On drafting: monthly word count, musings, updates
On returning to the blank page after spending six years on my debut.
On returning to the blank page, after spending six years on my debut.
Right now, as I draft my next historical novel, my main focus is finding my character’s voice and the story. I have an idea of where her journey takes her, but I’m still digging beneath the layers.
I’ll share an overview of last month, and where I’m searching & building next.
WRITING STATS, this past month:
Drafted 22,500 words
Read and worked through seven chapters of Lisa Cron’s Story Genius
Read hundreds of pages of research
Wrote a one-page overview and shared with my agent & editor
Overall, I’m proud of my work & thrilled with how much this story has taken shape. With my debut In the Great Quiet coming out in a couple months, I didn’t want to push too hard on this project. I just wanted to begin. Do research. Spend some time in the world. I’m so much happier when I carve out the space to write, even just a little here and there.
I’ve shared a few weekly overview updates on Instagram. Such as daily word counts, writing tips, perspective shifts, and some of my thoughts from every week.
Weekly Update 3 (Okay, this one is TK.)
Some days look like this:
And some days look like this:
One of the biggest misnomers with writing is that it’s all… writing. Every day I think about my story. I’m researching, plotting, getting to know my characters. Lots and lots of thinking. But I’m not drafting everyday.
What’s next?
Last month I encouraged you to spend some time dreaming up your story. To perhaps begin to work through Story Genius.
I’ve finished all my foundational and backstory work. Now I am working on creating my blueprint. It’s sort of like an outline, except for I like the concept of a map more than something as structured and prescriptive as an outline. A blueprint has structure and bones. Thought and planning.
I know where I’m going, know both my character’s arc and the plot. I have notes for the ending and climactic scenes. I’m thinking through the beats of the romantic arc.
But—
I am fully open to following my character in a different direction. I have a plan. I expect the plan to be upended. I really hope it does—because that’s where the text feels alive.
One of the most beautiful & magical parts of drafting is how you stumble upon puzzle pieces along the way. I’m still missing a few pieces.
As I write historical fiction, I’m continually researching, digging, wondering. Hoping to uncover some unknown tidbit of history that clicks all the other pieces into place. As I research, I’m not pausing. I’m writing. Living life. Thinking.
With my debut, it wasn’t until about eighteen months of working on the story that I came across the perfect revelation. Suddenly everything slotted into place.
You have to deeply know your world, characters, and what you’re even writing about, before you can shove your story one huge step forward. So—trust the process. Write. Don’t worry. Don’t stress. Seriously, just sit down and build.
Write your sloppy first draft, figure out what story you’re telling, define your character’s voice. Even if you outline every beat, I hope your story still surprises you.
Are you drafting with me? I would love it if you shared about your routine and process. Are you a plotter or pantser?
If you’re new here, my debut historical novel releases this spring from Lake Union.
It’s available wherever books are sold to preorder in print, ebook, and audiobook. I would be so honored if you added In the Great Quiet as “to read” on Goodreads.
Come & draft with me!
I’ll share daily word count updates, musings, and tips on Instagram. And check back next month to see what I’ve built.
I would love to hear how your writing is going today. Share thoughts, raging, hopes, or whatever you want below. ✨