First Drafts Are Hard

Hey, before we get started, listen to this!

It's like, techno dubstep folk music and I'm listen to the group (The SIDH) a lot right now. It's putting me in the right mindset for the story I'm working on right now.

Which is great, because I'm first drafting, and first drafting is hard.

It's strange. I used to love first drafting. I used to love the feeling of discovery I get when I write a first draft, and honestly, I still love that. But back then I was much more of a "pantser" when it came to writing, figuring out the story while I drafted, and now I'm a little more of a "plotter," someone who outlines before I even start, which can make first drafting tedious.

I'm working on a new story that I think could be beautiful. It's a fairy tale retelling, set in modern times in Vermont. In my head it's darkly enchanting, all autumn...

And snow...

And, of course, ancient magic and mystery...

(This last picture is a stone chamber from Massachusetts. It's old, no one really knows who built it, and they're all over New England. They play a major role in my story.)





Anyway, this is the story in my head:

And here's the story on the page:

I don't enjoy first drafting because I know the first draft is supposed to be rough. Mentally, I get it. First drafts are the skeleton of the story, and skeletons don't look like the finished product. But at the same time, I know what I want the finished product to be and I hate watching it turn out...not like that.

I just want it to be beautiful now, dang it!

So, on the flip side, I'm starting to love revision more, because it lets me make the story the beautiful thing I want it to be.

And that's good.

Anyway, I'm hard at work on this new project and on my older projects. Maybe someday soon you'll be able to see the fruits of my labor. I'd like to see them, too.

In other news, my idea about starting a YouTube channel is becoming more appealing. I have a long-standing idea for a YouTube project I wanted someone else to do, but if I learn how to do this thing, maybe I can make it myself!

I'm also planning various challenges and puzzles for you all to work out. Stay tuned!