I just finished the first draft of my new WIP. It’s a satisfying feeling for sure but it’s mixed with excitement about the story and fear that’s not very good. I think all writers have this confidence mixed with self doubt. I’m sure when I start revising / editing the story, I’ll find a lot that needs changing but for now, I’m going to try to hang on to the excitement that I’ve written another story.
It’s also the longest first draft I’ve ever written. With writing I really think it should be quality over quantity but you do need to consider acceptable word counts and it feels good to be getting better at writing stories that are novel length. I think back to all those shelved stories that never got over 30k and do feel a sense of accomplishment that plots are becoming easier to create now.
The more I write, the more I’m convinced that practice makes perfect. Writing becomes easier and better the more I do it. Like learning an instrument perhaps, although I never managed to learn one. Writing skills need to be exercised so they can be improved. I can see progress each time I write. Even having this blog has developed those skills. I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning either. I wonder if bestselling authors are still learning and improving, I hope so because that means writing will always be challenging and you will always feel satisfaction and excitement when you type ‘The End’.
When you’re on a journey, every step forward brings you closer to your destination.
How do you feel after a first draft is complete?
Victoria
xoxo
limebirdbeth
/ August 7, 2012Strange but excited! I’m sure it’s great.
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012It is a strange feeling! Ah thanks
Bonnie
/ August 7, 2012I’ll be one of the first to go out and buy your first novel, Victoria!!
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012Yay Bonnie! Thanks!
Vicki Tremper
/ August 7, 2012Finishing a first draft is always soooo amazing! I feel that same anxiety about whether it’s good or crap, and I usually procrastinate on starting the revision as a result. Good luck with your revisions and congrats on finishing the 1st draft!
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012Phew good to know I’m not the only one. Good luck to you too!
susielindau
/ August 7, 2012Congrats!
I think when I finished mine, I knew how loose the ending was and how much needed to be rewritten that I really didn’t get the huge sigh of relief. This is my first book and it has been such a huge learning process. Hopefully, I will breeze through the next!
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012Thanks! So exciting, keep going Susie!
susielindau
/ August 8, 2012Thanks Victoria!
I got a lot done yesterday. The next book will be so much easier! It has been a “learn as I go” process!
Juliette
/ August 7, 2012I always feel a sense of relief when I finish any draft… and as my books (for the moment) are semi-autobiographical, editing should be minimal… and hence I am proud of my achievements….
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012Yep it is such a relief. You should be proud!
EmmaMc
/ August 7, 2012Well done on completing your first draft. I’m editing mine at the moment, after leaving it untouched for over a month. Some parts are a breeze to edit but at the same time I’m very critical of my work so going back to the story can be quite daunting.
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012Thanks. Editing is hard work, good luck with yours!
E.Arroyo
/ August 7, 2012It’s the greatest feeling in the world. =) Congrats and celebrate!
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012Thanks Liz!
C.B. Wentworth
/ August 7, 2012Congratulations on finishing your first draft!
I think most writers believe there is no such thing as a final draft. The best we hope for is a draft we can be happy with.
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012Thanks! You’re right, we are our worst critics!
redjim99
/ August 7, 2012I hope you enjoy the moment, before diving in to change things.
Jim
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012Thanks Jim, I’ll try
lovelylici1986
/ August 8, 2012Feels great to finish a first draft! …For the first 90 seconds. Then thoughts of the edits to come spring up. The thought of cutting beautiful words and phrases that I have to admit just. don’t. work. And having to be objective without being overly self-critical. And then excitement about the possibility of getting published. And then back to thinking about the edits… And the critiques to come. The writing process is a rollercoaster ride, but it’s AWESOME.
Victoria-writes
/ August 8, 2012You’re right about the rollercoaster ride. I hope it’s worth it for both of us in the end!!
countingducks
/ August 8, 2012Good luck with the new novel. I am always so impressed by your determination and feel that will certainly gain you what you want in the long run.
Victoria-writes
/ August 9, 2012Thank you so much. The support on here really helps!
Maggie
/ August 8, 2012I like finishing a first draft, but I always cringe when I think of the editing/revision to come.
Victoria-writes
/ August 9, 2012I feel the same, I wish the first draft could be the last
4amWriter
/ August 9, 2012What a huge accomplishment! Congratulations. Now the real fun begins, lol
Keep up the great work.
Victoria-writes
/ August 9, 2012Thanks Kate!