The Progress of Drafting

Drafting is perhaps one of the most essential things a writer must do. It is perhaps harder than writing the first draft. I have probably said this before, but repeating it now only helps reinforce the knowledge.

I am currently on my third draft. After taking a writing class and getting someone to critique it really helps move the job along smoothly. As I was working I have also analyzed the different variations of the drafts.

Draft 1: This is the free-writing draft. This is where whatever format and structure you have the story in your is what will come out on the pages. I admit it is not easy, but it has to be done before any other finer works of it can be done. If you want to make a sculpture you will need the material you wish to sculpt: ice, cement, wood, bush, etc.

Draft 2: This is the carving stage where you get the outline for your story. True there is a sort-of-a-plotline in the first draft, but the second one is liking taking out the unnecessary stuff or adding the needed stuff. If any of you have seen cake boss or do fine custom baking than you will know than when your cake is baked you will have shave or trim off some of the cake to put the fondant on.

Draft 3: This is the polishing time. You clean out and work on all the writing formats, grammar and so forth. This is where you really start seeing the story coming together, sort of. You treat this like a final draft, but it may not be the final draft.

This is my analysis as of now. This could change as I progress further. Of course, each person has their own method of accomplishing the same thing. So my way may not be your way. This is what I am getting out of it and I hope it helps whoever is reading this.

The Fellowship of the Writers

I apologize for the long period. It has been some trying past months. I have recently taken a creative writing course on fantasy and young adult literature. It just ended last Monday. I have learned quite a bit on how to continue with writing my novel. I am on the third draft now and I am able to approach far better than before. There are two things I have learned and I wish to share them with you all:

1. Exercise - Any skill or ability we have is our weapon or tool in to survive in this world. Like any weapon or tool, they need to be sharpened in order to work properly and effectively as well as to make the stronger. Working out helps athletes keep their good shape and help them succeed in their fields. Writing is similar, but instead of a gym you have a journal or something to keep writing almost everyday. Also there are exercises to help strengthen your story writing too. If you wish to know specifics then ask me below and I will find a way to provide them.

2. Companionship - Find others who also share the same interest. Not just in writing, but in your writing genre. If you are into writing romance novels than you need to be around people who like to write romance novels too. I like fantasy and writing high fantasy. So I have to find people who want to write high fantasy too. Here I have succeeded, well not fully yet, but almost.

Hope all your summer fun is going well. Happy Independence Day to my fellow United Americans!