Lately I've been on a bit of a time crunch. I'm trying to finish writing a current novel while preparing for NaNoWriMo, which is only two days away. EEP! But I must take a moment to mention some things that I am STILL learning about writing. These are things no one really tells you how to do but tell you to when you start out being a Writer.

It takes a lot of time and effort to get your true voice, and to polish that raggedy Work In Progress into a shiny Manuscript. People will tell you to just write the first draft and worry about the rest later, yet most of the time they don't really mention how. I'm going to let you in on some sekrits I learned that should help. I'm still learning these things, but once you get the hang of them, you'll fly through the first draft and be on your way to revisions and edits in no time.

#1.) PUT DOWN THAT THESAURUS. If you can't find the word you're thinking of, but you know it starts with a 'p' and sorta means symbolize, its personify. Other than that, put a placeholder. You probably won't notice the difference when you're going through edits.

#Blue.) WRITE EVERYTHING THAT COMES TO MIND. Even if you know it won't make it to the end. Useless scenes may be your muses way of stalling you while she figures out the next one. If you're still wringing your hands when the scene you need isn't coming, go to Write or Die. The web edition or the awesome new desktop edition can push you when you're stumped, and it helps immensely with the next tip.

#S.) LISTEN TO YOUR CHARACTERS. They know more about the story than you do. If that villain wants to give a few coins to a beggar, let him. There may be an underlying reason for his evilness you don't yet know, and could very well be connected to that beggar.

#Llama.) WRITE EVERY DAY. If you're a busy busy person, take a pen and notebook everywhere. Text yourself notes, leave a voicemail, ANYTHING. If you've got the time, set aside an hour or so on your schedule every day. Unplug the internet, close all your games, and write.

#Celery.) DON'T YOU DARE BACKTRACK. If you've come upon a twist that works but needs to be implemented earlier on, make a note and write like it's already apart of the story. If you backtrack and add, you'll be tempted to edit or revise when you aren't ready.

#Dirigible.) FIND WRITING BUDDIES. It can be online or in person, just someone who gets the writing process, and gets you. Note: Posting on the internet is considered publishing something, so make sure any website is secure, and don't give out too much information on blogs, etc.

And the most important thing I can tell you: THE FIRST DRAFT IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN UGLY BABY. You're just getting the idea down, fleshing it out and seeing what works and what doesn't. When the first draft is done, go through for the most minor of edits, like spelling and punctuation. Put it in a drawer for a month to six weeks. You need distance for when its time to revise and polish, to see if the plot is still strong or the characters well rounded.

And when its time, buff and polish that ugly, crying baby until its a beautiful, cheerful one. Do its hair, dress it up and send it out on its own to literary agents that may be interested in finding it a home.