5 Things I Learned While Writing (and Finishing Writing) the First Draft of My First Novel

Hey you! Thanks for visiting my little corner of the interwebs where I am sharing my learnings and journey to becoming a published author. I've been a reader and a writer (in some capacity) for as long as I can remember. Not in the sense that you typically have to read and write in some fashion every day of your life, but I have typically gone above the necessary requirements to survive in this day and age by pursuing additional adventures in reading and writing. Particularly for writing, I have experience with blogging (obviously), copywriting, and as of late, authoring my first novel. To say it has been a difficult journey to finish writing my first book is an understatement. Life really gets in the way, and from the time when the idea first started developing in my mind to when I completed the first draft, a few years had passed, my husband and I bought a house, and we brought our baby girl into the world. Many times throughout the 3 years it took to complete my first draft I had to remind myself that I am a writer and that part of me deserves to be nourished and needs to be prioritized. Even when other parts of me, like being a mother or a wife, need to take center stage. 

But I am proof that despite everything that life throws at you, if you want to write a book, it can be done. It takes grit, persistence, and an overwhelming desire to release this story living within you out into the world. It takes discipline to get the words out on the page. And it takes courage to share it with other people. All of those things got me through the process to where I am now, which is currently editing my first novel, awaiting feedback from a few trusted + avid readers, and exploring avenues for traditional or self-publishing my story.

Throughout this journey so far, I have learned quite a few things that might be helpful for a writer or an aspiring author. Here are 5 things that I've learned while writing and finishing the first draft of my first novel.

Am I a Pantser or a Plotter? And Who I Want to Be Moving Forward

I am a pantser. At least for this first novel, I operated on more of a "by the seat of my pants" writing method where I literally just sat down to write. I had some initial notes about my characters and plot ideas, as well as a structured layout for the chapters, but I didn't have a detailed synopsis of what happened when. I didn't map out my story before I set out to write it and at this point, I am unsure of whether that helped me or hurt me. Overall, the story moves well and has clear breakpoints that go along with a typical contemporary romance novel, but it doesn't necessarily follow the traditional recipe for a novel in this genre, which I'll talk a little more about in my next learning.

For my second novel, I am adopting the role of a plotter. I have identified a clear trope to go along with my story, and have mapped out a complete synopsis by chapter that aligns to the typical plot progression for a novel in this genre. Again, I am not sure if it's going to hurt me or help me as I am only 2 chapters into writing, but I do feel more prepared as I sit down to write, knowing where the story is going and what plot points need to be included. Do I think it will limit my creativity when I sit down to write because it's already mapped out? No, not necessarily. If I get to a part of the plot that doesn't feel like it flows or makes sense anymore, I can always adjust. Just because I'm a plotter upfront this time around doesn't mean that adjustments can't be made along the way. 

The Importance of Understanding Your Genre

I've read a lot of novels within my genre—contemporary romance—but prior to writing my first novel, I didn't research the genre or clearly understand what should be included. Not to say that you need to follow an exact recipe or cover all of the different plot points for a "typical" novel in your preferred genre for it to be successful or to finish writing your book. But I do think that having an understanding of what you like about the genre in question or typical tropes is important because that likely aligns to why other readers are attracted to the same genre. 

The Need for Clear Boundaries & a Sustainable Routine

When writing a novel, as with any major undertaking in life, it requires prioritization and a routine to get it done. Not to say that you have to set a finite deadline and a strict routine to writing, but having an idea of when you want to finish your book, and how much time you can reasonably allocate to writing each day or week is a great place to start. But, leave some wiggle room because, unless you're a full-time author (the dream), work and other projects pop up that can get in the way. The key is to find a good balance so that you prioritize your writing and stick to your timeline while giving your book the time and attention it deserves.

Over the 3 years it took me to finish the first draft of my first book, there were long stretches of time when I didn't write at all. I know that if I would have been more consistent and set a clearer timeline for when I wanted to finish it, it probably wouldn't have taken me so long. But, I also work full-time, gave birth to a baby, and bought a house in that same time, so needless to say, it's okay if life gets in the way. Don't force it, because writing, for me, is an escape, a way to decompress, and a way to express myself and my creativity. But it is important to be disciplined about it and make writing a part of your routine. Even if it's just for an hour a day or a few hours each week, I encourage you to make a plan that is sustainable and achievable for you. 

The First Draft Is Probably Shitty, And That's Okay

Your first draft is just that, it's a draft. It's not uncommon for the finished product to look and feel and sound very different than the first draft. The important thing to remember and celebrate is that you finished the first draft. You can't get into the editing and revision process without having a completed story and draft to work off of. Don't expect that your writing is completely perfect the first time around, or that your character development is where it needs to be, or that your plot is fully thought out. The first draft might be shitty, and that's okay. That's why it's a rough draft. 

The Importance of Feedback & Revision

Knowing that your rough draft likely lives up to its name, getting feedback and going through the revision process is just as important as the initial writing process. Your ideas are there, your characters are there, your plot is there, and now you have the opportunity to dive a little deeper into your story and fully flush it out. This part can be really scary, because this might be the first time that you're sharing your writing or this book idea with other people. But it's so important to get feedback from other people who aren't as close to the project as you are. Feedback, particularly negative feedback, is only going to make you a stronger writer. I shared my initial first draft with a few close friends to get their thoughts and feedback, whatever that might be—the good, the bad, and the ugly. I want it all.

Besides just editing for misspellings and punctuation issues, the revision process can involve rewriting full sections, adding in more descriptive language to set the scene, fill holes in your story, or digging deeper into plot points to make sure your story progresses and maintains a good pace. 

Just Stick With It

If you're an aspiring author, working through your first draft, or mucking through your rough draft, just keep swimming. If you have a story to tell, I guarantee there is an audience out there who wants to read it and will love it. That story bloomed in your mind for a reason, and if it's itching to get out, just stick with it. One of the hardest parts of the writing process is getting through the first draft. Writing a story from A to Z. And I promise you that it can be done, despite the busyness of life and the obstacles you might face along the way. Your story deserves to be told and your voice deserves to be heard.