64. Tips on writing that first draft, in vibes: a minisode

It's a minisode for episode 64 of a Story to Love podcast. This episode will cover my tips to write the first draft, in vibes.

So, I finished the first draft of my first book in my forthcoming Harlequin series that’s coming out in 2024. It was, as usual at times such a freeing exercise, and then crippling. There were moments in which I was in that zone of writing in which I don’t feel the time pass, and then there were those times when I watched my Study Bunny timer click by in desperate molasses slow seconds.

But, I made it through! I’m deep in first round revisions now, and over the pain of that first draft. I have received quite a few questions on how I draft, so I thought I’d share some tips on how to write that first draft, but in vibes. We’re all so different in our process, in our writing and are surrounded by writers all in their different journeys, but I hope the vibe in my tips can help you out.

Before we head on over though, I wanted to mention that my upcoming novel, When Jasmine Blooms, is up for preorder! It’s up on every retailer, and I’ve linked it in the show notes. It releases on April 11, 2023, and is a what-if story inspired by Marmee of Little Women, about a grieving woman who wonders ‘what if’ and that scenario is realized. For my readers out there, bring out the tissues. Also, know that this is a contemporary fiction novel, not contemporary romance! Now, there is still a marriage romance in this story, and the story ends in a hopeful tone, but it has threads of serious topics. I hope you love it. I hope you will be able to read my love for Marmee, Abigail Alcott, and mothers who have had to navigate grief in their lives. 

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Order FOREVERMORE, a romance anthology, comprised of ten interconnecting romance short stories surrounding the Moore family and a wedding in Napa California. Written by ten Filipino-American authors. Pick it up at books2read.com/forevermore

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Contact Tif at tif@tifmarcelo.com
Please check out her website for podcast submissions