Planning and drafting

Planning:

1. Dot point overview of the plot. What will happen at each stage of the story?
2. Plan your character(s). You should know everything about him/her/them.
3. Plan setting.

The more detailed your planning the greater direction you have when drafting.

Drafting:

1. Keep referring to your planning to keep you on track.
2. Ensure you are setting out paragraphs and dialogue correctly as you go - less corrections later.
3. Make sure there is a balance between showing and telling.
4. Proof-read and edit as you go. Helps maintain a logical progression of the story as well as meaning less corrections later on.
5. Make sure you are following the ideas that were identified in the rationale.