How Long Does it Take to Finish Your First Draft?
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My first mystery novel took about five years to go from first draft to publication. As a new writer, I wrote when I could (or felt like it) and revised and revised and revised for years. I would overhaul major sections after early readers provided feedback. I would put it down for weeks and months and then go at it again.
I try to write every day, but it’s not always possible. Life gets in the way sometimes.
What works for me is to write and edit when I can, and I don’t beat myself up when I skip days or don’t write as much as I planned. Here are some things I’ve learned over the years (through trial and error).
When I don’t write regularly, it takes me longer to remember where I left off and get back in the groove. I am more productive if I can write a little each day.
Just write your first draft. Don’t spend hours proofing, revising, and editing. Finish it, and then you can focus on the polishing. I spent years on that first manuscript.
I would often handwrite a lot of my chapters in the early days. I save time now by composing/writing at my computer. This cuts down on typing time later.
You may have to make a tough decision with a manuscript. If you’ve worked and worked on it, and it’s not going anywhere, you may need to assess whether it’s worth pursuing or whether you should pause it. I have two manuscripts in a desk drawer that will probably never see the light of day.
I track my word count on my writing days, so I have a visual of my progress. (I use a lowtech Post-It on my desk with the date and total.)
Know your word count guidelines for your genre. There’s less revising if you’re close to your range at the end of your first draft. It’s hard to add 35K words when you think you’re done.
When I’m writing and I find something that I need to research, I highlight it and make a comment in the document. I keep writing, and I come back and insert what I find later. I was spending too much time on the internet looking for things (and getting distracted with funny dog videos).
I don’t do a full blown outline, but I do create a chapter summary. I highlight parts with mystery, romance, and humor in different colors, so I can see if there is too much or not enough of something. This provides a roadmap for me and helps as I transition from chapter to chapter.
For my series, I keep a spreadsheet with a column for each book. All the major and minor characters are listed with their key details. I also have a chart for place names and locations. I want to be consistent throughout the series. This is an easy reference when I forget a character’s eye color or other details.
Find the process that work best for you. If something’s not working, try something new.
Best wishes with your manuscript. (I’m almost done with the fourth Delanie Fitzgerald book. I have about 15K more words to go.) Happy Writing!
