So I've already told you how much I love brainstorming, but I have to admit that I love drafting almost as much as I love dreaming up new ideas. Maybe it's because drafting is still a portion of that wild and untamed part of writing. It taps into the feral part of the brain where new ideas are born.
I don't know about you, but when the words are coming easily, bubbling up from that little hidden well, I'm my happiest. These moments don't come every day, but when they do, they're pure joy.
But it doesn't always flow, does it? Sometime the well has been drained, or clogged, or filled up with concrete, but it seems like those difficult days can be just as rewarding as the easy ones because the words still get written. Somehow, they still end up on the page.
When I'm drafting a book I like to have a certain word count that I'm responsible for each day. For me, 1500 words is my sweet spot. It feels like a substantial amount, but it's not too much to drain me.
How about you? Do you strive for a certain word count when you're drafting?
My focus is poetry right now, specifically haiku, so I don't set a word count goal. I'm happy some days if I write one good line!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday, Kate. Thanks so much for commenting on yesterday's haiku. :)
One beautiful line is all it takes to make it feel worthwhile!
DeleteLove the picture (except for the fact that the MAN is positioned higher than the woman ... sheesh). When I'm putting out a first draft, I like to hit at least 2000 words a day, only because that's what Stephen King said he does. ... Oh wait ... did I just position a man above me? Dang. Now I have to rethink my whole process. But I'll do it later, because I'm trying to finish a revision right now. :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha! I hadn't even noticed that, Margo. I just liked how whimsical it is. You'll also notice that the woman is doing all the work :)
Deletenot really---but interesting thought---great picture :)
ReplyDeleteHi - first-time visitor, here from A to Z. Your artwork (a few posts back from the Senior event), is beautiful! So was the post about your husband.
ReplyDeleteLike the photo here, too.
I usually do have a word count in mind, though it can vary depending upon where I am in a project.
And I do love when those words come easily and bubbling--as you said. Would like to stifle my inner editor who always jumps in when that happens.
Barbara
D is for: Deadlines
The Daille-y News
I really don't go for a word count when I'm drafting. Whatever comes out, comes out!
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky! I'm too lazy to allow myself to just write what comes out :)
DeleteI need to set stricter goals for myself! I start with a goal in mind when drafting, but if I get stuck I usually end up letting it slide. When I'm really on a roll, though, I try to shut out the whole world and just write. It's an awesome feeling.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was drafting my WiP during NaNo month, I had a great time. Especially since the ideas were tumbling out and the words just flowed. Even though there were many times I was thinking "this'll need to be edited" as I was writing, just pouring the words onto the page was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYes, drafting is fun. :)
That's the thing I love about word goals. I'm far less likely to self edit. I just move on and get the words down.
DeleteHello, dropping in from the A-Z challenge (my first time doing this).
ReplyDeleteI prefer an approx of 2,000 words although I have tried 60 words and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of trying write the tidiest story I could.
Drafting is fun but sometimes it's difficult to know when to stop.
Good luck with A-Zedding.
Debbie W
http://writingworkshopsandcompetitions.blogspot.co.uk/
I always think of the drafting process as gathering the raw materiel together - like a sculptor bringing in the stone or gathering together the clay. Most of its going to be discarded but you don't know what you need until you get to the editing/carving stage....LOVE the picture. Made me laugh - thank you. This is my first time doing the A-Z challenge and I am learning a lot hopping from blog to blog.
ReplyDeleteIn general I aim for 1,000 words a day but sometimes it's more important to fix a problem, solve a query - how do I get from A to B for example - so if I don't meet the word count every day I try not to beat myself up. (Emphasis on try). BTW LOVE the photo on this post.
ReplyDeleteHi Kate, I love the artistry with which you express the first four letters of the alphabet. Brainstorming is a fun process and a mainstay in our house. My husband, an English teacher and leadership trainer, makes sure everyone knows how to do it and enjoys it too, even if it kills them. Enjoy your A to Z adventure. God bless, Maria from Delight Directed Living
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria!
DeleteI tend to write to the end of a scene, or chapter, with 1000-3000 words an average. When I'm writing. Right now I'm in Editing's endless loop. Round, and round, and round...gah! ;)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE what you say about drafting still being the wild and untamed part of writing. SO true. Then comes editing... the killjoy to fun (but so important). :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the photo. Just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYes, when the words just come and flow and fall out of you and when you finally look up, you're like, "whoa, I just wrote ALL that." Sadly, yes, this is not always the case. 1500 is a great day for drafting, and I can generally do this when I'm not working. When I am working, I'm just happy to see 500. Great post.
ReplyDelete