Fast draft Friday
I love Fast Draft. It’s done what I wanted it to do for me, got my momentum built up. And it’s a different rhythm then anything I’ve done before, but one that really seems to work for me so I’m going to keep using this.
I’ve tried book in a month and book in a week both. Book in a week is too overwhelming. It’s an impossible goal, so I feel like giving up before I even try. Book in a month is pretty manageable and fits my natural speed well. But I’m noticing a difference in the rhythm of Fast Draft, which is half a month. Instead of stopping at 2-3K and calling it good for the day, I push myself to go further. The results are interesting.
It’s not something you could do twice a month forever, but I think it’s useful in the project-switching life of a working writer. Because you bang out a proposal, than you have revisions for something else, galleys for another thing, promotional and business details, and all of them interrupt the flow of writing. If I can use Fast Draft to get my drafts done faster (the name is sooo appropriate) I have less interruption and don’t have to regain momentum from a dead stop.
I’ve really enjoyed the experience so far and I’ve gained another useful tool to add to my bag of tricks. Fast Draft.
January 27th, 2007 at 6:58 am
Hey Charli. What’s Fast Draft — I don’t buy into all the “book in a..” either, but I also like to check out new things. Can you tell me more?
Sam
January 27th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Sam, Fast Draft is a class run by Candy Havens, who came up with it to fit writing into her impossible schedule. The idea is to write 20 pages a day for two weeks, ending with a complete novel draft. No excuses, no procrastination, writing in whatever time is available. It’s really a very interesting experience. You can go here to learn more:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Write_Workshop/
The class is coming to a close, but you can still read all the material about what it is and how it works.
January 27th, 2007 at 10:28 am
I just joined that group and have been reading Candy’s workshop notes on it. Wish I had joined sooner because I really needed this for the book I’m working on. I think it would really help me.
Glad to hear it’s working well for you. I’m going to have to try it.
January 27th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Jaci, it’s saved me! I’m going to be doing this on and off through June so we can buddy up if you want.
January 27th, 2007 at 11:42 am
I’d love to. Just holler at me when you’re ready.
January 27th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Thanks folks.
That’s about what I have to write to meet my deadline this week, LOL. There’s so many neat things out there, though, to help writers. I’ll wander on over and take a look. Thanks 
Sam
January 27th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Will do, Jaci.
January 27th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Sam, I hope you find it as helpful as I did!