5 Quick Ways To Finish Your First Draft

Sometimes I feel like the rough draft is the longest stage in the writing-a-book process. It’s all brand new stuff that’s trying to get out of my head at once. Then I realize that sooner I can get the first draft out, the sooner the revision process can begin.

But that draft has to be done first.

1. Close Your Eyes and Type

You’d be surprised how far closing your eyes can help you picture the scene in your head, be in the character’s mind, or open your creativity. Blocking out the distraction of the outside world around you, even for a few minutes can spark new eyes, push your story out and really make you focus on your story. I dare you to try it the next time you’re sitting down and stuck on words.

Also, if you are unable to type with your eyes closed simply writing with your eyes closed has the same positive effects.

2. Create A Detailed Outline

What really helps me write faster is to create a chapter outline so I know what to write in that particular chapter. I’ll know how to start the chapter and how to end it. That way I won’t ramble on about nothing without getting to the point. The less fluff a story has the better!

3. Get Excited

Passion in your writing is going to be the main thing that’s going to propel you to write fast. If you’re excited about a scene or chapter than you’re more likely to write faster. The trick is to have this level of passion and excitement throughout your whole story. If you’re bored, then your readers are definitely going to be bored, too.

4. Get Out The House

Sometimes it’s hard to work in the same place you eat, sleep, and goof off. Try getting out the house to write and go to places like the library, coffee shop, or any place you know you can get some work done. This can also help block out at home distractions.

5. Set The Timer And Race

My favorite thing to do when I really want to up my word count is to see if I can write a thousand words in an hour. That’s 500 words in 30 minutes and 250 words every 15 minutes. This forces you to get in the zone and once you’re in the zone you just keep typing. I’ve actually done this with a 1500/hour goal and still win! It’s very fun so try it the next time because it also helps build up your writing speed.

Well, that’s my five quick tips on how you can get your first draft done and out of the way so you can start editing. Maybe even write 2nd and 3rd drafts! I wish you luck.

Tell me what you do to write faster down in the comments. What’s one thing that stops you from writing your first draft? Let me know below!

-Shaquanda

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