True! I’ve noticed editing while drafting can sometimes slow momentum, but it works for some writers. I usually prefer finishing first, then polishing.
Great tips! Keeping a list of things I needed to fix was a game-changer for me. For the first half of my first draft, I was tinkering, researching minor things, and fussing with sentences. Once I started to let that go and just make a note that I wanted to change something, it really helped me to move forward and finish the draft. :)
Yes! Sometimes that work can be valuable, especially as you're getting to know the characters and world, but at some point, it can turn into avoiding writing. It's important to learn to tell the difference!
I feel that it ultimately boils down to: learn stuff about yourself. Figure out what type of writer are you: planer, pantser, or a secret third thing? The longer you stick to the process of writing a novel, the more you will learn. Try things out and review the outcomes.
For instance, those are a few random things I've learnt about myself:
- I am a planner, so consequently: Brandon Sanderson's advice works for me, Steven King's (famously a pantser) does not.
- I need to write a story in a linear way, from beginning to the end. None of that Quentin Tarantino storytelling bullshit.
- I outline a chapter or two ahead in a more detailed manner, and every few chapters I need to take a bigger step back to remember that I have other plot lines to tackle too.
- The more I focus on trimming the unnecessary fillers in the story, the better I like the result.
- If left unchecked, my characters tend to sigh a lot. A lot lot.
This is such an accurate and rational explanation of this. I'm saving this to send people who ask me!
I totally agree! I’m saving it, too.
Finished the book before editing that is the best way to give your book meaningful editing. And it will not take much of your time.
As I said, that really just depends. Sometimes it's not the best way.
True! I’ve noticed editing while drafting can sometimes slow momentum, but it works for some writers. I usually prefer finishing first, then polishing.
Great tips! Keeping a list of things I needed to fix was a game-changer for me. For the first half of my first draft, I was tinkering, researching minor things, and fussing with sentences. Once I started to let that go and just make a note that I wanted to change something, it really helped me to move forward and finish the draft. :)
Yes! Sometimes that work can be valuable, especially as you're getting to know the characters and world, but at some point, it can turn into avoiding writing. It's important to learn to tell the difference!
I feel that it ultimately boils down to: learn stuff about yourself. Figure out what type of writer are you: planer, pantser, or a secret third thing? The longer you stick to the process of writing a novel, the more you will learn. Try things out and review the outcomes.
For instance, those are a few random things I've learnt about myself:
- I am a planner, so consequently: Brandon Sanderson's advice works for me, Steven King's (famously a pantser) does not.
- I need to write a story in a linear way, from beginning to the end. None of that Quentin Tarantino storytelling bullshit.
- I outline a chapter or two ahead in a more detailed manner, and every few chapters I need to take a bigger step back to remember that I have other plot lines to tackle too.
- The more I focus on trimming the unnecessary fillers in the story, the better I like the result.
- If left unchecked, my characters tend to sigh a lot. A lot lot.
This is so helpful and evergreen (as I waffle in the middle of a first draft, even several books in to publishing...). Thank you!!
I'm glad it was useful for you!