Fast Fiction: A Guide to Outlining and Writing a First-Draft Novel in Thirty Days

by Denise Jaden

Overview

Writers flock to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) each November because it provides a procrastination-busting deadline. But only a fraction of the participants meet their goal. Denise Jaden was part of that fraction, writing first drafts of her two published young adult novels during NaNoWriMo. In Fast Fiction, she shows other writers how to do what she did, step-by-step, writer to writer. Her process starts with a prep period for thinking through plot, theme, characters, and setting. Then Jaden provides day-by-day coaching for the thirty-day drafting period. Finally, her revision tips help writers turn merely workable drafts into compelling and publishable novels.

A portion of publisher proceeds will be donated to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608682546
Publisher:	New World Library
Publication date:	02/11/2014
Pages:	216
Sales rank:	636,602
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Denise Jaden fast-drafted her debut novel, Losing Faith (Simon & Schuster), in twenty-one days during NaNoWriMo. Her second fast-drafted novel was published in 2012. She runs a fast-drafting challenge on her blog each March and lives outside Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction

Part One: Before the Draft

1. The Story Idea
2. Plot and the Three-Act Structure
3. The Characters
4. Theme
5. Setting
6. Symbols, Images, and Icons
7. List of Scenes
8. Story Plan
9. How to Write a Fast Draft

Part Two: During the Draft

Days 1–7: Launching In
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

Days 8–14: A New Direction
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14

Days 15–22: Deepen the Plot
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Day 21
Day 22

Days 23–30: Race to the Finish
Day 23
Day 24
Day 25
Day 26
Day 27
Day 28
Day 29
Day 30

The Basic Plan (Cheat Sheet)

Part Three: After the Draft

Revision Techniques

Additional Resources
Acknowledgments
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

“This book is a must-have for writers of all levels.”
— Eileen Cook, author of The Almost Truth

“Practical and down-to-earth, Denise Jaden’s Fast Fiction makes a one-month draft seem doable, even for beginners, any month of the year.”
— Jennifer Echols, author of Endless Summer and Playing Dirty

“I know I’ll be using Fast Fiction over and over again. Highly recommended!”
— Janet Gurtler, author of RITA Award finalist I’m Not Her

“Fast Fiction is full of strategies and insights that will inspire and motivate writers of every experience level.”
— Mindi Scott, author of Freefall

“If you’re out to get your novel done, period, Jaden’s Fast Fiction will be the kick in the butt that gets you there, from story plan to ‘The End’. . . and beyond.”
— Judith Graves, author of the Skinned series

“Fast Fiction is a great addition to any writer’s toolbox — I’ve got it in mine!”
— Catherine Knutsson, author of Shadows Cast by Stars

From the Publisher