SD Part Ten

I am proud to say that I am almost done with the first draft of the first chapter. It is up to 2643 words with one scene left to write. I have been developing my writing style over the last few years, trying to tailor what I have learned to my personal needs.

For this project, I have developed a more detailed outline with character information and plot points. I know what I want from each chapter. This does not stop me from adapting to the needs of the book while writing, though. I learned that from my previous work.

Before I write a scene/chapter, I hand write an outline identifying key information and any details I want to include. I use this time to come up with dialogue and action sequences that are then expanded on when I write it. If I need a refresher on a previous scene that ties into the scene I am designing. I will list the key points, so I can stay consistent and fluid.

I love typing on my laptop, but there is something special about writing my notes on actual paper that I can refer to as I type. Brandon Sanderson posted a video on his YouTube channel about the ten things he wished he had known as a teen author and one of them was, “It doesn’t have to be fun, but it should be satisfying.”

I am not always motivated to write, but my perseverance over the last two years proved that I am capable. I may not always be proud of what I write, but I felt satisfied after I was done writing it. The longer I spend inside the characters’ heads, the easier it will be to write. Until then, I will keep pushing forward until this book is complete. I have every intention of completing the first draft of chapter one before next Thursday with a solid outline for what I expect from the first chapter.