Apr 30, 2013

First Draft Magic

This weekend, I had a rare Saturday to myself; my boys and my husband were at a Cub Scout camp out, and I was able to write all day long. It was wonderful! I am working on a new book, and the uninterrupted day allowed me to focus on my opening chapters and work through some issues I have had in the planning stages.

With all of this accomplished, I’m now enjoying my very favorite part of the writing process—what I call “First Draft Magic.” To me, the experience of creating a solid story from gossamer threads of ideas is an astonishing thing. At this stage, whenever I have a quiet stretch of time, I can sit down to write and immediately get sucked into the world I am creating and into my characters’ heads. Time often plays tricks on me at this point—minutes can turn into hours in the blink of an eye. And there are moments when I’m truly surprised at what flows out of my fingertips and onto the computer screen. I am not saying that this is all stellar, pristine writing—trust me, it’s not!—but what is so “magical” is how the story takes on a life of its own. And that is so much FUN!

I’ve talked to many writers who understand this, and I’ve talked to others who don’t. For some, the editing stage is where the “magic” happens. For others, the entire writing process is difficult and sometimes painful, but the end result makes up for this a thousand fold. I have had rough writing days in the past, and I’m sure there will be more in my future. But for now, I am in my “happy place,” and enjoying every minute of it!   

Happy writing, everyone!

10 comments:

  1. Hmm...with my current wip I'm getting the first draft magic. With my ms that I'm now revising, I'm getting the editing magic, lol!

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    1. That is wonderful, Leandra! I usually love the revision process, too--but only after my ms has had a chance to "rest" for awhile. Happy writing! = )

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  2. For me, the magic happens in revision rather than in drafting, but I think either way, when the magic happens, we need to celebrate it! :-)

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    1. I completely agree, Anna--we definitely need to celebrate the magic!

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  3. That is my favorite part, as well. And congrats on getting so much writing time on Saturday! (I am envious LOL)

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    1. Thanks, Katie! This was the first time I have not joined my boys for at least part of a camp out. I may have to try it again! = )

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  4. With you all the way here, Becky. *First Draft Magic* it is.
    A writer friend told me many years ago that for him this is where the art is, while the craft is in the revision/editing. This is the way I experience it also.
    And to the writers who find every part to be agony, I feel like sending Jane Yolen's excellent TAKE JOY.

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    1. I love Jane Yolen's TAKE JOY, Mirka! I like the "art" and "craft" comparison--your friend sounds very smart! = )

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  5. I love the first flush of ideas pouring onto the page. If only it'd come out as good as I envision it my head. Sigh. That's why, the real magic for me comes in revision. So glad you had this time alone to get into the zone.

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    1. Thank you, Vijaya! I enjoy revisions, too--it is definitely a more peaceful experience than drafting. I love hearing everyone's feelings about this!

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