In a post on DIY MFA, Ren DeStefano offers advice for starting and finishing the first draft of your story or novel. “Whether you have a storied career, a collection of Creative Writing degrees, or you’re a tax accountant who woke up with a really cool idea you’d like to get down, the process is shockingly similar,” she says. Her tips include:
- Embrace the Weird. If you think your idea is too weird or that nobody will read it, stop. “The best books in literary history would sound too weird or implausible on paper,” DeStefano says. “A killer clown harassing a bunch of kids into adulthood? A magical chocolate factory?” In the wrong hands, those stories could have been terrible, but Stephen King and Roald Dahl made them work.
- Develop a Support System. Writing is isolating, so make some accountability, feedback, and kvetch friends. Even if you want to go it alone for awhile, have backup ready.
- Support Others. Community is a two-way street. When you ask for a listening ear, critiques, and check-ins, be sure you are giving them back.
- Give Yourself Some Compassion. “Here’s the good news: writing isn’t school,” DeStefano says. “Here, you’re going at your own pace, and you’re only here if you want to be.” Find a balance between setting goals and being productive, and cutting yourself some slack once in a while. Burnout helps no one.
- Be Inspired. “Inspiration can come from anywhere,” DeStefano writes. “Just because you’re writing about Jack the Ripper doesn’t mean you can’t pop in some Miley Cyrus and jam while you’re outlining your chapter.”
