First Drafts

First drafts are a way for me to find out exactly (almost) what story I am telling. It isn't for finding the greatest way to tell that story, that is left for the later drafts.

I am writing a first draft. But the main characters have been developed, their stories told in the book I just finished. This is not a series, though. Just another story using the same main characters as my last book. (These characters won't leave my head.)

In all relationships there are conflicts. Mother, daughter, husband, wife, boss, employee. The key to writing a great book is creating real relationships. In life, we all have our differences. We can't get along every day. There are going to be disagreements, because we're all human. Our characters in our books are humans, too.

Internal conflicts shows what our character wants or what he/she feels. This is hardest for me. In SEVENTY TWO HOURS, Anna's external is easy. She's lost in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her best friend Claire. They want to find their way home. Internal was harder. Anna's pride and independence overrules her common sense. Anna wanted to feel proud and independent, yet she wanted to admit she was vulnerable. Two conflicting feelings pulling at her.



Which brings me to another point. Anna's name before it was Anna, was Sarah. There's nothing wrong with the name Sarah, but the first draft went faster after I changed the name. Scarlett O'Hara's name in the first draft was Pansy. I think Scarlett just works better, don't you? :)

Pacing. Very important. Slow things down when you need to and speed things up when you have to. Big things need more time. Move a little slower. Dig a little deeper.



Any advice on first drafts that you want to mention? Speak to me. :)