#first draft | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

elumish · 7 months

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This is your friendly reminder that you can write your story in whatever order works the best for you. Want to write it fully linearly? Great. Want to write scenes as they strike you and then go back and fill in the rest? Perfect. Want to write it in backwards order? You do you.

There is no perfect order to write a story in, except what gets the story written.

#first draft

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novlr · 7 months

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“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” — Terry Pratchett

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writingwithfolklore · 4 days

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Making the Most out of your First Draft

As someone who used to write every first draft without planning and then use that to figure out characters and outlines, I have a lot of experience in first drafts that are incredibly helpful to forming an actual story, and drafts that don’t add much.

So here’s how to make the most out of your first draft:

1. Write what doesn’t make sense

One of the most helpful first drafts I ever wrote abandoned plotlines and started new ones as though they had existed all along like several times. It was also the longest draft I had ever written because I had packed so many ideas into it. The reason why this is helpful is because you can test out what a plot point will look like in the middle or even end of your story without having to go back to the same beginning again and again.

It doesn’t need to make sense, just try things out. Disappear characters who don’t work, add a best friend near the end that acts like they’ve been there the entire time, whatever idea you’re interested in you can try out without worrying too much about what makes sense or what you’d need in place to set it up. It's like literally stream of consciousness writing, and you're going to learn so much more about your world, plot, and characters than trying to make it make sense.

2. Write poorly

I spent a lot of that first draft having characters monologue to themselves or each other about their interests and problems and lives which allowed me to explore their backstories and voice even if that’s not something I would do in a final draft. I had the wackiest plot points to see how my characters would react, what would happen to the plot, and if I didn’t like it I would keep going like nothing had happened, I did a lot of yadda-yaddaing over worldbuilding and setting the scenes and making up things on the spot to see if they’d stick, skipping sometimes to the interesting stuff, or adding in a random scene just for fun.

It doesn’t have to be good. Even a little bit. You’re learning about your world and your characters and the story you want to tell, but you aren’t writing it yet. Allow it to be the worst thing you’ve ever written.

3. Make notes on what you like

As you go through and throw spaghetti at the wall (figuratively speaking), make notes on the things that stick. If you write a line of dialogue you really like, or a piece of backstory or even a vibe, make sure to make a note of it somewhere. This will help you narrow down your ideas to what you want to keep when you start writing your story. And if you’re like me and you want to outline or plan your subsequent drafts, these notes will be invaluable to start forming your planning.

Anything else I missed?

#writing #creative writing #writers #writing community #screenwriting #writing inspiration #books #filmmaking #film #writing advice #first draft #making the most out of your first draft #pantsing #pantser #writers on tumblr

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trtlebuns · 10 months

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Ghost realizing you’re a wild sleeper

Synopsis: Ghost and yours first night together and you’re worried that you might do something weird while you sleep…

Sfw 😝

Uh…I was going to do a bunch of other cod men but I got lazy :)

First fic on tumblr, whoop whoop

Simon Riley <Ghost>

The first night of sleeping together with ghost as a newly established couple was nerve wracking not because you’re scared of sleeping with this fine piece of ass, no no no it’s because your friends have mentioned that you’re a “wild sleeper” whatever that means, right?

“You alright” Simon breaks you out of your deep thoughts of you socking him in the mouth as you’re dead asleep

“Hm? Oh! No, I’m just a bit nervous because what if I say something weird in my sleep?” You shyly respond, knowing really that you’re either 1) scared you’re going to WWE fight this man in sleep or 2) fart….let’s go with the latter.

Simon chuckles and responds as you both get comfortable in bed “I’ll let you know, because I’m quite the light sleeper in case something happens through the night”

Shit

was your true response but you quickly respond with an “oh, that’s a bummer, I got some melatonin if you need it.” You turn away to pretend look for some melatonin as your thoughts race:

This man is a LIGHT SLEEPER?! Oh Jesus please watch over me and not let me knock this man unconscious so he can really experience a deep sleep

“It’s no problem at all, in fact I like that fact that I’m a light sleeper, so please don’t put yourself in a hassle and get some sleep” Simon said

Hehe get it??

“Oh alright, justsoyouknowimawildsleeper” you quickly said as you laid down and quickly shut your eyes fake snoring

4am

Simon Riley POV

It’s been 3 hours since the torture has begun.

Y/n was moving around at 1am, slob coving their pillow and mouth and hair a mess, deep sleeper, kinda jealous but nevertheless I left it alone

Normal sleep movements

I felt a hand movement but it quickly connected with my face, I jolted up thinking it was an intruder but it was just y/n and I on the bed.

I look to my right and see y/n’s hand on my cheek and they smacked their lips and turned their head, still fully asleep

I gently move their hand back to a relaxing position and laid back down

Not even an hour passes by and I have y/ns HANDS AND FEET on me trying to push me out of the bed?????

Moving on to them laying on top of me in full starfish mode???

Next to y/n hogging the covers and moving me to the edge of the bed and spiraling out on 3/4 of the bed

“Okay” I say as I push y/n into the middle of the bed and put both of us in the spoon position

Me being the big spoon ofc (😝)

Damn near putting them in a soft headlock, as 30 minutes pass, I slowly sleep into slumber realizing that y/n hasn’t moved but is still snoring softly

TIME SKIP!

Y/n comes down the steps into the kitchen where ghost is there making breakfast

“Yooo, that was the best sleep I’ve ever had my goodness” y/n stated while yawning and searching their head

Simon turned his head looking at y/n get something out of the fridge

“I’m glad” he said while thinking this is something he could get used to.

#cod #simon riley imagine #ghost mw2 #sfw little post #yn #fluff #simon riley #ghost cod #first draft #ghost posts #ghost x reader #simon riley x reader #simon riley x you #comedy #idk lmao #so uhhh

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writers-hq · 1 year

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When it's a REALLY rough first draft:

#writing #first draft #nanowrimo #writers of tumblr #writeblr #writing process

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zelda-the-sacred-realm · 13 days

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The power of the Mask - Wip!

I sketched out this new piece, and I wanted to publish the draft because I love the mood of it so much!

The moment the mask is about to merge with Time is extremely powerful, light and darkness merging!

Hope you like it! 🥰

#zeldathesacredrealm #sacred realm #zelda comic #zelda au #legend of zelda #hero of time #sr time #fierce deity link #fierce deity #majora's mask link #grumpy man #wip #sketch #first draft #ocarina of time #ocarina of time link

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theyoungwritersmind-aristanelson · 2 years

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nanowrimo · 6 months

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Beyond the Word Count: A Book Editor's Guide to Writing a First Draft

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. First Draft Pro, a 2023 NaNoWriMo sponsor, is a beautifully designed writing app for fiction writers. Today, they've partnered with Kelly Norwood-Young, former book editor for Pan Macmillan and Penguin Random House, to bring you some pro tips on writing your first draft:

In my career as a book editor, I’ve reviewed hundreds of manuscripts. I've seen the joy of authors creating compelling tales, but also how disheartening it can be to rewrite a disjointed story. I’m here to give you some strategies to address common pitfalls so that you not only reach your NaNoWriMo goal, but also lay the groundwork for a manuscript that truly deserves to be called a gripping novel.

1. Have a plan.

Even if you’re more of a ‘pantser’ than a ‘planner’, it's really helpful to have an outline. I have two favourite approaches for this: the structure-first approach, and what I call the ‘Phoebe Waller-Bridge approach’.

The structure-first approach

There are a lot of narrative frameworks for story structure, but the most foundational in Western fiction is the three-act structure. Here’s a handy guide that breaks each of the classical three acts into a day-by-day guide to NaNoWriMo:

8-day guide to Act 1

14-day guide to Act 2

8-day guide to Act 3

The Phoebe Waller-Bridge approach

I love this quote from Phoebe Waller-Bridge: ‘I’ve never thought structure first. I’ve always thought material first, jokes first, character first ... But knowing the end really helps. Then you just go as far away from the end emotionally as you possibly can.’

Sketch out your major story arcs, your character’s desires and conflicts, and the world they inhabit. The more you know your story's world and inhabitants, the less you'll stray into scenes that lack purpose or create plot and character inconsistencies.

2. Keep the story moving.

Each word needs to propel your story forward. Superfluous details or tangents that don’t serve the narrative stall the momentum you’re trying to generate for your reader.

There’s a trick you can use to move your story forward, called the question of reversibility. Ask yourself: How difficult would it be for my character to reverse their decision? The harder it would be for them to turn back, the more you’ve moved the plot forward.

3. Plant clues carefully.

Plant important elements early and make sure every element, however subtle, serves a purpose (i.e. Chekhov’s Gun).

Be sure to set up necessary components for your climax so that you can steer clear of Deus ex Machina (having that strong outline will help you here), and avoid red herrings unless they serve a clear, meaningful purpose (e.g. you’re writing a mystery and your readers expect some false leads). Misleading your readers without a payoff can erode their trust.

4. Write for the reader, not yourself.

‘There is only one thing you write for yourself, and that is a shopping list,’ insists Umberto Eco in On Literature. Even if writing, for you, is a therapeutic outlet, a form of self-expression, or a way to leave a legacy, you’re still writing to say something to someone else. Your story simply won’t be as strong if you forget your reader’s perspective.

5. Keep daily editorial notes for your future self.

While editing should wait until at least December, end each day with a brief reflection, noting any off-course deviations, potential inconsistencies, areas to research further, or moments of inspiration to revisit when you start editing.

These daily notes will be invaluable during the editing process, helping you to remember insights that are no longer fresh when you come back to the manuscript later.

6. Embrace the first-draft mentality.

There’s a lot you can do to ensure that your first draft is the best it can be before the end of November—but just as important is to understand that all first drafts have flaws.

As a book editor, I've witnessed manuscripts transform, sometimes unrecognizably, from their first drafts. Embrace the uncertainty and creative detours—because it's from this beautiful chaos that your story will find its true voice.

Kelly Norwood-Young is a seasoned book editor and proofreader with comprehensive experience across various facets of manuscript editing. Her background includes roles at Pan Macmillan and Penguin Books, extending into a successful freelance career working with award-winning authors. Kelly's work, known for its precision and sensitivity to the author's voice, has been integral to the success of both new and established writers globally.

Try out First Draft Pro: All NaNoWriMo participants can use the discount code NANOWRIMO2023 for 20% off a premium subscription to First Draft Pro! Offer expires January 31, 2024.

#nanowrimo #writing #first draft #writing advice #by nano sponsor #first draft pro #kelly norwood-young #plot #planning

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bonnie0ni · 1 month

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This is the very first design I ever made of Leonarda a while ago, about 8 - 9 months. I never posted it anywhere bc I basically hate myself.

Despite it is an old design, I’d like to finish it along with the rest of the eggs I drew in that time. And of course, I’m thinking on updating the designs too! So much has happened since that time…

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

PLEASE! Do not repost my art! Reblogs/retweets are appreciated 💕

Do not use without my permission!

My twt: @BonnietheOni

#qsmp #character design #qsmp fanart #qsmp eggs #qsmp leonarda #leonarda the egg #leonarda fanart #vegetta777 #foolish gamers #fooligetta #cartoon #digital art #first draft #sketch #leonarda brown de luque #qsmp art

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vavandeveresfan · 29 days

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The characters in my first draft.

#writblr #writers on tumblr #writing community #writers of tumblr #first draft #writing #writer #writers #writers on ao3 #writing meme #writing memes #creative writing #fanfic writing #writerscommunity #writeblr #queue

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xxxtosoxxx · 5 months

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Me to other writers: It's okay and totally normal for your first draft to be unorganized and it's just important to get the ideas down. Perfection is not the goal, you're doing fine! 🖤🥰

Me to myself looking at my first couple drafts: Why does this read like a toddler wrote it?

#writing #writeblr #writing community #writerslife #writers on tumblr #writing problems #rough draft #drafts #first draft #struggling with perfectionism

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petrichorsweaters · 18 days

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Hey!!

Do you like Good Omens and A Court Of Thorns And Roses?

Then you may just like my book that I'm currently writing, Petrichor! The first in a series that will take you through realms and universes you may be familiar with the name of, but never would have imagined!

Follow Cheshire, a stoic Angel of Justice, as she's thrust into a conspiracy to start the War between Heaven and Hell before the Apocalypse is supposed to begin while trying to clear her name of a crime she didn't commit. Excommunicated from Heaven, but not Fallen, will she survive the forces in the shadows forming this plot? And if she does, will she be able to find the true perpetrator of the crime in time to save the Earth from sure destruction? Unsure of who her allies are and who her enemy is, she will question everything she's ever known as her reality turns upside down.

Updates may be slow, as Life Happens, and I am Just A Girl. But feel free to ask me any questions you may have in my ask box!!

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tea-time-writes · 1 year

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Lil short head Chubby!reader headcannons for Leviathan<3

readers pronouns are not specified Gn!reader

When you first came to the devildom leviathan would not talk to you

Levi was flustered you had thick thighs and this man prob watches hentai and thinks of you as the main character gettin thigh fucked

When levi saw you he prob started to watch human on demon prn

Like it was so bad he could NOT look you in the eyes for 4 months straight

#first draft #Its only 4 headcannons but its 12:04 and im tired #leviathan smut #obey me x chubby reader #obey me #obey me smut

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tvaccaro · 8 months

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It's okay if your first draft sucks!

Creating is hard. You're literally sifting through the dark recesses of your mind piled to the brim with chaotic thoughts and ideas, and desperately hauling them out into the light. Of course it's gonna look like shit at first!

Be patient and kind to yourself. You need time to take what you've brought back, rearrange and experiment with it, and eventually curate it into a beautiful story.

You're still getting to know your work. Don't give up on it just before you discover the beauty beneath.

#writers problems #writing problems #writerblr #writing advice #writing tips #first draft #book wip #book writing #novel writing #writing inspiration #writing is hard #writing issues #writing is a process

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maxkirin · 2 years

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If you're stuck in the first draft of your novel, these three words will set you free:

Fix it later.

Right now, all you need to do is get the story on paper. You'll have time to make it perfect. You'll have plenty of chances to fix everything. For now, just write. 🤞💚

#writing #writer #amwriting #am writing #writing advice #writing tip #first draft #writer problems

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