Are you ready to embark on the thrilling journey of writing your first draft of a fiction story? Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this process can be daunting. But fear not! With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to completing that first draft.

1. Get motivated

Before diving into your writing routine, take a few minutes to plan out your scene or chapter. This will help you get in the right mindset and give you direction as you start writing. Try these tips:

• Give yourself a time limit: Write for 10-15 minutes without stopping. You can manage that!
• Start halfway through a scene or chapter: Jump into the action with a line of dialogue or sudden event, and go from there.
• Begin with your first key point: If you’re writing a blog post-style fiction story, start with your main theme or idea.

2. Plan before you write

Before diving into your manuscript, take some time to plan ahead. This might seem counter-intuitive, but trust us – it’s crucial for a successful writing experience. As Rachel Aaron author of 2K to 10K: How to Write Faster, Write Better, and Write More of What You Love, so aptly puts it, “Planning BEFORE You Write” can save you hours (or even days!) of rewriting later on.

• Set aside 5-10 minutes to brainstorm your story’s, or scenes or chapters, key points.
• Jot down character descriptions, plot twists, and setting details.
• Create a rough outline or mind map to visualise your narrative flow.
• Identify the key elements, what’s happening in this moment? Who are the characters involved?
• Determine the pacing, how fast do things need to move along? Do you want a slow burn or an action-packed pace?

3. Start small

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the thought of tackling an entire novel. Break it down into manageable chunks! Try these techniques:

• Give yourself a time limit – write for 10 minutes without stopping (yes, you can do that).
• Start halfway through a scene or chapter.
• Begin with dialogue or action to get your creative juices flowing.

4. Get real about your characters

When writing fiction, it’s essential to create characters that leap off the page. Remember:

• Give them relatable motivations and backstories.
• Make their actions consistent with their personalities.
• Use sensory details to bring them to life (sights, sounds, smells).

5. Pace yourself

A well-paced story is crucial for keeping readers engaged. Consider these tips:

• Vary sentence length and structure to create a sense of rhythm.
• Balance action-packed scenes with quieter moments.
• Use transitions effectively to guide the reader through your narrative.

6. Don’t be too hard on yourself

Remember that your first draft won’t be perfect – it’s okay! In fact, many authors agree that the most important thing is just getting words down on paper. In fact, it might not even resemble what you had in mind initially! But that’s okay – it’s all part of the process. Just focus on telling a compelling story.

• Write with abandon – don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure just yet.
• Focus on getting the story down – you can always go back and refine your writing later.
• Write without editing as you go.
• Focus on character development and plot progression.
• Revise later – it’s easier to make changes once you have a solid foundation.

7. Make progress

It’s easy to get stuck in the “I’ll write when I feel inspired” mindset. But the truth is, you won’t improve unless you actually start writing that novel!

• Set a goal for yourself – aim to complete X number of words or scenes per day/week.
• Celebrate small victories – you might not have written 10,000 words yet, but hey – you’ve made progress!

“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” – Terry Pratchett

8 Steps to heaven

Step 1: Preparing your mindset

Before diving into the actual writing process, it’s crucial to set your mindset right. Here are some essential steps to follow:

• Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve with this first draft, whether it’s completing a specific number of pages or chapters, or reaching a particular plot milestone.
• Establish a writing routine: Dedicate time daily or weekly for your writing sessions and stick to the schedule as much as possible. This consistency will help you build momentum and make steady progress.
• Embrace imperfection: Remember that your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s an opportunity to explore, experiment, and refine your ideas without fear of judgement or criticism.

Step 2: Developing your idea

Start by identifying the central idea or theme for your story. Consider what message or emotion you want to convey through your writing. This will help guide your decision-making throughout the drafting process.

Step 3: Creating characters

Introduce your protagonist and any other important characters in your story. Flesh out your characters by creating detailed profiles that include their backgrounds, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and dialogue styles. Provide a brief description of their appearance, personality traits, and motivations. Keep these profiles simple for now; you can expand on them later during revisions.

Step 4: Establishing the setting

Decide where your story will take place. Consider the time period, geographical location, and any unique aspects that may contribute to the overall atmosphere of your narrative.

Step 5: Outlining your story

Write down three to five key points you want to cover in your story, in order. These can be major plot events or themes you wish to explore. This will help give structure to your work and ensure all important elements are included.

Step 6: Expanding on the outline

Begin writing your first draft by fleshing out each point from your outline into a complete scene or chapter. Focus on developing your characters, their relationships, and the progression of events in your story. Don’t worry about making it perfect at this stage; you can always revise later.

Step 7: Research if necessary

If you’re writing historical fiction or a genre requiring specific knowledge, conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy and authenticity in your story.

Step 8: Writing your first draft

Now it’s time to start writing! Here are some tips for crafting an engaging first draft:

• Start with the hook: Begin your story with a compelling opening that grabs readers’ attention and makes them want to keep reading.
• Write consistently: Focus on making steady progress without worrying too much about perfection at this stage. You can always revise later.
• Stay true to your characters: Ensure that your characters remain consistent throughout the draft, staying true to their personalities and motivations.
• Pace your story: Maintain a balance between action-packed scenes and slower moments for character development and reflection. This will keep readers engaged throughout the narrative.

“The first draft is the child’s draft, where you let it rip.” – Neil Gaiman

A formula for writing your first draft

A formula for writing the first draft of a fiction story can vary depending on the author’s style and preferences.

• Starting with a clear premise or idea.
• Breaking down the story into smaller components (e.g., scenes, chapters).
• Focusing on getting the overall story down before worrying about details.
• Emphasising the importance of discovery and exploration during the writing process.

Remember that this formula is flexible, and each writer may have their own unique approach to crafting a first draft. The key is to find what works best for you and stick with it while remaining open to new techniques and ideas as you grow as an author. It’s also worth noting that while formulas can be helpful, they shouldn’t constrain your creativity. Feel free to adapt these methods or combine them in a way that works best for you!

Some guidelines for your first draft

1. Approach it systematically: You don’t have to use these ideas before writing. If you prefer to write “in the flow”, start by getting your first draft onto the page, then use this framework to guide your revisions.
2. Write freely and loosely: The first draft is an exercise in discovery, so be free and loose, and not worry about perfection. Let your story carry you along, let your imagination run wild. Enjoy it!
3. Write without judgement: When drafting your first version of the story, focus on getting all your ideas down without worrying about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. Allow yourself to explore different directions and possibilities as you write. This will help you avoid writer’s block and keep the creative juices flowing.
4. Start with a strong opening: Begin your first draft by capturing your reader’s attention from the very beginning. Create an intriguing hook that sets the tone for the rest of the story, introduces your main character(s), and presents the central conflict or challenge they will face throughout the narrative.
5. Create an engaging plot: A compelling narrative is essential for keeping readers engaged throughout your story. As you write your first draft, make sure to include well-paced events, twists, and turns that keep the reader guessing while staying true to your overall story arc.
6. Scaffolding: Use a structure or outline to hang your novel on. This will help you keep your ideas organised.
7. Steam train, no looking back: Once you start writing, don’t look back! Just focus on getting the story down and worry about editing later.
8. Use the three-act structure: A classic plot structure for a first novel is the three-act structure, which can help you keep your ideas organised.
9. Eliminate backstory from the first 50 pages: Most agents recommend eliminating all backstory from the first 50 pages of a novel.
10. Write consistently: Set aside dedicated time each day or week to work on your first draft without interruption. Consistent writing practice will help you build momentum and maintain focus as you develop your story.
11. Be patient: Writing the first draft of a fiction story can be a lengthy process, but remember that every writer’s journey is unique. Embrace the challenges along the way and celebrate each milestone as you work towards completing your manuscript.
12. Keep learning: As you write your first draft and move through subsequent revisions, continue to educate yourself on writing techniques, craft, and industry trends. This will help you grow as a writer and ensure that your story remains engaging and relevant to readers.

Common mistakes writers need to avoid

1. Not giving yourself space and time: Don’t let others judge or influence your work too early in the process. Keep your first draft private until you’re ready for feedback.
2. Lack of Planning and Outlining: Starting to write without a clear plan or outline can lead to inconsistencies, plot holes, and difficulty maintaining focus throughout the draft. Take some time to sketch out your ideas, characters, and story arc before diving into writing.
3. Trying to make it perfect from the start: Remember that Hemingway said, “The first draft of anything is shit.” Focus on completing a full draft before editing and revising.
4. Editing as you write: While it is important to revise your work, editing during the first draft can slow your creativity and progress. It’s better to focus on getting all your ideas down first before going back to refine them. its perfectly acceptable when you’ve written a scene, chapter, or the time that you’ve set yourself has completed, for you to go back and correct all of your spelling mistakes
5. Not setting achievable goals: Break down your writing project into smaller, manageable tasks to build confidence and momentum.
6. Ignoring character development: Your readers need to connect with your characters for a story to be engaging. Make sure you invest time in developing their personalities, motivations, and relationships throughout the story.
7. Rushing through the process: Take time to develop your ideas and characters. Don’t rush through your first draft with excitement alone; make sure you’re giving yourself enough space to explore and refine your work.
8. Not learning from mistakes: Be willing to learn from common novel writing mistakes, such as poor character development or plot holes. Address these issues in subsequent drafts rather than trying to perfect them on the first go-around.

Remember that these mistakes can be corrected during subsequent revisions. The goal of a first draft is to get your ideas down on paper without worrying too much about perfection.

“The only way I can get through it is by writing every day, and not worrying too much about what’s good or bad.” – Stephen King

Key Takeaways

1. Start with an idea, not a plan: Don’t worry too much about plotting out every detail before you start writing. Instead, focus on getting your main character and setting established, then let the story unfold as you go.
2. Write in scenes, not chapters: Divide your story into individual scenes that have their own purpose (e.g., introducing a new character, revealing backstory, advancing the plot). This will help you stay focused and avoid meandering narrative.
3. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling: Your first draft is meant to be rough around the edges. Just focus on getting your ideas down on paper without worrying too much about sentence structure, punctuation, or typos. You can refine these details later in subsequent drafts.
4. Write regularly and consistently: Set a daily word count goal for yourself (e.g., 500 words) and stick to it. This will help you make progress on your story and maintain momentum throughout the writing process. Establish a routine that works best for your schedule and productivity. Consistency is key in completing the first draft of your story.
5. Don’t overthink or edit as you go: Try not to get too caught up in editing or revising individual sentences or paragraphs while you’re still in the midst of drafting. Just keep moving forward, even if it feels like you’re making mistakes or leaving things unpolished. You can refine and revise later.
6. Keep learning and growing as a writer: As you write, continue to educate yourself on writing techniques, craft, and industry trends. This will help you grow as a writer and ensure that your story remains engaging and relevant to readers.
7. Take breaks and celebrate milestones: Give yourself permission to take breaks from writing when needed. Celebrate each milestone or completed section of the draft, as this can boost motivation and morale during the often challenging process of writing a novel.

Conclusion

Writing the first draft of a fiction story takes time, effort, and patience. But by planning ahead, staying motivated, and embracing imperfection, you’ll be well on your way to completing that manuscript.

Remember: it’s okay if your first draft isn’t perfect – in fact, it might not even resemble what you had in mind initially! The important thing is that you’re making progress and having fun along the way. Happy writing!