Hi fiction lover! I’ve been getting into drafting mode again this year! It’s actually one of my resolutions to get excited about a new project or two! A little bit of my drafting history: I’ve successfully drafted over twenty novels! And I’m here to reveal what helped me on how to write a first draft of a novel. The main focus we have here is actually finishing. So I’m going to be talking mostly about progress and making steady steps—not so much about editing and the craft, which I can definitely dive into more later on. Let’s get started!
How to Write a First Draft of a Novel
One thing I repeat to myself often is a quote by Neil Gaiman. He basically says to sit down and put one word in front of the other. That’s how you finish a project! It really is that easy.
Of course, when we get into the process, we can get bogged down by a hundred different things. So, the first thing I would correct is mindset. When I started with my first novel, I was already living with a bunch of negative self-talk. I was constantly trying random hobbies in middle and high school, and I had the thought that I might not finish this new thing that I was super excited about.
This is just something to work through in the daily writing process. I love saying affirmations while writing—not just that the writing is coming out good, but that I have the ability to finish, and that my passion for writing is something that I know is alive and burning.
Once I corrected my mindset, writing a full novel has been so much more of a breeze.
Going into more practical tips about how to write a first draft of a novel, I will once again encourage you to set a daily word count (like I mentioned in my other article about leveling up your novel-writing skills). This can be heavily customized to your needs. For example, if you don’t do any work on Sundays, you can totally skip that day on your calendar.
I recommend a simple and easy calendar to track your progress and writing days, like this one by one of my favorite new YouTubers, Deya.
Once you get a word count goal, the main focus would be reaching that daily. Sure, you will miss days most certainly, but don’t beat yourself up about it. Keep going and keep resetting that calendar. If the goal is too overwhelming, definitely make adjustments. Not everything about your process needs to be set in stone!
My third main tip for finishing that novel is to reach out to other writers who are going through the novel-writing process. This might sound cheesy, but accountability is key! And even beyond that, having other writers who will share in your struggles makes the writing process less isolating. It could get a bit lonely when it’s just you, your screen/notebook, and your characters.
When I made a few writer friends, I found that I became more motivated to finish projects. Especially if they are critique partners, you will be all the more excited to send them the finished piece to get their feedback.
Finish That Thing!
I have two bonus tips for you! And they may be just as helpful as my first three.
First, it’s important to celebrate milestones. I’m not just talking about finishing the whole novel. When you reach 5,000 words, 10,000 words, and different marks, I really encourage you to treat yourself. Buy the sweet treat that you’ve been eyeing at the bakery, and make every bite count when thinking about the chapters you’ve finished. It can seem a bit silly, but giving yourself a bit of positive reinforcement will help a ton.
For finishing the whole novel, keep a bigger prize in mind. Maybe a day at the beach or local park, or a mini shopping spree at your favorite store. This will help you visualize typing “The End” after all those hours at your computer or sitting with your notebook.
My final tip, which may help you the most, is to always remind yourself of the purpose of your writing. Why are you working on this novel? Is it to become a bestseller? To see your novel in the bookstore? Just to say that you fulfilled a lifelong dream?
Visualize your goal and try to see yourself at the finish line.
There’s no wrong or right answer for this one. But once you find your purpose for writing, this will power you on for the days it gets hard. And trust me, there will inevitably be some struggle in the long journey of finishing your novel.
But, there’s also a ton of joy. Enjoy your journey, and take the time to really get to know your characters and become immersed in the world that you made. You got this!
Thanks for joining me on how to write a first draft of a novel. Visit me on my blog again next week! Do you have any resolutions for the new year? With everything else, let’s continue to find joy in stories every day!