How to thrive during this summer’s Rough Draft Challenge.
We’re in the hottest part of summer, and for many writers that means one thing: Drafting Season. Whether you’re tackling your own rogue writing challenge or diving into a project alongside others skipping Camp NaNoWriMo, midsummer is the perfect (and sometimes brutal) time to draft. The heat is high, the energy is low, and distractions lurk behind every ice cream truck jingle. But fear not! This Midsummer Writer Survival Guide is here to help you stay cool, focused, and creatively fueled while you chase your story to The End.
Midsummer drafting can be a wild ride with equal parts inspiration and exhaustion. But with a flexible plan, a few writerly comforts, and the reminder that you’re not alone, you can survive (and thrive) in the heat of creation. Even if you’re writing holiday novellas while at the beach. So refill your iced coffee, open your draft, and write on, midsummer warrior.
We ride at dawn (or whenever you see this post. 😎)
Midsummer Writer’s Survival Guide
1. Set a Flexible Word Count Goal
You’re not NaNo-bound, which means you can make the rules. Choose a goal that challenges you and fits your life. Try:
- 500 words a day
- 10K over the next two weeks
- A scene per writing session
Tip: Focus on consistency over volume. A little progress each day adds up fast.
2. Make a Midsummer Writing Kit
Stay prepared, hydrated, and inspired by putting together a few writerly survival essentials:
- Your favorite notebook or writing app
- A reusable water bottle or pitcher of iced tea
- A summer soundtrack or ambient background noise
- Sticky notes for mid-draft ideas you don’t want to chase yet
- A backup battery or shady spot if you write outside
3. Create a Cool-Down Writing Ritual
When the weather and your brain feel overheated, try a calming pre-writing routine:
- Set a timer for 10 minutes of journaling or warm-up writing
- Light a seasonal candle (citrus, sea salt, or lavender)
- Read a page from a favorite summer book
- Try a 5-minute writing sprint to beat the heat and the blank page
4. Build a Midsummer Moodboard
Keep your creativity front and center by surrounding yourself with the vibe of your project:
- Pinterest boards, mood playlists, or seasonal photos
- A quick walk or swim to immerse yourself in summer imagery
- Use sensory prompts: What does your setting smell, sound, and feel like in summer?
5. Don’t Go It Alone
Even if you’re skipping Camp NaNo, writing is always better with a little support:
- Check in with a writing buddy or accountability group
- Share daily progress on social (or in your journal)
- Celebrate small wins—scene finished, word count hit, plot twist landed
6. Permission to Be Messy
Rough drafts are supposed to be rough. The goal is to get the story down, not perfect it. Your summer challenge is to show up, tell the story, and save revisions for a cooler day.
7. Other Resources
Since I’m also a librarian, here is a list of other blog posts I’ve written with resources including prep materials, meal plans, and writing tools, etc.
