To V or not to V?  That is the question . . .

WRITING THE VOMIT DRAFT

If you’re the type of writer who likes to write Act One over and over again (until you’ve noticed it’s Christmas - again - and you’re still not past page 30) then the so-called Vomit Draft might be something to consider.

The Vomit Draft should be completed in ten to fourteen days max (otherwise you’re in danger of turning it into an exceptionally bad First Draft).

AND THE BENEFITS ARE?

Writing is re-writing, but what they don’t tell you is, ‘Re-writing is fun, Writing is Torture’.  With the VD you get the nasty part of filling those Blank Pages over with as quickly as possible so you can CUT to the fun Re-writing part more quickly.

The other great benefit of writing the VD is by the end of ten days you can still remember all your characters’ names and why they’re supposed to be in this film.

WHAT ABOUT THE PROBLEMS?

The Vomit Draft can be so excruciatingly bad it’s hard not to lose heart - whenever you’re ready to slit your wrists, repeat after me, ‘This draft I’m the whore so I can be the ARTISTE in the next’.

You’re also in danger of developing RSI as you type like a demented person for ten days.  Get over it – do Olympic athletes complain about thigh pain?

Here are some tips on how to Vomit successfully:

PREPARATION IS ALL

Make sure you know where you’re going and how your film ends by answering all the questions in my MOVIE CHECKLIST (click here to access).    

TIME TO GET WRITING

• set aside a holiday - it needs to be 10 to 14 days in length – and so boring, nothing will distract you, especially alcohol and bezzie mates;
• get into a military regime from day one for example:  get up at 6am – write until 12 noon (post lunchtime, poolside recovery nap is allowed as long as you . . . )
• WRITE TEN PAGES A DAY, MINIMUM;  and when feeling disheartened . . .
• repeat after me, ‘I can do this, I can do this’.

WELL DONE!

It’s two weeks later and you’ve completed your Vomit Draft.  Before you get down to your official FIRST DRAFT, take another holiday, with loads of alcohol and bezzie mates as a congratulatory thank-you to yourself.