Whether you’re tackling your very first novel or diving into draft five of book three, first drafts are their own special kind of chaos. That’s why I wanted to share this fantastic conversation between author Jenna Moreci and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_53BsgAkho
In this video, they break down some of the biggest mistakes writers make when drafting—including:
• How to start your first chapter with clarity and momentum
• Why “info-dumping” derails pacing (and what to do instead)
• The importance of clear genre and age category decisions
• What character development, structure, and conflict really look like in early drafts
Savannah is the host of Fiction Writing Made Easy and brings some incredible insights into story-building from an editor’s perspective.
If you’re deep in the weeds of a messy draft, this one’s worth your time.
Question for the Lounge:
What’s the hardest part of writing a first draft for you: starting, structuring, or finishing? Let’s talk about it.
3 people like this
Ashley Renee Smith, I remember my first draft at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin. Uhmm, that is what you meant?
3 people like this
Fantastic share, Ashley Renee Smith! The hardest part of writing a first draft is running into things I didn't think about when I outlined, then having to figure them out. And realizing things I came up with in the outline don't work and figuring out ways to make them work.
3 people like this
This was a wonderful video - and to the point... like a well-written novel. In my first book I hated the first chapter - starting my story. It was slow. My editor liked it. I still hate it! Wish I'd had the advice given here: Just delete the first three chapters! (OK, maybe the first two.)