How I Write a Second Draft of a Novel

Here are some thoughts about writing a second draft of a novel. For context, I am working on writing a high fantasy novel that is going to be part of a 7 or 8-book series, and I am currently on book one. I am also a pantser when it comes to writing. These are just a few things that have worked for me as I make my way through this 130K word draft, but take everything with a grain of salt because what worked for me might not work for you! These are just suggestions :)
Thank you so much for watching!
Templates for the documents mentioned in the video:
• Book Outline Template:
docs.google.com/document/d/17...
• Book Revision Notes Template:
docs.google.com/document/d/1O...
• Book Outline Revision Notes Template:
docs.google.com/document/d/1V...
• Book Tracks Template:
docs.google.com/document/d/1H...
What to watch next:
° My Timeline to Publishing:
• My Timeline to Publish...
° Reaching 80K, Problems with Being a Panster:
• Reaching 80K, Problems...
° 7 Days of Writing 2,000 Words AND Exercising (In a Row!!) :
• 7 Days of Writing 2,00...
Brandon Sanderson's Fantasy and Sci-Fi lecture video series on KZbin:
• 2020 Creative Writing ...
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
0:44 - Some background
1:46 - Reading the first draft
3:46 - Re-Reading the first draft
8:58 - Writing the second draft
14:09 - Post second draft to-do's
15:51 - Outro
Music:
'Bread' by Lukrembo

[@andesears]

Hi Riya! I am right there with you, in the thick of working through my second draft for the very first time! I really enjoy your simplified explanation of the purpose each draft should serve, totally relatable! Happy I found your channel :)

[@riyadpatelwrites]

Hi! Thank you so much, I’m glad you found the video helpful! :)

[@cosmicstarbug]

I finished my first draft last month and feel like I'm finally ready to start figuring out the second. I really appreciate you providing the google doc templates! It looks like a good way to organize things. I've already had a mishap or two with brainstorming something and then forgetting where I wrote it all down (lost it and had to rewrite it, but I maybe like this second version better than what I remember of the first?), so I definitely need to work on how I'm organizing my notes. I wish you happy writing on your journey! :D

[@riyadpatelwrites]

congratulations on finishing your first draft!! and I’m so glad the templates look helpful to you-I definitely have the problem of writing ideas down on whatever is closest so it’s super helpful to have a brain dump document to collect all my thoughts. thank you and good luck on writing your second draft!! you got this!

[@Riddickisawesome101]

It took me 8 years to finish the first draft, and I felt incredibly accomplished. Depression and life circumstances really impeded me, but I’m glad I got it done. How are you able to write so quickly with life getting in the way?

[@riyadpatelwrites]

you should feel accomplished!! not many people finish a draft and the fact that you stuck to it for 8 years even when circumstances were challenging you is a huge feat. I’ve also faced a lot of personal issues while getting through my drafts but writing has always been my biggest outlet for coping with those issues. so whenever I have something going on with my personal life that I want to avoid, I turn to writing to “turn my brain off” and escape reality. also everyone’s schedule looks different so I try not to compare my progress to anyone else’s even though I know that can be difficult!!

[@Riddickisawesome101]

@@riyadpatelwrites that’s really cool you’re able to do that. Usually when I’m in that state, I turn to video games and movies, but I really want to instead use writing to fill that function. It’d definitely take getting used to, but I’m sure it’s attainable. Thank you for the input and for the advice in your video.

[@riyadpatelwrites]

@@Riddickisawesome101 yes!! nothing wrong with turning to video games or movies! it helps to turn to things you find comfort in and it’s definitely an adjustment so go easy on yourself! I believe in you! :)