First Drafting Basics

We all know the question: are you a plotter or a pantster? Or maybe something in between?

I raise the question: what does it matter? Ultimately, the story will be written, and the story world figured out. And no matter which way you write, you will need to at least a little prep and some discovery writing.

Things you need to write a story.

Now this is by no means the ultimate drafting guide. Everyone has their different methods, abilities, preferences. Some writers wing a draft 100%. Others do tons and tons of preparation. Others do a mix of both.

That being said, in order to write a book, I do believe there are a few things you need to know.

-POV Characters. Basically, your main character. Then some supporting characters (some may get chapters in their POV, if the story is to be written that way).

-Plot. We may or may not know everything that will happen, but we usually have at least some vague idea.

This is where drafting splits off. Some people start writing at this point. They'll discover the rest on their own. Others keep figuring out the plot before writing.

But, ultimately...plotters and pantsters...we're still doing the same thing. We're figuring out the plot and characters. A plotter will figure out the story and then write the draft, while a pantster will write the draft and figure out the story more or less at the same time. (Hopefully that made a little sense.)

When I take the time to flesh all the details and the characters out, it may be a while before I can actually start writing the actual draft. But when I do write it, it may be neater, tidier, without trashed plot lines and character arcs.

But if I jump in the draft after little or no prep, it may be a little messier. But it's also written, so I have something I can start editing and working through right away. I've seen first-hand the character voice and story world and plot all expand and grow.

Neither way is better. Everyone is different. But to do either way successfully, you really need to do a few things beforehand...

...which I will talk about during February. And I won't even give you hints about what is coming up...just that whether you are a plotter, a pantster, or plantster, hopefully you'll be able to take away something. :)

So, anyways, hope you enjoy what's coming up in the next couple weeks!