Last month I talked about being on sub, and this month I’m going to talk about first drafts. Specifically how all of them are different. Even if you think you have a pretty good pattern down. I’ve written five books, and am now drafting the sixth. Usually I write quick and dirty, and have a first draft churned out in 6-12 weeks. Then I edit my ass off until it resembles something decent!
But my current WIP, the second novel in my Zyan Star series, is not coming out with my usual speed. Part of it is that now I’m balancing marketing my Zyan Star prequel novelette that came out in August with writing. It’s tough, I’m not gonna lie. And part of it is that I’m not quite happy with my plot, and I usually have NO issues with plot. All of this simply reminds me that each book is different. Even the great Neil Gaiman has said it. You only think you know how to write a novel… until you start on the next one. It’s all part of the fun of being a writer.
So, what’s up with you this month? How’s your #writerslife?
Oh, and if you want to learn more about my world hunger fundraiser, visit my previous post!! Lots of good stuff happening.
I admire your persistence and dedication to writing. My #writerslife has been one of being the slacker. My daily life often gets in the way always providing excuses not to write. Legitimate excuses, but still not enough writing to satisfy that part of my soul.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I totally understand - my life gets in the way of my writing life, too :) I get antsy if I don't write for too long.
DeleteOh man that is a great quote. I'm going to use it tonight for my student in Crafting a Novel. Too true! Nice to meet you, Alexia!
ReplyDeleteI paraphrased a bit, but yes, it's a great quote. Neil is the best!
DeleteGood reminder that each book, each draft is different. And often, for me anyway, the writing process is different, too.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your projects!
Each one is a different story, so makes sense the first draft is different.
ReplyDeleteIt does make sense, though I'm used to my usual process... oh well :)
DeleteDamn, that Gaiman, he always says the right things.
ReplyDeleteI like the process you describe, write write write, then edit edit and edit...and edit.
Writer's life is good. Close to finishing the first draft on book three, and facing the usual fears and anxieties: It sucks, I can't write, this story is the worst.
Yes, Neil is a writing rockstar :) Congrats on being close to finishing your draft!
DeleteYou are SO write every draft is it's own, for sure. I have a hard time trying to write one thing and market another. It's overwhelming. We can do it though, I have NO doubt. Keep moving forward!
ReplyDeleteYes, we can! Onward and up!
DeleteThat Neil Gaiman is so smart. Also, although I usually can crank out rough draft words, it doesn't mean they're always good words. I find it's really the editing that kills me. Keep on chunking along and you'll get there :-)
ReplyDeleteGood advice to keep in mind, all stories come together differently. You'll hit your stride again Alexia. And you are learning new stuff, expanding your writer knowledge. Plus plus :)
ReplyDeleteNeil Gaiman has it right! Keep it up, Alexia!
ReplyDeleteEach book is definitely different, and that second book in a series is usually so much harder than the first one. There are expectations to live up to and things to build upon but try to be new and not rehash the same plot as the first one. It's a challenge. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love that Neil Gaiman quote!! Part of why I haven't sat down to edit my current WIP that I wrote this summer is b/c I feel like I may need to rewrite the whole thing & only do my usual first person POV inside my teen girl's head instead of dual POV . . . ugh.
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more with this post... That's exactly where I am with my currently project. Book 3 of my series and it's going slow, yet book 2 just flew out and was so easy. Not sure why book 3 refuses to cooperate the same, but I'll just keep pushing forward. it's a different beast, as you say:)
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