Tackle Writing Your First Draft Organically

  

  

Most resources push an outline first method -- as if that's the only effective way to write. But organic writers like us struggle with writing an outline before writing the first draft. Then, once we manage to write an outline, we struggle to write a first draft from it.

When we skip the whole idea of outlining, and just write the story instead, it works _so_ much better.

Novel Niggles is here specifically to support and encourage organic novel writers to write (and live) organically.



Challenges of writing your first draft

Even when we abandon the struggle to start with an outline, organic writers still have plenty of other challenges to face.

From the opening line to the final word -- and covering everything in between and off the edges -- I provide organic-focused answers to the endless irritations and confusions that can make it frustratingly hard to write the first draft of your novel.

  • You struggle to come up with good ideas.

  • You can't find the right words, or can't get them to fall together right.

  • You fight with creating characters, or flounder at world-building.

  • Your story meanders, hopelessly plotless.

  • You struggle with motivation, writer's bock, or simply finding enough time to write.
  • Friends, family and total strangers think they know how to write your stories better than you do -- or think you shouldn't write at all.

I'm here to help you figure it all out so you can finish your first draft -- without resorting to outlines and schedules that shackle your process and chase away your creativity.


Writing a first draft is complicated

Novel Niggles groups the many parts of being a writer and writing your first draft into several areas. Throughout this site, you'll find supportive, clear and concise articles and resources to help you understand and master all of them.

  • The story -- Actually writing a story down is a complex, bumpy process. First drafts are notorious for being messy, confused and just plain bad.

    At a basic level, that's fine since revision can fix anything -- but there are many things you can do to make the first draft easier to write, and the writing better to start with.

    -- Develop an excessive and flexible imagination so you can produce original and usable ideas on demand.

    -- Extend your knowledge base on a broad range of subjects beyond writing to make it easier to create believable plots, well-rounded characters, and immersive worlds.

    -- Deepen your command of the language, not only the vocabulary and grammar, but the ability to paint images in the reader's mind through prose techniques such as description, POV, theme, and many others.

    -- Practice the art of storycraft to fine tune each image as you build the story in your mind, and each word as you translate that story onto the page.

  • The work -- The practical skills needed to write a good novel range from brainstorming to research, from facing the blank page to managing the long haul to the end, from cultivating your imagination to managing your productivity. Master the intense, complex mental work it takes to physically put each story on the page, word by word.

  • The writer -- Your mind can be both your biggest enemy and your most valuable writing tool.

    Deal with the enemy version by learning to handle your own internal emotions and drama so you can focus all that energy on writing your first draft instead.

    Make the most of your mind as a writing tool by figuring out who you are and what's important to you so you can get direct access to the deep places in your soul where your strongest stories are born.

  • The balance -- From trying to get your friends and family to support your writing, to dealing with a demanding day job, life can be a bully. Master the many areas of your life beyond the page so you can create the time and mental wherewithal you need to devote to writing.

  • The life -- Whether you want to publish or not, there is a whole community of other writers out there you can engage with. Get advice and critiques, or just find people to talk to who really get you.

    The writing community extends into the publishing world and the world of readers and fans, too. Figure out who you're writing for and why (even if it's just for yourself, to please yourself) to give your work direction and yourself a satisfying sense of mission.


Writing the first draft of your novel is complex. It takes a good deal of knowledge, practice and flexibility, but it is doable. And all the parts can be done organically -- your way. Every page on this site aims to show you how.


Find all your first draft writing answers here

From handling words, to handling characters, to handling your own hangups, Novel Niggles aims to have all the answers right here.

Start by checking out the Being a Writer and Writing-Centered Life sections to learn about the value and strengths of being an organic writer and living your life more organically.

Then, explore the rest of the site to learn everything you need to know to write the first draft of your novel successfully, joyfully, and organically.

... And don't forget to sign up to my email list so you'll never miss an update.