#FirstDraft60 Day 15 — Draft Writing vs. Regular Writing: A Writing Assignment

In addition to getting caught up with all of the character development from last week, this is going to be a week in which we try our hands at actually doing some writing.

Now, halfway through the thirty days of prep work, is a great time to try your hand at practicing the type of writing we’re going to need to do starting October 1 in order to be able to get that first draft written.

Part 1: Draft Writing vs. Regular Writing
Assignment 1: Read this post linked below to find out what I mean by “draft writing”:

NaNo Prep: Draft Writing vs. Regular Writing

Go on—go read it now. I’ll wait . . .

Part 2: Writing Assignment
Assignment 2(a): Using the draft-writing technique explained in the above-linked post, write a scene of at least 500 words in which one of your viewpoint characters goes to the market for groceries.

This is a writing exercise, which means there’s a 99 percent chance that what you write in this assignment won’t end up in your story. But it’s a great way not only to practice Draft Writing, but also to get inside your character’s head prior to actually starting to write your story.

If your setting is historical, otherworldly, or fantastical, what type of market is it? How does your character interact with others in and around the marketplace? What products is your character there for—and how will they pick them out? How will they pay (barter/trade, etc.) for them? Do not do research, and do not spend too much time creating/building/fleshing out the setting. Write what you know (or surmise) about the market experience, but focus on your character.

Assignment 2(b): How was it to use the draft writing technique? How many words did you end up with—and how long did it take you? What did you learn about your character? Did you add that new knowledge to your Story Bible?