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Those venturing to write their first novel could consider it to be a challenging task. It doesn't help that there are arguments about how many drafts a writer should do of their novel before venturing to have it published. There are even debates about what each draft represents for some the third draft is either a midway point or even the final draft. However, when we look carefully at what is commonly known as the 5 draft method, which by the way is the perfect guidelines for any new author to follow we discover that the third draft is actually the rough draft of the novel going into manuscript form. So, elaborating on this helpful method we will closely examine what it will mean for a new writer to go into writing the third draft of a fiction novel or in this case the rough draft. 

  • Let the creativity flow: It is important to remember that in this stage, no one else will ever have to read what is written. All that is being done here is putting the story which has been in ideas and outlines during draft one and two into manuscript form for the first time. In other words, the framework is being done, but it doesn't have to be perfect, just start creating the story in the structure of the manuscript that is all that is needed at this point. 
  • Don't worry about research: Yes, if a novel deals with a specific part of history or a certain region of the world we want to make sure we have some authenticity to the story. However, at this stage, it is just important to get the overall story down on paper these fine details of ensuring things are realistically correct can come later. Remember even in fiction it is essential to have some truth involved but again research is secondary at this point. One thing that can be done is making notes onto the manuscript about researching something further, and then keep writing on. 
  • Set a specific timeline to finish the draft: This might be difficult for some who already have a busy schedule but being able to set a goal to finish the rough draft will help individuals to stay on task. Don't let even writer's block get the better of you if you can't figure out a specific part that you have reached in the manuscript but know clearly something that happens later skip ahead and write that part first. Just keep the story moving ahead. 
  • Don't over-analyze: This can't be stressed enough some want to criticize their work even at this point. But this isn't the time to do that, the time to start to look the manuscript over pick it apart and start editing comes in the two later drafts. Again this one is all about getting the story down in manuscript form, it isn't the time to be a perfectionist about the story. 

The bottom line is that if we don't stress it too much the third draft can actually be fun. It is the time to see our story start to take shape, and come to life for the first time. So, enjoy the literary process and keep on writing.