Inside the Creative Process: Watering the Rough Draft of 'Vampire Dragons'

As a writer, hitting the end of a rough draft can feel liberating, and that’s precisely where I find myself—wrapping up the rough draft of my project titled Vampire Dragons. This stage, often rife with imperfections, brings a mix of exhilaration and reality-check work ahead. Here’s what I’ve accomplished and what’s next on this creative journey.

The Draft Details

My rough draft of Vampire Dragons encompasses:

• 60 chapters
• Approximately 2,122 words per chapter
• A total word count nearing 127,000 words

As I wrote, I adopted a practical approach by keeping every chapter in a separate file. This method means that while I’m confident in my word count approximation, I won’t know the exact total until I merge everything into a manuscript. That said, I expect to see at least a 120k word count. Anticipating cuts, it looks like I'll need to trim about 20,000 words—a substantial task that looms as a mountain to scale. That's a challenge many writers face, often leading to the question: what do you keep, and what do you cut?

Staying True to the Outline

For the most part, I adhered to a detailed outline while crafting this draft, treating it as my compass through a sensible writing journey. Structure is a pivotal element in writing; an outline not only guides the flow of the narrative but also helps maintain the pacing and tension throughout the story. However, allowing a little deviation in the last third of the story enabled me to explore creative avenues that pushed the narrative further. I stayed aligned with my climax but took a more dramatic route toward it. Previously, I implemented this technique in my other novel, The Bane of Dragons, and that divergence resulted in my narrative being named a top indie favorite by Barnes & Noble. I hope to see similar rewards this time around!

My Writing Process

So what does my writing process look like? I make it a point to write daily, aiming to focus purely on one project until its completion, or at least until I need to pivot. Multitasking tends to derail my progress, and I’ve found that less clutter in my schedule aids creativity. My process entails an in-depth outlining strategy, allowing me to visualize the plot intricately before I dive into the rough draft. The clarity that comes from a well-structured outline helps streamline the writing experience, reducing the mental bandwidth required to remember various plot points and character arcs.

In addition to plotting, I maintain supplementary documents—character and setting lists, along with bios—that help flesh out the world I'm creating. This isn’t just about organization; it's about depth. Characters need backstories, desires, and motivations to feel real. The world they inhabit must be compelling enough to draw readers in. Although I strive to stick to my outline, I embrace the possibility of straying off course for character development or plot twists. The inherent messiness of creativity can add texture and vibrancy to a story, but I’ve learned that too much deviation can lead to unnecessary bloat. When I need to meet specific word count goals, I observe that adhering closely to my outline keeps me on track.

Looking Ahead

This method, while inherently mine, may not work for everyone. Each writer finds their unique rhythm; this personalization of the process is part of what makes every author's journey distinct. If you're feeling stagnant about finishing your draft, consider planning your outline up front. It may help lighten your cognitive load during the drafting process, allowing you to reach the gratifying finish line when you type those elusive yet cherished words: THE END.

The Road to Refinement

This rough-draft stage isn't the endpoint—it's merely the beginning of refinement. As I prepare to prune down those 20,000 words, I remind myself that this phase is essential in crafting a compelling story. The process of editing can often feel like unearthing the diamond amidst the rock, requiring tedious labor and a keen eye for detail. I look forward to the elaborate dance of editing and refining that lies ahead. The prospect of shaping this story into its final form inspires me, even in the face of the necessary cuts.

In the coming weeks, I’ll continue to share updates on my progress, tackling the revisions and analyzing the next steps for Vampire Dragons. Here’s to the rollercoaster ride that is writing. (and this is the part most people overlook) It’s about embracing the journey, even when it feels like a frantic dash toward that symbolic finish line!

Implications for Future Writing Projects

What does this all mean for future writing endeavors? The journey of writing, especially drafting and editing, reflects broader themes in creative processes across industries. Just as artists refine their works, writers must also be willing to refine theirs. By sticking to strategies that work, like my outlined structure, future projects are more likely to gain traction. This method doesn't just apply to fiction; other genres can also benefit from clarity and planning. As the writing community continues to evolve, the insights I gain from this experience may serve as valuable lessons for peers navigating the same waters.