Description:
Many writers, both newbies and veterans alike, struggle to finish first drafts. So what's the magic formula for actually writing "The End"? Spoiler: There is no magic formula, but The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge is pretty darn close. Listen in to see if you're heading down one of the three paths that don't lead to a finished draft, and how The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge can get you on the right track.
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You are listening to The Novel Writing Podcast, Episode 166.
I'm your host, Colleen Mitchell. Grab a cup, cozy up, and let's get to writing!
Today's episode is a primer on how to actually finish that first draft. Many new writers, or even veteran writers, struggle with finishing first drafts. If that's you, know that you're not alone, and there is an easier way to approach first drafts than you think.
The Three Common Paths Writers Take
New writers typically follow one of three paths:
1. Discovery Writing (a.k.a. Pantsing)
You just start writing without any idea where the story is going, who the characters are, or anything about the theme, plot, structure, or arcs. I call this discovery writing, but others call it pants-ing. This method makes it hard to finish the first draft because you don't know where to even aim the cursor, let alone how the story ends or how to get there.
2. Over-Preparing and Losing Momentum
You spend an inordinate amount of time crafting a complex world, characters, and plot, outlining every detail—only for the story to go off the rails on page two. This makes it hard to finish the first draft because you keep reworking the outline, the first chapter, or worldbuilding for months or even years with little progress.
3. Balanced Outlining, But Life Gets in the Way
You have a mix of outlining and room for spontaneity, but it takes longer than expected due to interruptions, motivation fluctuations, or getting stuck in the story. The longer it takes, the more likely you are to abandon the draft.
Why This Is a Big Problem
All three of these paths share a common problem: not finishing the first draft when you thought you would—if at all. This is a major issue for writers, especially those who dream of going full-time. If finishing a first draft feels impossible, it can make you question whether writing is even a viable career.
How to Finally Finish That First Draft
This is where our method comes in, and it's the foundation of The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge, which you can sign up for using the link in the description.
First drafts require a combination of knowing what you're going to work on before you write and then sprinting to the finish line while staying flexible as the story unfolds.
The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge Approach
Our method is designed to challenge you for a short period so you can make more progress in two months than you would on your own.
The goal isn't to sustain a high-speed writing pace forever—it’s to break through the barriers preventing you from finishing your book.
The Truth About Fast Drafting
Writing "fast drafts" isn't for everyone. Some stories need time to marinate, but if you've had a story idea in your head for a while and just haven’t been able to execute it, a fast draft might be the push you need.
A fast draft is NOT a clean draft.
There's a reason we always say: The first draft is supposed to be garbage.
But you know what a fast, garbage draft is? Complete. And once it's complete, you have something to improve upon.
What You Need to Finish Your First Draft
To successfully complete a first draft, you need:
1. A Story You're Excited to Tell
Whether you start with a world or a character facing a problem, excitement is what will carry you through to the last page.
2. An Outline (Yes, Even for Pantsers!)
Even if you like to discovery write, having a loose roadmap—a beginning, middle, and end—will help you stay on track.
3. A Timeline and Word Count Goal
We recommend The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge, which helps you write 50,000 words in two months. But any timeline that is short enough to commit to will work.
Your goal should be realistic yet challenging—enough to push you but not so extreme that you set yourself up for failure.
4. Commitment to Finishing
Even if it takes you longer than two months, what matters is your commitment to finishing. Without that, it’s too easy to let a half-written draft gather dust.
The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge Can Help
Our challenge is designed to help you push past obstacles, stay motivated, and actually reach "The End" of your manuscript.
So what are you waiting for? Check out the link in the description to see if The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge is right for you!
That's it for today's episode! Thanks for joining me, and remember: the first draft is supposed to be garbage.
Show Notes
Dive into the first episode of the Novel Writing Podcast with your host Colleen and her sometimes-guest Halie Fewkes Damewood! Here, we give you the gist of who we are, what we do, and what you can expect from this podcast.
What to do next…
Halie & Colleen are both authors! Find their books below:
Secrets of the Tally, by Halie Fewkes Damewood
The Chronicles of Talahm, by Colleen Mitchell
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