Lightning Drafting

Short on time? Feel like if you don't get that book out of your head or your head is going to pop? [Please note, Lightning Drafting has a downside in that extensive revision is required and is no longer a recommended process.]

While I've been Fast Drafting, I learned from Cathy Yardley's Savvy Author's Course, Writing Your Lightning Draft with Cathy Yardley, that there is an even faster way to draft.

While Lightning Drafting, you flat out get the book out.

If loves scenes slow you down you type in your text, [INSERT LOVE SCENE HERE], then keep on going.

You don't edit, you don't slow down, and you don't let research, more challenging scenes, etc., hinder your speed.

For research, you make a note in the text, such as [RESEARCH POISON DOSAGES], and continue on.

If you decide to make a change to something earlier on, you insert something like [CHANGE PARTNER TO FEMALE COP], then from here on out, he's a she. Later, when the first draft is out, you go back and expand and fill-in during your second draft. 

Cathy Yardley has an upcoming Lightning Draft course this fall, starting September 3rd and running through December 3. In the class, you get the benefit of her Rock Your Plot experience, as well.

Here's the Savvy Author course description: 

In three months, Cathy Yardley can help you plot and write a novel… and give you the tools you need to repeat the process.

If you want to be a full time writer, especially in today’s publishing climate, you’re going to find that productivity is crucial. “More books” equals “more sales” as both traditional and indie publishing learn that new books boost the numbers of previous ones.

If you want to increase your productivity (and teach your muse to show up when you do) this course will help you: 

1. Set up for writing a “lightning” draft: build a foundation for your characters and make sure your plot points are in good shape before diving into the draft. 
2.  Learn to create a “container” of space, time and attitude to ensure you’re writing at a regular rate, and creating a support network to ensure you keep you on target. 
3. Get the motivation you need to keep going as well as guidance to help you get through the “stuck” parts.
4. Identify and negotiate any fears or self-sabotage that crop up, as well as identifying your writing process.

 In three months, you’ll have the rough draft of a genre novel completed and ready to revise.

After years of struggling to get books out, I would highly recommend this route. So, if your considering getting a book out, Lightning Drafting might just be the way to go! [After lightning drafting an entire series, I have concluded that getting the book out, with a stronger draft, is MUCH more preferred. Otherwise time-intensive revision is required. Thus, I cannot recommend lightning drafting.]