Novel drafting rule #2: Write fast

Writing fast when creating the first draft of a novel can be beneficial for several reasons. First, writing quickly allows you to capture ideas as they flow, preventing them from slipping away. During the creative process, inspiration can strike unexpectedly, and writing fast enables you to record those ideas in the moment, preserving their freshness and vitality.

Writing quickly will also help you overcome writer’s block or the fear of a blank page. When you write rapidly, you minimize self-censorship and judgment, allowing your ideas to flow freely. This can help you bypass mental barriers and unleash your creativity.

The first draft is often a journey of discovery, where you explore the plot, characters, and themes of your novel. Writing quickly enables you to delve deeper into your ideas, uncover surprising plot twists, and explore different narrative paths. It allows you to experiment, take risks, and embrace the joy of storytelling. As it turns out, fast writing incorporates all the organic writing elements that pansters love! Planning before writing only delays the gratification a bit and allows your writing to be more focused. It’s the best of both worlds!

Maintaining a fast pace while writing the first draft helps you build momentum. Consistently working on your novel and making progress encourages a sense of accomplishment, fuels motivation, and keeps you engaged in the story. This momentum can carry you through difficult writing periods and prevent the project from stagnating.

Focusing on speed during the initial drafting stage also helps you resist the temptation to excessively edit and revise as you go. Overediting during the first draft can hinder progress and stifle creativity. By prioritizing speed, you can defer the editing process until later drafts, ensuring that you have a complete manuscript to work with before fine-tuning it.

To help get you started, here are some tips for writing a novel draft quickly:

1. Set a daily writing goal: Set a daily writing goal that is achievable and manageable for you. This could be a word count goal or a time-based goal, such as writing for 30 minutes or an hour each day.
2. Write without editing: When drafting your novel, try to avoid the temptation to edit as you go. Instead, focus on getting your ideas down on paper as quickly as possible. You can always go back and edit later.
3. Use a timer: Set a timer for a specific amount of time, such as 15 or 20 minutes, and try to write as much as you can during that time. This can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. And feel free to keep going once you hit your time goal if you still have it in you!
4. Use writing prompts: At this point, your chapter summary will act as your daily writing prompt. However, if you get stuck for ideas or are struggling to get started, you can always Google additional writing prompts to spark your creativity.
5. Take breaks: It’s important to take regular breaks when writing to avoid burnout and keep your mind fresh. Take short breaks every hour or so and try to get up and move around during these breaks.
6. Stay organized: Keep your notes, outlines, and drafts organized to help you stay focused and on track. Consider using a writing software or app that allows you to keep everything in one place.

Remember, the key to writing a novel draft quickly is to stay focused, motivated, and committed to your goal. By setting achievable goals, staying organized, and avoiding distractions, you can increase your productivity and get your novel draft done in no time.