That first tingle of excitement you get when a new story falls onto your keyboard. With trembling fingers you write the words, excited by these new characters, the thrilling story. Like an obsession, you keep writing deep into the night until you realise you have to get up early in the morning. But…you have to finish this sentence, just one. No, wait, just this paragraph. This page. And before you know it you’ve written three versions and you’re a ghost now, because you forgot to eat, sleep, and drink water.

Slight exaggeration perhaps, but that’s what it feels like when you’ve fallen in love with a new story. It’s much like falling in love with a person. Except in this case you don’t have to worry about whether or not it’s too soon to call, or other social boundaries. You are in full control, the story is at your fingertips and sometimes that means sleep is left tapping on the window of your imagination, trying to remind you that you need it.

Still, despite the fact that sunlight will be your enemy in the next few weeks, it’s worth it when you can finish the first draft as soon as possible. Your characters will earn a break, while you reread the draft and they’ll be all bright-eyed and bushy tailed for round two.

Stories need a lot of attention in the beginning, much like a baby, and especially your passion. You need to be excited and thrilled, because that’s what keeps the momentum going and that’s how you’ll finish this first draft. Speed is of the essence or you’ll find that your characters have taken up residence somewhere other than your head and it will be even harder to write.

Be in love with your story. Be an addict. Just remember, you know, to live a little bit on the side as well.