Tracy PopolizioOur bodies are made up of many complicated, intricate, and detailed systems that, when working properly, help us remain in optimum health. While writing can be as simple as jotting down feelings in a diary, it can also be a very intricate, detailed culmination of various components, or “systems”.
The Skeletal System lies wayyy below our skin. We have to get through muscles, tendons, tissue and blood to find it. While it may be hiding, it is the backbone (haha backBONE!) of our body—and our writing. Our bodies would be big piles on the ground if we didn’t have bones to keep things together.
In writing, the Skeletal System can be seen as our first draft. We’ve got something complete (basically) on paper and if you asked someone to read it, they would be able to follow along for the most part—unless you’re me. My second book told about real people who had fictional names, so my poor sister-in-law had no idea that Franz and Fritz were actually the same person.
Minor details aside, the first draft is done. Time to celebrate—quickly.
Even though our bones are held together by ligaments and tendons, if we only had a Skeletal System, we wouldn’t be able to do many things we’re able to do as complete humans. In writing, even though we have a finished draft, it doesn’t mean our piece is finished. No, we still need all the other “systems” to make it whole.
The first draft is, essentially, our thoughts and outlines organized in such a way that the reader can begin to see a story coming together. In high school my first drafts were, in my mind, also my final drafts. I never believed my writing needed editing and revising. That is, until my papers were handed back to me marked with red ink from top to bottom.
Did you know one author writes hundreds of pages before she truly gets to page one? Another author throws away her entire first draft and starts over from the beginning. I’m not recommending this all the time, but what I am saying is that once we have our draft down on paper, we need to remember it’s only the “bare bones.” Don’t be discouraged if it took you days or weeks or months, (or years), to complete. You’ve got your basic structure. Now comes the fun parts of adding the “muscles”, and emotions and “food” to bring it to life!
Do you have any special routines or habits you have when writing your first draft? I’d love to hear them! Remember, any comments will be entered into our September giveaway!
Sharon Rene
Gretchen Carlson
Michelle Kaderly Welsh
I think this applies mostly to longer stories but is good in all situations.thanks!
Interesting post – and true. First draft is a skeleton. I always struggle with refining the first chapter. I rewrote the first chapter of Hesitant Heroes about 4 times.
Sharon I never thought about it like that but very true!
I write and rewrite and rewrite! But my first draft is the backbone! I love your post!
Gretchen me too, thanks!