I’m a Slow Drafter and I’m embracing it

Last week, we declutterred the closets, a few anyway. It’s amazing how much washi tape, suitcases filled with books and old notebooks, bags of newborn clothes, stacks of national park postcards, and other random bits and bobs can squeeze into these small bedroom closets.

In the guest bedroom closet (the one with the washi tape and my husband’s best friend’s high school football helmet) buried in a moving box with the postcards and binder clips, I found my first ever manuscript. I pulled the 300 page novel from the soft, thinning Manila folder and fell to my knees.

I immediately began reading.

My son played trucks on the bedroom windowsill while I cringed and laughed and devoured the first chapter. It was rough. I printed the whole book in courier new for goodness sakes.

I wrote this story way-back-when, before marriage, before Peru, before I graduated college. I wrote this tale of two sisters for my own sister. Each time I had finished a chapter, I’d run to her room, interrupt homework, and beg her to listen. The encouraging sister that she is/was, she’d put her Spanish notes down and listen as I read aloud.

My goodness, what I put her through. She’s a gem (for so many reasons); I could hardly make it through the first chapter fifteen years later (or maybe 12 years later, something like that).

I will say reading through this manuscript wasn’t a waste of time or even disheartening. In fact, it has taught me a lot of things about myself as a writer. Some things that have been consistent and some things that have changed (growth is a beautiful thing).

So here’s a friendly list of what I’ve learned after revisiting my first manuscript (I hope it encourages you):

I finished a novel. I’ve done it once, I can do it again (and I have, thank you, Jesus). Knowing that I can actually turn a beginning into a sticky middle and an ending is pretty powerful knowledge. Even if that first attempt was done poorly, my mind can visualize a tangible process. And that process hasn’t really changed. My stories still start with a character and a setting. And I still have to start writing to figure out the plot. But, now that I have a bit more time behind me, I know that once I do figure out the ploy, I need to stick to an outline. Then draft, then edit, and edit. And edit.

And on that note, my second realization:

Perhaps serialization isn’t for me. At least not yet, anyway. I have loved reading serials, especially here in Substack, and have a plan to share my own (hello Charlie in the Clouds) one day. But I’ve come to terms that I’m just not the kind of writer who can write quickly. It takes writing nearly half the story to truly find out the arc, the plot, and how they collide.

But maybe as I grow, one day I’ll be the kind of storyteller that can write a chapter and the next day send it out. For now, I’ll need to finish the draft (at least twice) before sending out the story chapter by chapter. I applaud the serial writer, true confidence in their craft.

I’m a hoarder. This book likely will never ever be published (and that’s okay), but really I just need to digitize it and be done with it. I just love paper. I love the way it smells. I love the little notes on back of envelopes left by the kid I used to babysit (who is now married!?). I love books. I love wedding invitations and Christmas cards. If you’ve ever sent me a letter, I have it and I often revisit it. I just love paper. It’s a beautiful medium for connection. But perhaps I ought to tasty no task with the declutterring business (just not the paper things).

I needed encouragement then, chapter by chapter, and I need encouragement still. I’ve never been the type to prove people wrong. I love proving people right. If someone believes wholeheartedly that I’ll write a novel, thank you for seeing the best in me and yes, I’m gonna do it.

I really need to edit more. I read that Stephen King tucks away his manuscripts for at least a month before editing his work. I’ve tried this multiple times, but it isn’t for me. It usually takes me out of the story, and I tend to lose the voice of the narrator and sometimes even the plot because I want to change everything. But I definitely need to lay attention to the editing process more. Again, not a serial writer yet.

I’m sure I’ll think of even more things I’ve learned from rereading my first manuscript. But mostly, I learned I still love writing and I’m so glad I was brave enough to admit that 15 years ago (or was it 12?).

Thanks for joining me today. I hope your late spring season inspires you and this little piece of writing encourages you to continuing learning (whatever it is).

All the lovely things,

JH

Ps. A sweater in June, I know. The AC is so chilly after being outside in 90 degree heat.