Now with the first draft completed I just need to go back and fix it all. That's not so hard right? I wish! This to me is the hardest part. The first draft? Not so much. For the first draft I write and ignore my inner editor. Or at least I try. The second draft on the other hand...this is the part where I start to hyperventilate and get overwhelmed with the little things.
So first I will let it sit and have one of these...
Or maybe some of this...
Oh, and last but certainly not least I must have this...
Now I am ready. Maybe. Possibly.
So what does jumping off into the ever stressful second draft look like for me? Everyone is different, but for my second draft I grab my to do list which consists of everything I need to fix. This list comes together during the first draft so that I don't stop and nit-pick right then and there.
My lists consists of the following:
Repetitive or Down Right Bad Writing-It's there, I won't lie. This is the place where I clean up that mess.
Pacing-I can usually tell when a scene is moving fast or dragging out forever. Instead of rewriting, adding/cutting during the drafting phase, I do it here.
Plot or Character Inconsistencies- The more I delve further into the ms, the more I notice inconsistencies with my characters. Things they would not do or say. I also look out for the little things that don't quite mesh in the plot during this run through.
Clarifying or Adding Description-I love to describe things. Everything. I want the reader to have as vivid an image in their mind as I do. What's the problem then? Too much of a good thing can get really old. So I go through and fine tune the necessary descriptions. Those that move the story forward. Anything extra that does not add to the plot or characters gets cut. Even if I love it.
Well there you have it, the partial method to my madness. Of course this is only step one. I won't even attempt to go any further today. Do any of you wonderful people out there have any other suggestions for this stage of you ms? I would so love to hear them!
10 comments:
I love the idea of keeping a running list of future fixes while drafting. I got so bogged down revising as I wrote on my first book that I don't want to repeat that process and hope to try a new approach.
And I love, love, love Elizabeth Lyon's Manuscript Makeover for guiding the revision process.
First, yay to finishing the first draft. So exciting -- I can't wait to read it :)
Love your way of second drafting. I tend to go through looking for the same things. I also like to find music for my playlist that has the mood I want in the scene/chapter. I play it on repeat while I edit.
Congrats on finishing your first draft!!! I'm getting close to finishing my first draft of my second novel as well.
I tend to look for the same things you look for. I also add needed chapters and try to tie up any loose ends.
I loved seeing your method! I need to start taking notes during the first draft, that's brilliant!
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omg, Renae! LOL--I just finished round two revisions on my current MS in which I ate both a chocolate chip cookie, a handful of chocolate chips (!) and some coffee... sigh. We're all the same~ :D
Those are really great things to do and look out for in the second draft. Good luck with yours!
Love your list of things to look out for~I'm adding them to my file for my own revisions, so thanks! I also look at chapter openings/closings to make sure they're strong.
You and I are alike! One point for the treats and one point for the first drafts!!!
Everything after that... no thank you. If only it were a tad bit easier!
This is a great list and I think a fantastic starting point!! I usually have to go through and look for passive sentences and - like you said, lazy or flat-out bad writing. Sometimes my first draft is more to get the ideas out so I don't lose them and then I've got to go through and do the spit-shining:) Thanks for helping me to 100 followers yesterday:)
I love first draft writing too - so much joy and fun!
I always have to go back in and add description - I never have enough!
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