Writers

First Draft Essentials for Writers

1. A Writing Planner: Set goals and track your progress! I aim for 1,000 words a day over 80 days to complete my first draft. I also track how long I write and my word count.

2. A Journal or Notebook: Keep your ideas organized and flowing. I love jotting down random thoughts, maps, and dialogue by hand—always keep a notebook nearby!

3. Favorite Writing Utensils: I’m obsessed with Jelly Roll Gel Pens and heavy-duty gel ink pens. They make writing even more enjoyable. Don’t forget your highlighters!

4. Motivational Books, Podcasts, or Videos: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is my go-to. It’s like therapy for artists and keeps me productive. I use my journal for morning pages and plan to share more on craft books soon.

5. Reference Books: I use my Amazon Kindle Paperwhite to carry books with me wherever I go. It’s easier to have multiple references at my fingertips, especially when studying character development, pacing, tone, and POV.

6. The Vomit Draft: After a month of outlining, I dive into the first draft using my Alphasmart Neo and 20-minute writing sprints. I usually write from 9 PM to midnight, aiming for 1,000 words a day.

If you’re curious about my writing process, outlining, editing, craft books, screenwriting, and more, follow along for future posts! #WritingCommunity #FirstDraftEssentials #AmWriting