I’m doing something a little different when it comes to writing this November. One of my friends in my writing group suggested extending my draft-writing through January, making a complete draft in three months rather than a partial draft in one. I am writing a non-fiction book this time, so more research will be involved while writing, but here goes!
First, prep.
I partially skipped this step because I’ve been working really hard to get this business thing called Hannah Marie. Artwork up and running. I do have about thirty-five pages of notes so far. At least that’s something. For more on previous October Preps, I’ve detailed it in one of my other blogs.
Second, create a calendar.
This is my favorite part of prepping, so I spent a few hours on it. It can be completed on a computer, with a template, or however you choose. It might be nice to hang it above your writing space. My preference is to hand-write it in the back of my notebook because the plan (still!) is to write my entire first draft by hand. I create a calendar with the monthly dates and label “week 1,” and continue all the way down. I also include a space for word count and put a quote in the middle of each day. For drafting my first novel I use Pinterest a lot!
Third, decide where to write.
I will mostly write at my desk, which sits by the window. This way I get natural light and don’t feel like I’m so cooped up. You might work better in your pajamas early in the morning, under your weighted blanket, sipping a cup of coffee. [quick insert here: I LOVE my weighted blanket and cannot wait for the cool weather to hit so that I can use it all the time!] Whichever method, find what works for you to get words on the page.
Fourth, decide how to write.
I will be writing my entire first draft by hand (unless I move over to Scrivener, if all the research becomes a jumble). Since the challenge covers three months plus notes from research, I will probably end up using three notebooks. I usually tape the spine of each notebook together so that I have a complete “book” by the time I finish the draft.
Fifth, get writing done.
There are days where it feels like such a chore to get words on the page. Yes, even for first drafts, where anything and everything is encouraged and accepted. But the only way to actually finish this giant project is to sit down and do it. Not think about writing. Not read about writing. Not talk about writing.
Actually put your thoughts on that paper. No matter how horrendous you think they sound! Edit later.
Until next time,
Hannah Marie.
