Today I welcome to First Draft Friday, Elizabeth Guizzetti. Elizabeth is a proprietor, artist and writer of the graphic novels Famine Lands and Lure and the comic series Out for Souls&Cookies. She is also the author of science fiction novel Other Systems, published by 48Fourteen and is currently available in Paperback and e-book at Amazon, Barnes&Noble and many local independent bookstores.
When you decide to write something new, what is the first thing you do?
I write down the idea that inspired me. For Other Systems, I was walking my dogs and I had this cool idea to write about an escaped slaved girl who one day becomes a star ship captain. So I wrote two scenes: 1) The girl getting separated from her sister as she is sold and 2) The girl escaping and finding the aerospaceport.
For its sequel, The Light Side of the Moon, I thought it would be cool to know what happened on Earth after Abby (the above slave girl) So I wrote a scene about the lost androids.
Do you have a set routine approaching it?
Yes. I write down an outline, then put each chapter on 3 x 5 cards. For example;
Other Systems
Chapter 1
Abby looking up at stars as she takes dog out
Introduce siblings and Rory.
Introduce life in Commune.
Or
The Light Side of The Moon
Chapter 1
Mama dies, Ellie finds body.
Introduce both brothers
Introduce poverty, feeling of fear and unease
Pen and paper or straight to the keyboard?
Straight to keyboard.
How important is research to you?
Very, but I only do productive research. I rarely research general items.
How do you go about researching?
When I run into something I don’t know. I research it. I don’t research anything else, so I don’t fall into the black hole that is the internet.
How do you store everything; ideas, research, images that catch your eye?
I keep a binder for each novel, plus a folder on my computer. Research must go into the binder. Otherwise I lose it.
Tell us how that first draft takes shape?
Each day, I write the scene on the card. I try to focus on emotions of the characters and major events. The next day I go on to the next scene.
Are there any rituals you have to do or items you must have with you while writing that draft?
Not because I need them for the writing, but I need to exercise with my dogs. Then I have breakfast and a coffee in the morning. Okay I admit it. I need to exercise, have breakfast and coffee in the morning, otherwise I fall into my writing and not pay attention. I set timers so I come back in time for dinner or planned activities.
Does the outside world exist or are you lost to us for a period of time as the magic works?
Lost, but I’m with my dogs, Rosie & Tycho so I’m probably okay.
What does your work space look like?
Scary. Very Scary.
I have a desk in our master bedroom closet. Beside the desk is my file cabinet. Under my desk, there is a large dog bed for Rosie and Tycho. Behind my desk is shelves packed with binders, writing books, research and my inventory. It’s a tight fit, but it’s a nice space.
I also have a laptop so I sometimes sit on the living room couch. If I am on the couch, the dogs are with me.
Edit as you go or just keep getting words out?
In the first draft, I just try to get as many words out as quickly as I can. I don’t edit at all until I finish the first draft.
I see many writers counting words in a day. Word counter or other method of keeping track of progression?
I never keep track of words. I do keep track of scenes/chapters. Basically I write a chapter a day.
So, that first draft is down. Roughly how long did it take? And what shape is it in?
A month. (A chapter a day) It is in very loose English grammar. Often the feelings are right, the words are wrong.
In what format do you like to read it through, ereader, paper or the computer screen?
I go through it both on the computer screen and also paper.
What happens now that first draft is done?
It’s time for me to re-write it. This is the moment the characters really start to speak to me. I don’t really listen to anyone during the first draft, because I am writing so quickly. If I had them do anything that is out of character or off putting to them, they’ll tell me pretty quickly. There are often many changes to the story between the first and second drafts, but by hurrying to get my first draft out, I don’t just throw away the story, even if I completely rewrite it.
In Other Systems, Mark Alekos changed his whole subplot though it meant he became a secondary character rather than a second protagonist. In The Light Side of the Moon, Ian Whitlatch became more important to the story. I hope that makes sense!
Thanks for digging into the depths of the first draft. It’s been a pleasure having you.
The Light Side of the Moon is still in the editing stages and is expected to release in early 2014.
You can find Elizabeth on her blog Here.
To read any of the previous First Draft Q&A’s you can check the list Here.
To be a part of the First Draft series, just get in touch and let me know. Along with the answers to the questions, I’ll need a profile photograph, a first draft photograph and only three links that you feel are your most important. Get in touch!
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Thanks for introducing us to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth – I always have such respect for people who can create whole new worlds, as sci-fi writers do. It’s also nice to meet a fellow outliner. I always think that stories are easier to write if they’re organised at least just a little before you start. I wish you success.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I’m amazed how many people use index cards. I think that would add a level of confusion to the way I write.
FictionFan says
As always, fascinating to see the different approaches writers use… 🙂
Jacqui Murray says
Love love LOVE the dogs bit. When I bounce ideas for my books off my husband, my Labrador often joins us. i swear he thinks he’s part of the management team!
D.A.Cairns says
Cool book cover, and very interesting to read how Elizabeth works.