level. It is exciting and I love the word 'empowering' as well as being 'accountable', both of which I intend to practice more. I'm sending chocolate and wine across through the ether. Have Fun!!!
Good luck with completing your draft. I know you can do it! I've never fast drafted. But this April, since I'm not doing A to Z, I'm going to try it with the next book in my series.
No never have fast drafted. Have enough trouble just getting a finished draft, lol. Cheering you on and wishing you the best of luck. Happy Writing Juneta Writer's Gambit
Hi Sheri - I think you'll be pushing your own buttons and that will get the job done - being busy is the best thing .. then things happen - good luck .. cheers Hilary
I might be joining you this month for "fasting." I've tried the slow method, but it's time to kick it up a notch! I think you have to shut down some social media outlets and just say no to other things to get it done! Let's do this.
I've written a novel, revision included, within 2 months. Basically, I did nothing else. If you have a clear vision it's easier. I jot little outlines of my chapter, so I have a focus. Chapter objective, character goal for the chapter, obstacle, outcome, cymbal crash. Sometimes that little outline changes, but it gives me a place to start. You can do it!
I've tried fast drafting, but about halfway through I start getting so far off where I know it needs to be that I just give up. Instead I take ages figuring out a story mentally and then doing an outline. (And still I sometimes change things in the middle, but then I stop and re-outline before continuing.) I'm not a person who can write well with a deadline or enjoy getting locked into a series or you-have-to-write-this-story type thing -- so I guess it's lucky I never got a publishing deal. But I'm a weirdo and most people find they write better with a deadline. Wishing you loads of good luck and gallons of coffee!!
You've got the right attitude! Good luck with the fast draft. My record for one year during NaNoWriMo was two weeks. That was about 5,000 words a day. I've not done it that fast again, but eliminating distractions and fueling up on chocolate helped!
Wow. Good on you. I agree. The only way we can grow sometimes is by pushing ourselves beyond our normal comfort zones! http://www.yvettecarol.wordpress.com
Sounds like you'll do great with the "fasting." You've thought it all out. I fast drafted one of the stories I'm working on now. It was fun and took a couple of weeks. Now, I'm revising slowly. But that's me, always move like a turtle. Best of luck to you.
I haven't fast drafted anything yet. I'm trying to get my plan laid out first, that way I can fast draft without having to think up what is going to come next.
I fast drafted Book 4 in my series. It took A LOT longer than 4 weeks to get 3/4 of the way through, which was all I needed. I had only been asked to produce an outline, but my outline got stuck 1/3 of the way through the story and I needed to WRITE to figure it out. That's just the way I work!
After 3/4 of my draft was completed, I had enough strong plot points to write an outline. The upside of fast drafting is that if the publishers say YES, I can start from the beginning and REVISE, which is my favorite thing to do!
Banned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.
No, I never could fast draft a novel. I'm the slowest first drafter ever. Glad you're working and being so productive and pushing yourself as a writer.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but I think I made it sound easier than it is. Fast drafting is sooooooooooo out of my comfort zone. I like perfect (#mybad) and leaving misspelled words and such is driving me nuts. But I need to flush this second story out, so I can let it sit for a month. And then edit the #$%^^ out of it. :)
DeleteI can fast draft a non-fiction book, but my fiction ones all take at least six months. Good luck and keep coffee handy.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I made a full pot!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts indeed, warm greetings.
ReplyDeleteI've never fast drafted a book. Sounds intriguing, though. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteI've done it for two different NaNo-type events, but I still had a couple more weeks of writing to actually finish once the month ended. Just hope you don't type as slow as I do.
ReplyDeleteGo Girl!! I'm giving myself more challenges this year to raise my level. It is exciting and I love the word 'empowering' as well as being 'accountable', both of which I intend to practice more. I'm sending chocolate and wine across through the ether. Have Fun!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with completing your draft. I know you can do it! I've never fast drafted. But this April, since I'm not doing A to Z, I'm going to try it with the next book in my series.
ReplyDeleteNo never have fast drafted. Have enough trouble just getting a finished draft, lol. Cheering you on and wishing you the best of luck. Happy Writing
ReplyDeleteJuneta Writer's Gambit
Hi Sheri - I think you'll be pushing your own buttons and that will get the job done - being busy is the best thing .. then things happen - good luck .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteYour definition of fasting made me smile. Good luck getting the writing done. Sending a box of virtual chocolates!
ReplyDeleteI might be joining you this month for "fasting." I've tried the slow method, but it's time to kick it up a notch! I think you have to shut down some social media outlets and just say no to other things to get it done! Let's do this.
ReplyDeleteI've written a novel, revision included, within 2 months. Basically, I did nothing else. If you have a clear vision it's easier. I jot little outlines of my chapter, so I have a focus. Chapter objective, character goal for the chapter, obstacle, outcome, cymbal crash. Sometimes that little outline changes, but it gives me a place to start. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteI've tried fast drafting, but about halfway through I start getting so far off where I know it needs to be that I just give up. Instead I take ages figuring out a story mentally and then doing an outline. (And still I sometimes change things in the middle, but then I stop and re-outline before continuing.) I'm not a person who can write well with a deadline or enjoy getting locked into a series or you-have-to-write-this-story type thing -- so I guess it's lucky I never got a publishing deal. But I'm a weirdo and most people find they write better with a deadline. Wishing you loads of good luck and gallons of coffee!!
ReplyDeleteFasting seems like the perfect answer to getting the job done. Good luck, not that you'll need it. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
It sounds like you've got your head in the right place! You can do it! Chocolate is on the virtual way!
ReplyDeleteOkay, now what's a #wordsprint or #wordwar? I'm too curious!
Heather
You've got the right attitude! Good luck with the fast draft. My record for one year during NaNoWriMo was two weeks. That was about 5,000 words a day. I've not done it that fast again, but eliminating distractions and fueling up on chocolate helped!
ReplyDeleteWow. Good on you. I agree. The only way we can grow sometimes is by pushing ourselves beyond our normal comfort zones!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.yvettecarol.wordpress.com
Sounds like you'll do great with the "fasting." You've thought it all out. I fast drafted one of the stories I'm working on now. It was fun and took a couple of weeks. Now, I'm revising slowly. But that's me, always move like a turtle. Best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to "fast" for the year. With a 60k word count goal every month. I'm already behind BUT...
ReplyDelete1) Never stop. Even if you're behind.
2) Write a little bit every day even if it's not enough for your daily goal.
You'll still get closer to finishing this way.
I haven't fast drafted anything yet. I'm trying to get my plan laid out first, that way I can fast draft without having to think up what is going to come next.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck! Hope your next for weeks work well!
I fast drafted Book 4 in my series. It took A LOT longer than 4 weeks to get 3/4 of the way through, which was all I needed. I had only been asked to produce an outline, but my outline got stuck 1/3 of the way through the story and I needed to WRITE to figure it out. That's just the way I work!
ReplyDeleteAfter 3/4 of my draft was completed, I had enough strong plot points to write an outline. The upside of fast drafting is that if the publishers say YES, I can start from the beginning and REVISE, which is my favorite thing to do!
I love fast drafting. For me the ideas and the story flow better when I fast draft. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBanned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)
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