The Art of Writing a Novel: Insights from a Professional

When discussing the first draft of a novel, one must foremost consider the context in which one is situated. For many aspiring writers, the first draft is the initial crude attempt that may have flaws in grammar, punctuation, and formatting. However, for a professional writer, a first draft can be the foundation upon which a marketable and polished final product is built.

Defining a First Novel

The question often arises: what exactly counts as the ‘first draft’? Does it refer to handwritten sheets of paper filled with tens of thousands of hastily written words, or is it the more polished version that has a potential to be published and gain traction in the market? The definition can vary widely from writer to writer, and even from one book to the next.

The Rewriting Process

For many authors, including myself, the rewrite process is fundamental. We often find that the core elements of a story—such as characters, their purposes, the world they inhabit, and their goals—may need a complete overhaul. This can lead to a scenario where you end up rewriting an entire novel from scratch. It is not just a case of changing dialogue or scene descriptions; it involves fundamental rethinking of the characters and the story’s overall structure.

Take, for instance, a situation where the central characters’ personalities and the world they inhabit do not align. It can take a significant amount of time and effort to find a new configuration that works. Sometimes, a slight change in perspective can lead to a totally new narrative direction. For example, reflecting a character in a light fantasy world where reality intertwines with magical creatures can completely transform the story's tone and direction.

Personal Experience: Writing the First Draft

Looking back at my journey, the process of writing the first draft of a potentially marketable novel took me less time than one might think. At the age of seventeen, I managed to complete a first draft in just two days. At the time, I had written a screenplay for an episodic television series I had conceived in my head. I had rehashed the plot, added elements to new episodes, and even lost steam at one point.

The main reasons for the lack of progress included my busy school schedule and other life events. At one point, the characters and scenarios did not fit the world they were placed in. This challenge persisted for a few years until I had a sudden epiphany. I wondered what it would be like if the same characters were placed in a light fantasy world where reality intertwined with goblins, trolls, demons, and other fantasy creatures. Suddenly, the dialogues and timelines began to make much more sense.

The Rewriting in Depth

The rewriting process is not just about refining the story but entirely reimagining it. Sometimes, you might swap characters, replace entire storylines, and go back to scratch. This is akin to a film director auditioning actors and actresses until they find the perfect fit. Characters in a novel can be replaced, stories altered, and the narrative reworked to its core.

The Length of the Writing Process

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it should take to write the first draft of a novel. For some writers, it can be a quick process, while for others, it might take years. The length of the writing process depends heavily on your writing style, the complexity of the story, and your level of discipline.

What I can confidently state is that there is always a first draft. Even when you move to subsequent drafts, the rewriting process is a crucial part of any writer's journey. It is a cycle that includes not only refinement but also reimagining and rethinking the core elements of your story.

Conclusion

Writing a novel is a long and often tedious process, even for the most disciplined writers. While there is no set number of drafts and rewrites required before a work can be called completed, the first draft is a crucial starting point. It is unique to each writer and each book, shaped by various factors including the story's complexity and personal style.

So, whether you are just beginning or have been writing for years, remember that the first draft is just the beginning of a long and rewarding journey.