Go ahead and jump around in a draft!
If you’re looking for it or needing it, consider this little post permission to jump around in a draft!
When we write a story, we usually set out to write it as it will eventually be read: in order. But there can be value in jumping around, in writing a later scene before an earlier one. I call it zig zagging – (going back and forth) to contrast it with the flow (heading in a single direction).
Zig zagging is a helpful strategy when you’re stuck. Chapter One churning slowly, but in your mind THE END is crystal clear? Write it! You’ve just grown your manuscript. Or maybe until you’ve really figured out that scene somewhere in the middle, you’re not sure where your story really begins. Write that middle scene now!
The zig zag technique isn’t limited to your draft either. If it helps you to keep connected to your story, feel free to zig zag among the steps of the writing process as well. Let’s say you commit to creating a storyboard to plan your story before you draft, but paragraphs of prose are banging at the door eager to escape you brain and get on the page. Well…zig zag to your draft and let them out now. Or flip the scenario: you’re halfway through your draft but find your narrative caught in a logistical nightmare that only a storyboard can solve. Stop, drop and zig zag on back to the storyboard step!
The above may be obvious, but I’ve seen many writers whose creative blocks are rooted in not realizing that they can zig zag and jump around. They stay stuck because they think flowing is the only way – and when things aren’t flowing, they’ve somehow fallen short. Meanwhile stepping out of flow and zig zagging is a powerful tool that keeps us going. I’m here to tell you not to forget that this is an option!
You’ve got this, writers!
Karin 🙂
For a complete novel writing method and a bevy of fiction writing strategies, check out my book The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel.
