Welcome
to the second "on my writing" post where I share my experiences with
my own personal writing! If you missed the first one, I introduced how I got into writing and just gave a little
background. This time I want to discuss first drafts.
First
drafts, for me, are the easiest part of writing. I don't like to outline and am
a total "pantser". I have an idea of the world, a picture of the
characters in my head, a rough rough outline of the plot, but very loose. And
then I just start writing. In my experience (which isn't very much), a lot of
times the book seems to write itself. The characters take me where they want to
go and lots of things change from my original vision.
I
love this. It makes it easy for me to just sit down and write. (Of course,
after I finish my first draft then I have a TON of work to do because you know,
plot holes, character development, etc., but more on that some other time.) Of
course, it's not always easy. Sometimes I have days where I sit and stare at
the computer screen for an hour and write zero words. It's just not working. So
often, I will move onto something else. Read a book. Go on Pinterest and pin
things to my writing inspiration boards. Make a writing playlist for my WIP.
Doing things that inspire me often times kick-starts my writing again.
But
basically what I want to say to you is that first drafts are my favorite. I
much prefer writing my first draft to revisions (ugh, revisions suck!!). Which
is why I am currently ignoring my WIP as it stares at me angrily from my
computer and casually working on another one... I have a bad case of
procrastination.
Are
you a writer? Do you prefer first drafts or revisions? Are you a plotter or a
pantser?
I like seeing my story improve after revisions but I don't like editing if that makes any sense. I would rather have someone else do it for me. What I really love is writing first drafts. I'm a panster too!
ReplyDeleteThat makes total sense to me because I feel the exact same way. I love seeing the way my story evolves and changes, but the process is horrible!!
DeleteI find it fascinating to read about the process of writing. I read a post about Laini Taylor and it sounds like she is like you, not having an outline, but letting the story write itself. And Victoria Schwab supposedly can only write about two hours a day. It must be so exciting to have a first draft done (even though you don't like revising)! ~Pam
ReplyDeleteIt is very exciting! I've actually already been through one round of revisions. Now I'm just really touching it up and cleaning it up. Although I do have one more major change to make. *sigh* Why can't it just revise itself? Lol
DeleteI actually prefer revisions! First drafts are just so... murky, I guess. I like having something concrete to work with before-hand. That's also why I'm more of a plotter. I've pantsed before, but I could never get over trying to formulate a whole story without something to follow.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it so interesting how different people's processes are? I would never be able to do that and it sounds like you would never be able to do it my way either. Good luck with your writing!
DeleteI am a total novice at writing and hence, why I'm a total pantser. I love just making it up as I go along. Sometimes I have a general idea, but mostly when I start a chapter, I may have an INKLING of where things may go but it's just soooo much easier for me to write and let things come to me than to plan things out. Plotting is actually really hard for me and I get more inspired when I just let things flow and don't worry about meeting a certain goal or making sure the pieces fit JUST SO :D
ReplyDeleteHaha that's probably the reason I am too. I hear the longer you write the more you tend to plot. Especially if you're writing a series. It's so much more fun to me to just be making things up. It almost makes it feel like I'm reading a book while writing if that makes sense.
DeleteI actually really love the 2nd draft of a story because I seem to add all the fun details in it then and I like to see the story coming together. I'm a plotter, but a lot of times I really wish I was a pantser!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post (and the comments) and finding out how different everyone's writing styles/processes are! :)
Happy writing!!!
Yeah, that's very true. I just hate the whole process. I'm to a point now where I just want to be done. I'm glad you liked it! Thanks! Good luck with your writing!
DeleteI seriously give so much credit to you and all those who write because I could never even begin to do anything as amazing as write a book. All the details and characters and dialogue, you all kick major ass and I am in awe of everyone who writes! You go girl! :)
ReplyDeleteAwww thank you! You're the sweetest. :)
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