Stop Failing Your First Draft: Write A Protodraft

[@thetricksteralliance]

I just want to express my gratitude and say thank you for the help you've provided. Lately, I've been struggling to write the zero draft of my debut manuscript to the point where I was feeling discouraged. When I stumbled upon this video, I clicked on it, hoping to find some inspiration, and it's exactly what I found. Your videos have been a great help, and I appreciate the motivation you've given me. Once again, thank you. ✨

[@Writing-Theory]

I’m so glad to hear this helped!!

[@discoveringthei]

I discovered this fifteen years ago and it became the hallmark of my writing. It's allowed me to publish more than 42 books, stories, and guides as a writer and ghostwriter, sell 70,000+ copies of my own work. Your explanation of it is perfect. This will help a lot of people. And it also gives me a name for it, because I was always just calling it Outline 2. I'm calling it protodraft from now on. Love the channel!

[@alptraum7644]

im impressed with your output 🤯

[@josephgreens]

Wow, the idea of not writing linearly just cured what I thought was writers block. Thanks past Carson!

[@Writing-Theory]

LETS GOOOOOO

[@posefile8873]

Literally just discovered this on my own, but had no name for it. “Protodraft”. I like it. I just made a deal with myself to do “at least one page of shitty writing a day”. Most days, I find myself doing more… but without the pressure of “having to be good”, and then I just edit on the next draft. And if I only have the energy for one page? Guess what… I still did “one page”; I’m still moving forward…

[@dillonlong5596]

Can you send this video to George R.R. Martin?

[@lacolem1]

It would take him 3 years to craft a protodraft

[@katlamb4606]

😂

[@mirimariana]

Nah fr 💀

[@JonasBuechnerArt]

Still better than what he's doing now ​@@lacolem1

[@OrfieuOficial]

I always had this "problem" thinking the first draft should be written so good as a final version ready to be published. I still have the anxiety and fear of my first run through don't be so good. So, I'm writing two books and they both are 30 pages, one is a urban fantasy and I realized I don't want it to be a YA novel, I want to write a little more mature in words so to speak. And the other one I realized I went to soon to the center story and thought it would be better retain some info a little. So I just stop writing them both thinking I should began again from scratch but... more anxiety was unlocked, but now your video made me realize that it's REALLY okay for a first draft really be a draft where can know better our characters and places and see if everything we outlined really gonna work or not. So now I made the decision just to pick one of the books and keep writing from where I stopped already making the changes I wanted and go on. So thanks, your videos are helping me a lot. I'm from Brazil!!

[@Writing-Theory]

I’m so happy to hear that! Keep pushing and get your story down!! I’ll consider the video a success if you can make some great progress on your writing now

[@caleighm5548]

glad to know that every writer has these fears. Especially the 'oh my god, is this boring?' realization. It really trips me up and I loose confidence. Thanks for this

[@toppersundquist]

A few months ago I decided to restart all of my stalled WIPS, and now they're all called "[Story Name] - Garbage Draft".

[@6thhistory]

'Your first draft is not good' held me back for so long. People need to stop saying it. I would write so many first drafts and be like 'I will never make it because there is NOTHING to be added here' and I would agonise about it and think I was stupid and just didn't know how to write a story. Then I actually let somebody read it.

[@Zilopochtli]

You know, when I published my first novel in 2022 I remember I was super inspired and absolutely wanted to get it out. A simple outline was more than enough to get me into the writing mood. Now, while writing my second book, I'm having way more issues, and one of the biggest ones is actually getting past the anxiety of getting started. I wrote a prologue for it and kinda hated it and now I'm dreading continuing. Hearing about the concept of a "protodraft" and realizing that it's probably my best course of action right now feels like a godsend. Like, you uploaded this video JUST as I'm facing the problem right now. So yeah, thanks a lot for this. Te mandaría la página para leer mis historias pero yo soy un autor hispanohablante así que de seguro no podrías leer demasiado. Saludos.

[@soraya742]

As someone who only recently figured out the story creation flow that works for me, I appreciate this video. There are lots of stuck people that this can help. For me my proto draft equivalent is me bouncing all over the place (across the multiple chapters and sequel stories, from plot to characters to worldbuilding to theme etc) creating little labeled idea sections that I then later sort into categories and/or story chronology. What I write doesn’t have to be the final version of events. If I get a better idea later, or it just stops working, I can always strike through it. Then it’s still there in case I need it later without causing confusion. It’s chaotic, and I started adding dates for the sake of my sanity, but it seems to be working for me.

[@Remington53]

When I was a teenager I used the scene-skip trick in a NaNoWriMo attempt (all the other common first-draft mistakes still kept me from finishing). Now with the full concept of the protodraft, maybe I will finally finish the project.

[@Toasty_Britches]

Top notch vid. I feel like it's a way to describe how you frame your drafts and how much pressure you put yourself under when creating it. What will always be your "first draft" should be as unrestrained as possible to let the ideas breathe and grow naturally. Otherwise you're beginning your story's journey with a handicap if for no other reason than it being a self-inflicted mentality of trepidation.

[@Writing-Theory]

Very well said Toasty Britches

[@caroline-uv5xt]

Could you perhaps do a video on revising the first draft? I'm having lots of trouble revising and I feel demotivated and also procrastinates on revising. Additionally, I'm not sure how to revise a first draft, and what really works for me. Thanks for these videos and blogs, by the way. It's beyond helpful and I'm so glad you're doing this! :)

[@jerrel.writes]

Seconding this. I love the concept of the protodraft but I get anxiety thinking about how hellish the future revisions are going to be

[@Ali_Saracen]

I'm in the same boat

[@christopherclouser340]

I've used this technique for years, just didn't know this name. I figured out in my current WIP that I needed to have a different hero/protagonist than the one I originally planned to center the story around. Meant I had to rearrange all of the scenes.

[@ArchangelAries]

Interesting concept, for sure. I do find myself too often going back over my first draft before getting it all out. Sometimes I just think I'm not dedicated enough, but as a high functioning autistic with ADHD I know it's my brain screwing with me because it constantly craves dopamine.

[@_g_r_u_m_p]

You told me earlier to come and watch this one. I’d heard of this before but you explained it really well. Thx

[@qoobsmcdoobs1]

Thank you for the lovely advice. 1/3 of the way into my novel, I found myself writing a bunch of scenes I knew need to be in the story, but are not connected linearly. It is definitely better to keep writing other scenes than wait for the right creative impulse to complete the linear point you're at. I also appreciate your advice to write that one epic scene you're really excited about, even if it comes much later or during the climax. Definitely would help the author fine tune their plot/character.

[@maff_]

I think the thing that stops my tracks mostly is feeling secure in even my inciting incident/premise. It feels “fine,” in a 1000-foot review, but when working through the 2nd Act it starts to feel more contrived/incorrect

[@Writing-Theory]

I think inciting incident through rising action is the hardest part of the novel to plan. Especially because it’s such a large part of the story! But also remember my bit about Temporary Beginnings. You don’t have to get it 100% right in the protodraft. The editing process can tighten up spots of your story like that

[@maff_]

@@Writing-Theory I agree, but I think it’s a function of the magnitude of change. For example, in my current story the inciting incident is the capture of a family member, and the story goal/stakes are related to that family member’s rescue. If I change the inciting incident here, it fundamentally changes the entirety of the second act, and requires a whole new foundation. In my head I’ve basically just resigned myself to not having enough experience to determine if the story structure I’ve designed is “right” or “ideal”. I’m just carrying on because I can’t think of any other story hooks to get one character into the story world, and if it turns out to not work I’m prepared to start from scratch; I’ll just be that many words more practiced if it comes to it

[@dragonforcefan123]

Thanks for another great video. This channel is crazy underrated.

[@Writing-Theory]

You and my mother agree

[@thinkle6244]

Really appreciate the fun video editing and solid content. Thanks!

[@YUSUFFAWWAZBINFADHLULLAHMoe]

Thank you! Something like the protodraft is just the right key for me, a new writer. Knowing that people already had problems i have in writing makes it feels much easier to solve.

[@sarahalbert6833]

Hi, I love this video 😊 I didn’t realise I had already used a protodraft when I started writing my novel. I pantsed the entire thing. I started with the scenes I could see in my head, dialogue I wanted between characters. By the end it was a mess! But this really worked for me. I am still going back in to make changes, but it’s getting there day by day and I’m beginning to feel it all coming together now. Thanks for sharing this 🤩

[@Writing-Theory]

You did the hardest part! You now just got to edit and clean it up!

[@WillGraham-uv1ol]

Wow u put a lot of production effort into ur videos, its awesome. New subscriber from me !

[@authorrayrogers]

Neil Gaiman said, "Your first draft is just you telling yourself a story."

[@technologistrevolution]

I think this is what I've been calling my "draft 1"... but I will say now that it is done and I have to look at all those problems I left for future!me I'm a bit overwhelmed.

[@mateogaitan2371]

the Future Carson part being an example of non-linear writing, and a way of adding deeper elaboration, _and_ the firing of a Chekov's gun we didn't realize was there ("future edits") was reason enough to make this video. almost makes me think that was the anchor point you made first and wrote the whole video around... 🤔

[@c.comics5999]

Hello, I am a new writer, and I have no one talk to about my book(draft) or ideas other than family. Is there a safe space to talk about my work without worrying about theft??

[@Writing-Theory]

Hello, friend! Keep on the lookout on this channel as I’m working on putting together a discord server in the future. In the meantime, there are communities throughout the internet that you may have luck with. A couple subreddits like r/writing or r/writers. And depending on your genre of writing, r/fantasy is a good place to go. Outside of those subreddits, you may find other KZbin creators already have a discord channel up and running to create a community. But, I’m hoping to create a good writing community in the future for new and beginner writers!

[@DefektiveEnvy]

Would love to see a video on perspectives, especially third person omniscient. My favorite author’s way of handling omniscient POV has deeply impacted my writing. Her name is Ursula K LeGuin and she calls it “involved author” in her book on writing called “Steering the Craft.” There’s not enough videos on omniscient, it’s all 3rd limited. Love to hear your take

[@Writing-Theory]

Heard and noted! Steering the craft is a great read!

[@mawnamesjeff]

Great job on the video. Question for you, if you write you protodraft out of order, do you have different files for each section, like big battle, or inciting incident? Or is everything in one file? I'm just going through your videos so not sure if you covered it, but I'd be interested in a video on how you set that up and maybe what you write your story in. Also, I like the way you explain things so a video on POV would be great as well. I always switch when I'm first writing to see which one feel better. Anyway, I've got a bunch of your videos in my queue to watch so I really appreciate it Thanks

[@Writing-Theory]

Hey Jeff! Sorry for the delay, I’ve had a mental note to come back to this comment for a while. About writing out of order: when I write non-linearly, I usually take that scene and put it in a folder called “notes” that also has my plot details and any other scribblings for my story. That could include web articles, research, trope ideas, just anything. I use the software Scrivener to write and it’s really useful for how I break stories down (upcoming video on those kind of tools in the works for this summer), but this would also work if you had separate documents in any folder structure. I know I want my story to hit this big scene at some point and I only do this after I get a rough plot structure in order. From there, these non-linear scenes are like the mountain peak off in the distance. If my writing starts to get off track, I know where to point the story to nudge my characters to this upcoming scene. Thanks so much for the question and the support!

[@mawnamesjeff]

@@Writing-Theory That makes sense. I've had scrivener for a while, but every time I try to start using it, I find it overwhelming. I haven't given up on it, I just need to find the right template or possibly the right person to explain how they use it. I'll look forward to that video. Thanks again

[@Writing-Theory]

I got you 😎

[@tearstoneactual9773]

Okay, I'm really curious about writing scenes out of order. For me action scenes and reaction scenes (or scenes and sequels) are a matter of cause and effect. They don't exist in a vacuum. One gives way to the other. Do you plan for that with an outline, or do you just *vibe* your way through it somehow? Like how does that work, in practical terms, in the nuts and bolts?

[@Writing-Theory]

Great question and one totally worth asking! Writing non-linearly is a handy trick to have up your sleeve. Let’s start with whether or not this is a skill for people who outline or people who discover their story. It can certainly be used by both. If you use an outline, then you largely know what characters need to be present in what scenes. You also know the major outcomes that the scene should result in. But, if you don’t use an outline, then how do you do this? Writing without an outline is heralded as “discovering the story”. But, as authors who are creating this story, you have all the power. If you choose to write your first draft of a big action scene before you are actually at that point in the draft, then now it’s like discovering the story, but there are a few dots you have to connect your emerging story to. Just like how you can create a story from nothing, you can create a story with a constraint like that. Something I learned in my most recent story is that, when I wrote the big climatic ending, there were all kinds of things that I wanted to do within that encounter that I then made notes to add into earlier scenes so that there would be these big moments of payoff. Things like a character saying a particular line that I noted to go back to earlier scenes and have that line be said during an emotional moment. Now that one-liner has weight to it in the conflict. And all of that was done even with an outline. One could argue that writing big moments non-linearly can better prepare you for planting the seeds of big payoff moments earlier in your draft before you actually write those earlier scenes. That being said, you could also say that writing all of those earlier scenes helps you better know you characters and plot before you write that big moment and it would be better served to lay all the groundwork before you get there. Either way, as you edit your story after your draft, you’ll have to rewrite and cleanup your story. What do you think about that? Love it? Hate it?

[@tearstoneactual9773]

@@Writing-Theory - Neither love nor hate. That seems particularly difficult to do, to my mind. Mind you, I've been writing a lot since late 2001. But it's been in a collaborative setting in a round-robin fashion with one or more other writers at a time. Each of us taking turns filling in what you might call scene beats per scene. Each particular writer is writing an original character of their own design, and working at their own purposes which may align or may be at cross purposes. Some of it might have a loosely planned storyline, but other times, it's just "I got an idea" or "I had this thing pop into my head." It's very close to the concept of tabletop roleplaying, except dice and heavy rules mechanics, it's more freeform, and more honor system and it's text-based. Responses vary from a short paragraph to sometimes pages, with the average being about 400-500 words for each "post" or section/beat. It's quite a lot of fun. But in some ways, after 20+ years of doing this, I feel that I've kind of stunted in some regards. That particular format is a constant cycle of reaction, dilemma, new goal, and then taking actions toward that goal. It kind of results in getting very deep into the character, but it also means that... there's not a lot of jumping around. It's very linear most of the time. Unless you can isolate parts of the story that don't really intersect.

[@bloodysimile4893]

I been writing my novel for long time. Frist start when I gotten reinspired into drawing art. So I create a string of event of drawing scenes. I when with the wind approch without overarching plan of travel, just the goal to get to. When I start writing it, I had a general outline where to go. While writing, I add notes or goals for my chapters to keep it in the outline. Add notes at the ends when I have to stop writing because real life matters has to be taken care of. Also refined art scene. Start hammering out the details, adding and removing to make my story more consistent. Alot of my story is 3rd person, I generally like this approch, going frist person to explore the character thought which the chapter is following.

[@Blue_Violet5449]

What’s some advice for changing both character and first/third perspectives? I have a tendency to do this in my writing and want to do more with this but haven’t exactly figured out how to.

[@Writing-Theory]

If I’m understanding the question, you want advice on writing a story where you switch between third and first person perspectives and also characters. It’s a tough thing to do and one that I normally wouldn’t recommend because it can be jarring to the reader. But, as John Gardner says “you can do anything if you do it well.” I know of two stories that kind of do this that you can check out for inspiration and study. NK Jemisin has a highly acclaimed series called the Broken Earth trilogy that is about to switch between first, second, AND third person perspectives! Talk about crazy. It can be jarring, even when done by an expert, but it’s the best example off the top of my head for that style of writing. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card begins nearly every chapter with a scene of characters talking that feels like a very different perspective to the rest of the book. Another good one to study. If anything, the best advice is be consistent and intentional and mindful of the reading experience. No matter how tactful your approach, the first perspective switch like this could confuse the reader, so handle it with care. The following instances should be easier on the reader because they know what to expect! Hope this helps :)

[@Blue_Violet5449]

@@Writing-Theory Yeah, I’ll check them out. Thank you for your help!

[@Jordan-cd7zj]

I've been writing since 2017 and have written a book series but want to go back and redo it as I'm a more experienced than when I first began. What would you recommend?

[@Writing-Theory]

A great question and one that I think every writer comes around to! I’m just wrapping up a video on a method of editing a story called the Story Grid, it’ll be out next week. That’s the exact method I’m using to revisit older writing. It looks at the story and works to identify what the story excels at and falls short of. Then, in my personal case, I’m completely rewriting because I want to mostly improve prose. I have my previous draft open in one window and the new draft in another and I’m just working to create more vibrant scenes. If you’re changing something more story focused, then I think you have to revisit the plot frameworks and the planning. I bet there’s a lot that you can trim and refine from an old draft, but it’s hard to make yourself do that without doing a complete rewrite. The way you write now is likely so different than how you did before! The good news is that when you revisit an old story, you allow yourself to really focus on the characters and the story beats because you should know them so well

[@CyberCaliber]

Do you have to outline first to start up the protodraft?

[@auri5226]

kinda reminds me of something I saw in a "how to write fantasy" book, where the author brought up an anecdote about how when he worked as an editor, a writer had thrown in a new character out of nowhere as though they'd always existed and left a note saying "I'll fix it when I'm done," or something to that effect. I actually came up with a similar method a few months ago, without coming across the concept of zero drafting. I treat mine as very rough sketches. Synopsised conversations with a few key lines of dialogue, light descriptions with room to expand, and focusing on key important scenes. Each scene lives on it's own sheet of A4 (600~ words) so I can cut and re-arrange easily. Ended up blasting two out in a week each. Haven't turned either into novels since I struggle at finding the motivation to revise them. Doesn't help that my brain constantly wants to explore other ideas. Feels like the main hurdle to the first novel is really just developing a method that works best for you, and I probably need to keep exploring that.

[@Grunfeld]

Any tips for the "housekeeping issues" of writing non-linearly? How to do it and not have a big mess of files?

[@raina4732]

Thank you!!! Great Video and editing! I appreciate all the attention to detail! And love your dog. I am a chronic re-drafter, never finished just keep starting again! You’ve encouraged me to continue on with my current draft, even with my perfectionism telling me to delete it because it’s a wild mess. One question: can you just write it for me? 😅

[@Writing-Theory]

😂😂

[@lunafencoven]

So we need to fix our writing by making a draft but to fix that we need a first draft and to fix the first draft we need proto draft what else do we also need pre-proto draft to fix that as well?

[@rgaijin]

I am not a fan of first person writing. I get that it's a great way to get into the MC's head but there's just something about it that does not appeal to me as a reader. It'd be cool if you made that video about perspectives and could convince me otherwise tho :>

[@katlamb4606]

Me too! The only first person narratives I absolutely loved and got immersed in is The Secret History because the narrator is so literarily inclined that the prose makes you forget he’s basically talking in 1st person.

[@cjb_writings]

I've always written proto drafts, sometimes even multiple proto drafts where I've changed the setting/pov/genre. I've just always called them first drafts. Now the editing between the first and second draft has always been a slog 🤣

[@scb-z9u]

Your house is so cool.

[@exili]

Msg to Future Carson: excellent videos bud!

[@death14x45]

You're wrong, Stephen King Writes 6000 words a day not 600