I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve completed drafting 20,000 words of the first Sacred Wolves book! This book series is officially on its way to becoming alive, and I’m both scared and elated for it. Scared because I always doubt my capabilities and this project is huge, and elated because I’ve dreamed about this story for over a decade.
Now at the 20,000-word mark, I’d like to share with you my takeaways so far—what I’ve liked, disliked, and what I’m looking forward to writing next.
What’s Working in My Fantasy First Draft So Far (20,000-Word Update)
1. Drafting is one of my favorite phases of the writing process. I can feel accomplished after a drafting session while also having the freedom to experiment with ideas. When I’m unsure about how a scene will go, it’s okay! I simply can write a version and tell myself I’ll confirm what will definitely happen once I start the editing phase.
2. For this portion of drafting, I wrote in 200-word increments (read about that here). I loved how this allowed me to take baby steps, which then allowed me to manage my stress over perfection. I only needed to know what would happen in the next 200 words. Not for the whole chapter or plot arc or character’s emotional journey—just the next 200 words.
3. I enjoyed experimenting with narrative voices. I’m planning for this to be a three-book series, so the narrative voice I choose is gonna stay with me a long time—I need to choose a good one. So for the first 20,000 words I allowed myself to explore which narrative styles spoke to me and my characters.
4. I’ve loved getting to know my characters on the page, not just on their character profiles! Each character I begin usually starts off feeling flat, I think, but then the more I work with them, the more we grow comfortable with each other and their true personalities creep out. It’s a slow process I cherish.
5. The settings are coming alive. I usually don’t have a solid understanding of the feel of my settings until I’ve written a few scenes with my characters interacting with them. My settings are often shaped by my characters’ perceptions of them, so drafting is an integral component of their development.
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Drafting Challenges: What’s Been Hard in My Fantasy Writing Process
1. While drafting, I inevitably find elements that require further research or decision-making on my end. For this book, I’ve already come across economic systems I need to further create, timelines to set in stone, and map details to nail down. Researching is one of my least-favorite aspects of writing—as is decision-making.
2. I typically reread what I wrote the day before in preparation to draft the day’s words. While doing this, I’ll correct some mistakes, or add in details I’d forgotten to highlight. Some days, however, I reread yesterday’s work and cringe. I second-guess my whole ability to write. When this happens, I usually try to ignore the thoughts and just keep writing.
3. I hate when I sit down to write and I don’t know what to pen next. Should this conversation continue? When should this scene close or new chapter open? Is it the right time to bring on this new character or unveil new plot information? In these instances, I often reread a ways back in the chapter to get a running start. When I remember, I pray for words. The words do always come, even if they are not my best work. I remind myself that I’ll edit later.
What’s Next: Revision Notes, Story Planning, and the Next Drafting Milestone
The next task on my to-do list is to read the 20,000 words I’ve drafted and assess the trajectory of my story. If I have enough information, I’ll make some decisions regarding the questions which arose, see drafting challenge #1. I hope to begin an official timeline of the narrative as well (but who knows, that may need to wait until after the full first draft has been penned).
And then I’ll pick up drafting again! I have more characters to introduce, new settings to describe, and cultures to explore in the remainder of this draft. I’m looking forward to witnessing this story world emerge around me and the characters come into their own.
Thank you for being invested in the creation of this fantasy series! Your interest means worlds to me.
I’d love to know—
When you pick up a brand-new series, what do you hope hooks you first—characters, worldbuilding, magic, or high-stakes plot? Tell me which you’d want most in Sacred Wolves!
You can always keep updated on the Sacred Wolves project on my book page here.
Like thrillers? You’ll love The New Dawn! Check out my thriller’s book page here.
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S.J. Siedenburg is a thriller & fantasy novelist, an editor, and a bibliophile with a passion for stories and helping writers finish their novels. She’s the author of the guidebooks Character Presentation, Before the First Draft, and the How to Write a Novel online course. Six of her short stories have been published through writing contests. Sarah lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5