19: Raw Writing Update: 4 Struggles I’m Facing in My First Draft (And How I’m Handling Them)

Writing was hard this past month. I hit more than a few hurdles, some writing-related, others mindset-related.

When I started Renee Ella, I wanted it to be a place where new writers, especially those on their first drafts, could see they’re not alone. Whether you’re battling perfectionism or drowning in plot hole overwhelm, I want you to leave here feeling motivated and with tangible steps to move forward.

I also wanted it to be a record.

Something I could look back on once my debut novel is finished and published. A reminder of the challenges that nearly pulled the dream out from under me, and proof that my commitment and determination got me through.

So this is one of those personal writing updates — a journey moment blog. Something future-me will read in three years and think, I did it.

Note: This will be published about 3–4 weeks after I wrote it (written 04SEP25), so I’m curious to see where I’ll be at in my writing when it goes live.

Struggle 1: Resistance, Perfectionism, and Losing Momentum

I’m currently on Story Step 14 of Turning Point 4: Plan, and I’ve been here for nearly three weeks. Usually, I average about one story step a week, so being stuck here is frustrating.

To be fair, life has been busy. A trip to Tassie, moving houses (twice), returning to work, building my website, and creating my Character Workbook and Worldbuilding Workbook. But even knowing that, the feeling of “falling behind” still creeps in. (I'm genuinely on the verge of tears right now from overwhelm.)

The longer I’m away from my draft, the harder it feels to return. I start forgetting where my characters are at, I feel disconnected from them, and I know from past experience that this can be the start of derailing my goal.

The difference this time? I won’t stop writing. I’m locked in on my dream of publishing my book — and 2025 is the year I finish my first draft. Every missed week still nags at me, but I’m doing something about it.

What I’m doing about it:

• Physical: Shift to a two-block day. Morning block (7:30–12:00) for writing sprints. Afternoon block (2:00–4:45) for business tasks. No more letting “just one more task” eat into writing time.

• Energetic/Spiritual: Reconnect to my why. This dream has been with me since I was 12. I’ve made huge progress this year, and I won’t let that slip.

• Mental: Catch my self-sabotage patterns early. The only way to heal my writing is to write.

Struggle 2: Too Much Action, Not Enough Grounding?

My story opens with multiple action scenes back-to-back — which makes sense for a fantasy about clashing kingdoms. I like action-heavy openings, but I worry it might be too much without enough grounding.

What I’m doing about it:

Absolutely nothing — yet. This is a draft two problem. I have a strict “no backsies” rule for my first draft to avoid perfectionism traps. I’ve noted it for future revision.

Struggle 3: Which One is the Inciting Incident?

I’m stuck between two possible inciting incidents:

1. The enemy kingdom arrives on the shores of Rossam.

2. My MC is invited to the prestigious casting Citadel.

   
   

Both happen close together in Turning Point 2: Inciting Incident. So… Can you have multiple inciting incidents? Or am I overthinking?

What I’m doing about it:

Again, nothing for now. If it’s even a problem, it’s one for future Renee to solve.

Struggle 4: My MC Feels… Flat

Right now, my MC feels bland — a little whiny, a little “poor me.”

Ironically, she also sounds a lot like me. I don’t think I’m a whiny person… My partner may have a different opinion though! Haha Somehow, my tone and voice have slipped straight into hers without me meaning to.

Honestly, most of my characters feel shallow right now, like they’re just skimming the surface of who they really are.

What I’m doing about it:

Not stressing. First drafts aren’t for perfect, multi-layered characters. They’re for getting the bones of the story down. I can give them depth, quirks, and dimension later. For now, my only goal is to reach the end of this draft.

Epilogue: Almost 50% There

These are the four struggles I’m facing right now, nearly halfway through my first draft. My course says that after the 50% mark, things get clearer and easier, so I’m excited to see if that’s true.

Hopefully, by the time this is published, I’ll have crossed that line.

If you’re in the messy middle of your draft too — keep going! Even through the struggles, progress is still progress.

Happy Writing,

Renee Ella

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