Starting a First Draft: Fun and Creative Tips!

Alexa Blakley
Nov 11, 2024
5 min read

Starting the first draft of a novel is like stepping onto a rollercoaster. It’s thrilling, a little nerve-wracking, and often unpredictable. But the key to a great writing experience is in the preparation—and making it fun!

With my current WIP being reviewed by beta readers at the moment, I've started working on a new story while I wait for their feedback, and I've compiled some fun tricks that have helped me dive into that first draft with excitement. These strategies can help keep the ideas flowing and turn drafting into an enjoyable experience instead of a nerve-wracking one!

1. Create Character Playlists

Music can be an amazing source of inspiration, and creating character-specific playlists can help you get into their mindset. Whether it’s upbeat tracks that capture a character’s confidence or haunting tunes for a more complex personality, music can unlock insights and make your characters feel more real. Here’s some ideas to get started:

Choose songs that match their personality: Think about how each character would sound if they had a theme song. Would they listen to pop, classical, or indie?
Find songs for key scenes: Imagine important moments for your characters—epic confrontations, tender moments, or times of growth. What kind of music would underscore these scenes?
Use the playlists while writing: Listen to these playlists whenever you’re drafting scenes with that character. It can help you capture the right mood and make it easier to “hear” their voice as you write!

Have a song that perfectly captures the mood of your story or characters? Add it to our Chapter One writing playlist!

2. Design Moodboards for Settings and Atmosphere

Moodboards are a fantastic way to visually ground your story’s world and atmosphere. Using platforms like Pinterest, Canva, or even a simple collage app, collect images that capture the look and feel of your novel. Here are some moodboard ideas:

Gather images of locations and scenery: Think about where your novel is set. Are there enchanted forests, futuristic cities, or small-town cafés? Images of these places can give you instant inspiration when you’re describing settings.
Add in textures and colors: Colors and textures can help set the tone for your novel. Dark, moody colors might fit a mystery, while bright, warm tones might suit a romantic comedy.
Include objects tied to your characters: Maybe one character always wears a specific necklace, or there’s an old journal central to the plot. Visualizing these details can help you keep track of them and weave them consistently into the story.

3. Experiment with Outlines (or Try a Loose One!)

Personally, I have always had trouble with outlining and prefer to make the story up as I go. However, I've also found that going into a draft with at least some planned direction can be helpful, even if it's not a traditional outline. Here are some flexible ways to approach story planning:

Try the “Three-Act Structure”: If you’re looking for a simple guide, the three-act structure is a classic way to frame your story. Divide it into a beginning (introduce the world and characters), middle (the main conflict), and end (resolution). This gives you a basic structure without boxing you in too tightly.
Use bullet points for each chapter: List one or two key events per chapter. This method is straightforward and leaves room for spontaneity.
Sketch out character arcs: Maybe you don't want any story point planned, and want to focus on where each character is headed instead. Think about their journey and what changes by the end. This can guide your story really effectively, especially if you're working with a character-driven plot!

4. Draft in “Sprints”

Sometimes starting a novel draft feels intimidating, but breaking it into smaller chunks can make it easier. One of my favorite things to do while drafting is writing in "sprints." Try setting a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and see how much you can write in that short burst. Writing in sprints allows you to dive into the story without overthinking.

Challenge yourself with a set word count: Start with something manageable, like 200-300 words in a sprint. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment without feeling overwhelmed.
Keep it low-pressure: Sprints aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. Just let the words flow, knowing you can always revise later.
Join a Writer's Group and Sprint Together: Many online writing groups, especially on Discord, have built-in sprint systems that can be used by its members. You can participate in sprints with other writers and cheer each other on (or see who can write more words in the allotted time if you have a competitive spirit). These types of groups can be found by searching on social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok.

5. Keep a “Discovery Journal”

A discovery journal is a place where you can record all the ideas, questions, and random thoughts that come up as you draft. This can be a notebook, a document, or even a series of voice notes. I keep a second tab of my drafting document open for notes like this while I'm writing too!

Jot down scene ideas and snippets of dialogue: Sometimes you’ll think of a great line or a small plot twist while doing something unrelated. Write it down so you don’t lose it.
Record any research questions: Need to look up how a lockpicking mechanism works or what an old castle’s floor plan might look like? Jot these down as you go so you can research them later without interrupting your flow.
Reflect on character motivations and conflicts: A journal lets you think deeply about your characters outside of the story itself. Use it to brainstorm how they might act in certain situations or what their backstory might include.

Remember, drafting is just the first step. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours. So grab your favorite playlist, open up that blank document, and start writing. The adventure begins now!

Today's Location Highlight

A little less of a specific location today, but writing this post reminded me of when I started the first draft of my WIP a little over a year ago. I remember the exact booth I was sitting in at my local Panera when I first started writing, and I returned to that booth when I finished the draft and again every time I started a new round of edits.

Fun traditions like this, no matter how silly they may be, can make milestones in the drafting and editing process memorable and distinct!

Have your own first-draft tips? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear how you get started on your writing projects!