6 Things I Wish I had Known Before Writing my First Draft

As I prepare myself to enter the query trenches, I decided to make a big list of all the things I learned from writing my first YA novel. Why? Because whether this manuscript will go on to be the first of ten books I have to write before becoming published or an instant bestseller, it’s all about improving my craft. And what better way to recognize my growth than writing it down.


1. Don't constantly revise your first draft
This was hands down my biggest mistake in writing this ms. I wasted so much time going back and perfecting dialogue for characters who ended up being cut or rewriting scenes that had to be completely changed due to plot changes. Next time, I’m letting the mistakes sit until I’m sure the plot and characters are settled.


2. Take the time to get into your character’s head
Before I started my first draft I had spent some time getting to know my character. I knew certain things about her personality and past, but I didn’t really take the time to get in her head. I was so excited about the book that I delved right in expecting to be able to figure things out as I went along. This was a big mistake because I kept throwing my personality into her dialogue and reactions. While her actions and decisions were definitely my mc’s, the rest was all me. So next time, I am spending A LOT of time getting to know my MC inside and out and hopefully keep me out of the mix.

3. Use your synopsis as a tool to play with plot
Yes, yes, yes, the dreaded synopsis. I put off writing the synopsis for the longest time, but after attending the most amazing lecture by Tara Sullivan I realized what a huge mistake this was. She opened my eyes to the power of the synopsis and how to use it as a tool to play with your plot. I could have saved so myself so much time, if I had just analyzed my plot points in a synopsis format instead writing out an entire draft!

4. Understand the pacing of your genre

I struggled A LOT with pacing. Originally my pacing was way too fast because I lacked internal dialogue and taking moments for my mc to react. But then my pacing became too slow as I added in extra scenes to make my storyworld richer. I can’t say I’ve 100% nailed this one yet. I have a feeling I'm going to need a lot of practice. One thing that has helped me at least identify my pacing problems (other than great critique groups) is studying the plot progression of books in my genre. My inner ravenclaw jumped for joy as I broke out the sticky notes and highlighters and dissected my favorite science fiction books.


5. Integrate action into dialogue. That's right, cut out that useless said.
My first draft had said EVERYWHERE. This was the hardest habit to break. Now I have new bad habit to keep my eye out for: don’t always put the action in the front of your dialogue. I need to mix it around

6. Active Verbs

This subtitle sounds redundant, but I truly struggle with verbs as a writer. I have my character thinking, seeing, watching, analyzing, etc INSTEAD of just doing the thing that needs to get done. My wonderful critique group is constantly pointing out to me my useless verbs and I am hoping to shake this bad habit off by the next book.



I would love to hear what things you have learned from writing your first book, so please share!