6 approaches to finishing your first draft
Ah, the first draft – it's a magical creature, both inspiring and infuriating. If you find yourself stuck, unsure of how to corral your wayward manuscript into something that resembles a finished draft, fret not! Here's a guide to six approaches that may help you wrangle that wild literary beast.
1. The steady plodder
Method in a nutshell
Consistent, methodical, and reliable, the steady plodder approach involves setting a daily or weekly writing goal and sticking to it come rain or shine. It's the tortoise's way, and we all know who won that race.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Regular progress, manageable workload.
- Cons: Might feel slow if you're impatient to finish.
Who it's for
Those who like routine, consistency, and steady progress.
2. The wild sprinter
Method in a nutshell
Fast, furious, and not for the faint of heart, the wild sprinter approach is all about bursts of intense writing. Think of it as a series of writing marathons where you aim to get as much done as possible in a short time.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Rapid progress, exciting and energising.
- Cons: Risk of burnout, quality may suffer.
Who it's for
Adventurous souls who thrive on adrenaline and deadlines.
3. The thematic explorer
Method in a nutshell
This approach involves focusing on themes, characters, or specific plot points rather than linear progression. You'll explore different aspects of your story and tie them together later.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Deeper understanding of your story, creative freedom.
- Cons: Can be confusing, requires careful integration.
Who it's for
Analytical thinkers and those who love to delve into complexity.
4. The feedback gatherer
Method in a nutshell
Write, share, revise, repeat. The feedback gatherer approach involves seeking input from trusted readers as you progress, helping you shape the draft as you go.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Outside perspectives, continual improvement.
- Cons: Risk of too many opinions, potential loss of original vision.
Who it's for
Writers who value collaboration and outside opinions.
5. The puzzle assembler
Method in a nutshell
Write scenes or chapters out of order, like puzzle pieces, and then assemble them into a cohesive whole. This approach lets you tackle the parts you're excited about first.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Flexible, allows creativity to flow.
- Cons: Requires careful planning to ensure continuity.
Who it's for
Creative minds who enjoy non-linear thinking.
6. The hybrid trailblazer
Method in a nutshell
A mix and match of the above approaches, the hybrid trailblazer method lets you tailor your path to the finish line. If one approach doesn't work, try another, or blend them to suit your style.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Highly adaptable, caters to individual needs.
- Cons: May lack structure, requires self-awareness.
Who it's for
Free spirits who prefer to forge their own path.
Choose your adventure
Finishing a first draft doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all journey. Think of it as choosing your own adventure. Whether you're a steady plodder or a wild sprinter, a thematic explorer or a feedback gatherer, there's a path to the finish line that's right for you.
