So you've written a first draft. Now what?

You've spent hours formulating an idea, letting it simmer within the corners of your mind. Through a your determination (and I'm sure sometimes tears) your first draft is complete! Where do you go from here? Much to your dismay, I am telling you to take a break.

For your story to sing in its most beautiful and haunting way, you must take care of you and step away from your manuscript for a short time. This does two things. First, you get some much needed self-care and can attempt to turn your brain off. Second, you let your story breathe. Sometimes when we are in the trees, we cannot see the forest. When we edit too early, we sacrifice all of the things we would see with fresher eyes after a break.

Okay Bea, I've taken a break. What's next.

It's skeleton draft time. Here, you are outlining the bones that we will later furnish with joints, tendons, and muscles. It may be painful, but you must sit on your editing hands for this stage as well. Word to the wise, there is no sense in editing something several times that may change in a developmental edit. Sit on those hands.

What is a skeleton draft?

Take a notebook, spreadsheet, or word doc--whatever suits your fancy--and create three columns. In the first column, you will note what chapter you are reading. Go slow, take your time. In the second column, you will write what happened and what was the point. What did you learn? What choices did your characters make? What internal and external struggles popped onto the pages?

Even if you have ideas while you are reading, do not add to your manuscript just yet. I just told you, keep those editing fingers away! Write them down in your notes and come back to them for the second draft.

Last, but certainly not least, is the third column where you will record your reactions and questions. Read your work as objectively as possible and as if you did not write it. This column is the most important. What was left unanswered? Did the characters act out of their norm? What did you notice? How did it make you feel? What did you want more of but did not get?

You may be thinking, "Well Bea, I wrote this story so I know what is in it." Fair point. However, I offer a different perspective. Once again, remember those trees up close when you are in a vast forest--you can't see beyond your sight. This process allows you an overview. Through the skeleton draft you will find: plot movement, plot holes, character development, tension/conflict, pacing, tone, and much more.

When you complete this stage, reread your notes from the skeleton draft. Insert information and highlight the areas you can and will add more to in your second draft. Even if you don't have a concrete answer, write down what it needs and go through each point one by one.

Good luck on your second draft! Remember, only 3% of people who start writing a book actually finish it. Your first draft is a huge accomplishment all on its own. You should be proud of yourself.

I believe in you!