I'm experiencing some technical difficulties with my blog at the moment, so I won't be able to post pictures or add hyperlinks. However, I didn't want to miss the Insecure Writers' Support Group this month. If I have the opportunity later, I'll go back and edit as needed.
For those who are new to this blog, I'm working on Books 3 and 4 in a fantasy series. I've finished the first draft of Book 3 but still need to revise it. However, I'm currently spending more time working on the first draft of Book 4, even though I know the priority should be publishing Book 3. In some ways, it's easier to write something new instead of revising. With first draft, the important thing is to get words down and reach the end, so they don't have to be perfect, or even good. After all, I can tell myself I can change word, phrases, or ideas in the next draft. However, once the words are down, it can be harder to change them, especially if you need to remove them and start over, as I had to do with the beginning of Book 3.
I think what I'm going to do is set aside at least one session a week for editing Book 3. In the meantime, I'll continue to work on Book 4. It would be nice to have the first draft of that book done by the end of year. Hopefully I'll be able to publish Books 3 and 4 fairly close to each other. Since this is a five-part series, it will give me some incentive to work hard on the final book so there isn't too long of a wait between Books 4 and 5.
Do you prefer working on your first draft or your second? How do you make working on your least favorite part of writing easier? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
It's always easier to do the first draft.
ReplyDeleteNo worries about technical difficulties.
ReplyDeleteOnce you do finish edits for the third book, you'll have the fourth one waiting and can slide right into edits for it. So I think it's a good thing.
I hate writing the first draft and would rather just get it over with!
Definitely the second draft. The first draft is all adrenaline. It pretty much writes itself. But the second draft is the fun part. This is where I can shape and twist words and scenes to squeeze out just the right emotion.
ReplyDeleteYou're brave. I'd be terrified working like that because, if you need to redo a major plot point in book three for some reason (which can happen even if you've got an outline), you'll have to change things in book four. Too many pieces could make a mess.
ReplyDeleteBut I definitely understand the draw of new work. It's adrenaline, passion, and discovery.
The first is more fun. But then, when (if) I get into the second draft, where he meat is wrapped around the bare bones, that's where the magic is. For me, at least. If I can't get into it however, it's a horrible drain on my resources and I would rather to ANYTHING else than work on my first draft. lol!
ReplyDeleteShah X
shahwharton.com
Pat, both types of drafts have strengths and drawbacks, but I do have to agree that the first draft seems easier. Maybe it's more exiting to work on something new, or maybe it feels better to add new words instead of playing with old ones.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I would really like to be able to publish more frequently (while still maintaining quality, of course), so I'm hoping this will help.
I like your thinking, Maria!
Jennifer, I'm not too worried about that. What I am noticing is that I'm still coming up with world-building details I want to introduce in Book 3 as I write Book 4. Plus, if I need to, I can foreshadow Book 4 in Book 3.
Shah, it's crucial to be able to get into your work!