All things Drafts!

How many do I need and what do they cover

First, let me start by saying this is just one writer’s opinion and process. This is not a standard and there may be some writers that say you need this but not that. Or this is overkill or this is not enough. I look at these drafts as more akin to phases but I am used to calling them drafts so I may refer to each as a phase/draft at different times. It is my opinion that we have 5 phases to complete a book in the best possible quality. I apply these phases or drafts to every piece of writing that I do. So let’s Jump in!

Phase 1-Draft 0

This stage is an outlining stage of sorts but it is very necessary especially as the complexity of the story evolves. Also, this stage ensures that you have a clear idea of what you want to write, the characters involved, and the events that need to take place among other things. So in this stage, we focus on the direction that the book will take. We outline the sections that are to be included in the story and at what stage in the book they occur. Now, this is a mere outline so we develop events without actually writing them out that comes later. We pick out tense at this stage and stay consistent!

Phase 2-Draft 1

This is the first phase that actually produces the rough draft. This is a very rough draft. At this point it is about letting the thoughts flow. Do not worry about corrections, style, or judgement. Let the creative juices flow and get the story down on paper from beginning to end. This is a hard stage for most writers and it is one that I struggle with myself. However, being obsessive in this phase can really derail progress. Many of us have found ourselves writing a first draft for years or never finishing at all. So in this phase just get the story written.

Phase 3-Draft 2

Now we are at a major turning point in the writing process. Here we take that mess from the first draft and start to mold it into something resembling greatnes. In this stage, we focus on structure, flow, vocabulary, and pace. In this draft, we also add details or content that may be missing as well as details that improve on the points we are making which provide an experience to the reader. We do not want them to simply read. The goal is to make them feel and that comes with the details. We also need to ensure that consistency and the flow of events are seamless.

Phase 4-Draft 3

In this phase, we should go through the story with a magnifying glass. Here we are looking for sub-plots, relationship connections and relevance, the themes of the book, and textured descriptions. In this phase, we are making sure nothing is forgotten and that all things make sense. I have to pay attention to time periods at this point. What I struggle with is are the events occurring within weeks, months, or years, etc. So, knowing that I am prone to miss-dating I pay close attention to that. For others, it may be relationships and the details surrounding them. I don’t usually have a problem with this because by the time I am to this phase these characters are more like friends so I remember the most mundane details. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a writer help tremendously in this phase.

Phase 5-Draft 4

This is the final and most important phase! You are nearing the finish line! Let’s finish strong! In this phase, we seek feedback. I prefer to have specific people as a set of go to’s for this phase. It is so important and personal. I need to trust the person I give my work to. I hand it over and the hard part begins. It is the waiting period and it is brutal waiting. Once you get the feedback, read every word of it and take all critiques into consideration. Now edit, edit, edit! I mean it. You can not edit enough. When you think you are done edit the piece one more time. Look at word usage, details, and grammar. This is a lot to process but it is so important to the success of the work! Done? Now publish and start promoting that world you just created!