by  Heidi Main, @HeidiMain

To write a solid first draft, you must spend some time figuring out a few key things.

• Start with the premise of your book ~ what makes the book an engaging story? Which means you need a strong and intertwined GMC for each character with a POV. Notes: to make the character endearing to the reader, make sure the motivation isn’t selfish!
• Know your characters background and wound. Make sure you have a strong SEQ for every character with a point of view. 
• Refer to ‘Turn Your SEQ Into a GMC Sentence‘ for more info

Your first chapter is setting up the premise, showing the external GMC’s, and if possible the romantic conflict (for a romance). Go ahead and write that because it will help you get to know your characters a little better.

Next you will need to know a little bit about what happens in the rest of the book. If you don’t, then you can’t write an effective fast draft. If you are writing from proposal, then you have a synopsis and know what happens in each chapter. Otherwise, consider these ideas:

• If you are a pantster, then consider bookending the story (know the beginning, middle (man in the mirror moment), and a general idea of what the ending is).
• If you are a plotter or semi-plotter, then write out the number of chapters and figure out which chapter each disaster (or turning point) will take place. Fill those disasters in, so that you know the inner and outer conflict in those chapters. Then either figure out what happens in each chapter or put ideas on sticky notes (like what the characters can be doing during a scene, organic conflict that could happen, any ideas you have that you don’t know where they should go). If it’s a romance, you’ll need to build that and have a kiss so put those ideas on sticky notes. If it is a Christian book, each POV character will have a spiritual arc, put those ideas on sticky notes.

Now that you have the GMC’s, the SEQ’s, the first chapter completed, and a good idea about what happens in each chapter, it is time to write. You can either edit while you write or you can write a fast first draft. The benefit of writing fast, without looking back to edit, is that you get it all down on the page. I find it’s easier to edit written words than stare at an empty screen, how about you?

I’m guessing if you are reading this, then you’ve tried the fast first draft and it didn’t work for you. I believe the key is to stay focused and keep moving forward. So, how do you stay focused as you write your first draft?

Join us on December 29th for part two of “Steps to Writing a Quick and Dirty First Draft.”

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A Nanny for the Rancher’s Twins

Returning to small-town Texas was her fresh start.

She never expected a ready-made family.

What could be better than running a rustic wedding venue? Event planner Laney Taylor has it all laid out…except for the serious renovations her inherited property needs. Rancher Ethan McCaw will help—but only if she’ll nanny his toddler twins. Laney’s all about planning weddings for others and shielding her own heart, but Ethan, Zoe and Tori might be just the ones to change her mind…

Heidi Main writes sweet inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She lives in the central North Carolina’s suburbs, but dreams of acreage and horseback riding, which is why her novels include wide-open ranches and horses. Before starting her writing career, Heidi worked with computers and taught Jazzercise. She loves to take walks, garden, play board games, curl up with a good book, and watch HGTV. A perfect Saturday is lounging on the deck with her husband and watching the many birds in their backyard. Learn more about her books at www.heidimain.com.