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When we released “Types of Drafting Part 1,” we only began to scratch the tip of the drafting methods iceberg. Finding a method that works for you can be a long task, often taking many years of trying, mixing, and altering the original methods. If you’re anything like me, seeing that this process could take years is uninviting. After all, I just want to get into the meat and potatoes of my writing process! However, finding a drafting style that works for you will save you many hours, days, and months of rewriting, writer’s block, and general frustration. Writing your novel should be a process that you can enjoy and have fun with, and it all starts with the drafting stage. Taking the time and effort to master your drafting method can ensure that your writing process becomes smoother, allowing you to revel in the beauty of your novel.
Here we’ve compiled another list of methods you can try on for size. Take your time, browse through our collection, and pick any (or all) of the methods you’d like! Free of charge.
I. Character-Driven Method
This is for all you authors out there who know exactly what kind of characters you want in your novel. Whether you’re basing them on people in your life, fictional characters you saw on TV, or you just had an epiphany before you fell asleep, you know your characters before you know your plot.
In this method, you’ll take your characters and begin by really fleshing them out. What are their personalities, their motivations, their desires? How about their relationships with the other characters? You’ll slowly start developing the characters and base the novel’s conflicts, plotlines, and arcs around these characters. Your novel will be heavily influenced by your character’s choices. You can play around with this, making different scenarios for different choices and exploring different possibilities that can happen in your novel. This can help with your world-building. Pretty cool, right?
II. Dialogue-First Method
This method is similar to the previous method as you’ll need to have an idea of the types of characters that will be speaking. Your characters don’t need to be fleshed out or complete as you can use this method to develop your character’s voice and… character. Maybe one of the mean-spirited characters you had envisioned turned out to be a father figure for the group since the dialogue flowed better that way.
You’ll write dialogue-heavy scenes or just multiple conversations between the different characters. From this, you can begin fleshing out your characters, their relationships, and their different talking styles/tones. As you write these conversations, you can begin piecing together different situations, conflicts, and narrative points.
III. Setting-Centric Method
This method requires that you immerse yourself into the setting of your story. You don’t have to know the characters, the plot, or anything of that nature. For example, I knew that I wanted to write a story in a post-apocalyptic world and nothing else. I began by imagining what that world would look like, how it would feel to be in that world, and many other details.
You’ll begin developing the setting in vivid detail starting from the general geography and down to the nitty-gritty of the place. What’s the history of this place? How did it become what it is today? What’s the culture like here? This will eventually lead you to create your characters and plot which are heavily influenced by their surrounding setting.
This method allows you to build your world, leading to an immersive experience for your audience. A realistic world, a captivating setting, and the plot that follows are proponents that every avid reader looks for in a novel.
IV. Revision-Focused Method
I know this sounds a little counter-intuitive since revision comes after drafting but follow me. For this method, you’ll want to completely disregard revision as you go. I know it can be difficult, especially when you aren’t used to it, but trust the process.
You’ll start this method by just writing out your story completely, no revisions, no changes, nothing. In the back of your mind, you’ll know that once this is complete, you’ll be focusing on revision for a long time. After you finish writing, you’ll go through it, make any changes you may want, polish up some details, and any other revisions you have in mind. After this, rinse and repeat. You’ll end up creating multiple drafts along the way, leading to refinement and improvement in your novel.
V. Collaborative Method
Who says writing has to be a solo endeavor? If you’re a people person or work better when you have someone encouraging you and working with you as you go, this method is ideal for you. Maybe you and your friend created a world together one night while talking and finally want to put it together on paper. Or maybe you have a mentor that you admire and respect and you would love to hear their perspectives and feedback as you write.
Regardless of the situation, this method allows you to collaborate with one or more authors to create an incredible work of art. Sometimes we don’t realize our own mistakes, continuity issues, or plot holes. When you’re working with others, they might be able to point out those issues and even suggest ways to improve the story to avoid them. Beyond that, it can feel comforting to have someone share the workload and understand what exactly you’re going through with your art. Just be sure that the work environment is healthy and that there are clear guidelines, expectations, and communication.
VI. Mindfulness Method
This method focuses more on your mind, spirit, and body rather than the writing itself. When we say mindfulness, we mean more than just awareness of your story and what you wish to do with your writing. Setting your intentions for your session is important. Do you wish to portray love, greed, death, or prosperity? How do these different portrayals affect your mind and soul? If you know you’re going to be writing about heavy topics, do you have a way to take care of yourself afterward?
It’s easy for non-writers to distinguish between fiction and real life, but for writers, what we create is real to us. When our characters experience something traumatic, we, too, feel that sting. It’s important to be aware of how your writing can affect your mental health and take the necessary steps to ensure that you’re taking care of yourself. Drink a warm cup of tea, take a break to watch your comfort movie, or just take some time to cry if you need it. By being mindful of your emotions and your intentions with your writing, you’ll be able to open your mind to a more creative flow.
VII. Experimental Method
This method is a free-for-all method for those of you who just want to try everything and anything all at once or overtime. This is ideal for new writers who may not have an idea of what their writing style is. For this, you can do quite literally anything you want!
You can experiment with different narrative structures, writing styles, and any other unconventional elements you might have seen or heard of. Rather than following a guideline or any of the methods on this list, make up something or mix methods to create the strategy that you like! There’s no wrong way to do this. This method allows for creative exploration and can lead to some of the most unique and innovative stories.
Got Any Good Ideas Yet?
Remember that these methods and techniques are mere suggestions and guides to lead you to your drafting process. What may work for you might be a mix of methods on this list or something else entirely! Don’t get discouraged if a method doesn’t work for you, as not every method is universally designed for all writers. Adapt, modify, and combine different approaches and methods to fit your writing style, creativity, and goals.
Remember, the goal is to bring your novel to life enjoyably and seamlessly! Investing in your drafting process will bring you one step closer to that goal. And if you haven’t already checked it out, our prequel blog, “Types of Drafting Part 1: Where to Start” for more methods and suggestions!
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