First Drafting, Part 12: Tips and Tricks

So here ends my series on first drafts.  I hope y'all enjoyed it, learned some things, and got motivated to finish that story.  First drafting is a tough process.  It's full of agony and stumps and not-enough-time and distractions.  But it's also full of fun and excitement and adventure.  And it can be finished.

So here's a quick check-list for first drafting:

~Prepare as best you can by finding out how you write

~Be a good steward with the time you have

~Always be on the lookout for more time you can use

~Avoid internet distractions like the plague and set limits on such things so you don't go overboard on them

~Do what it takes to keep yourself interested in the story - music, re-reading, or even a day or two off

~Don't stop to look things up - make a note for later and keep going

~Don't get stuck - start fights or do surprising things when you're not sure what happens next

~Be prepared before you start your writing time - have everything taken care of (such as chores)

~Keep notes of what should be changed during editing instead of going back to fix them

~Don't worry about if your story is worthless - just write it and love it

And now, here are a few tricks of mine that I would like to share:

Word Wars

I'm sure almost all of us know what these are.  Two or more people get together (usually over the internet, such as FaceBook, GoTeenWriters, or the NaNoWriMo sites), agree upon a length of time (from 5-10 minutes, or even up to half an hour) and type as fast as they can.  The person with the highest word count is usually the "winner", but it's not so much a race/game as it is a friendly challenge to boost your word count.

These I find really helpful.  I prefer shorter sprints, like 5-10 minutes, but others prefer (or can do) longer.  Knowing someone else is there, also typing the same time as you, is quite encouraging, and just having the timer boosts some adrenaline.  Doing a few of these a week during NaNo events really raises my word count.

Scenes Ahead of Time

When I get an idea for a future scene, I'll often take time to write it down, in as full detail as I wish.  It gets me thinking ahead, and then, once I finally get to that scene in the draft, I can just click-copy-paste, and there it is, all finished and ready for me to move on.

Also, when I'm stuck, I'll read those future scenes to get my creative teas (I'm not a juice drinker) flowing.

Time Yourself

No, I'm not talking about word wars (again). 

This is a tactic I use more often.  If I start checking FaceBook or other sites to join word wars, it's easier for me to get distracted.

Instead, I'll set a timer, usually for twenty minutes, then type as fast as I can (perhaps not quite at word-war speed), and get as much down as I can.  Then I set the timer for ten more minutes and do a quick break - get up and stretch, clean a few things in my room, and check email.  Then I start another twenty-minute segment, followed by another break, and continue until it's time for bed.

Typing Tutor

If you're a slow typist, or tend to just use two fingers, I would recommend learning how to type correctly.  My mom got me a typing tutor program on a CD (around 6 years ago), and at first I shrugged it off.  After teaching myself to type, I thought I was fine.  However, I eventually caved, and tried it out.  I hated it. 

I refused to type the way it told me too. 

But I finally paid attention, used the correct fingers, and now my typing speed is much higher (and much more accurate!).

If you are going to devote yourself to something, learn to do it right. 

Sunday Break

I may have already talked about this, but I'm going to mention it again.  Take a weekly day off.  For me, this is Sunday.  I go to church, I read some books, I talk with friends and family.  And I don't think about writing (not if I can help it).  I don't worry about could I be writing or my story needs to be finished....  I relax, chill, and forget about it.

Then Monday comes around and I'm fresh and ready to tackle that draft with renewed vigor.  My highest word count days are Mondays.  Partly because Mondays evenings are usually quiet at my house, but also because I return to the story ready to get that draft done.

So, my dear writing peoples, I bid you all a very fond farewell.

Until next week.

I'm already saving up post ideas.  (Partly to have prepared for during NaNoWriMo - because it approacheth).  Anyone have anything you'd like to hear me rant blog about?