by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com
When people ask what I’m currently working on, I’ve learned to give vague answers until the first draft is done. It’s almost like telling someone what you’re planning on naming your child when you’re still pregnant. They might feel free to tell you they don’t like a name when it’s not quite official yet. But after the fact, they probably wouldn’t dream of doing so.
First drafts are still finding their shape. Characters are developing their voices, plot threads are coming together, and I’m often figuring out what the story actually wants to be. When I share specifics too early, other people’s reactions can send me in unplanned directions. Someone’s enthusiasm for a minor character might make me give them more page time than the story needs. Someone’s confusion about a plot point might make me overexplain something that works fine as written.
Keeping Creative Freedom
When I stay vague about current projects, I can explore ideas without justifying them, make unexpected choices without explaining them, and follow the story wherever it goes. This freedom matters during first drafts because I’m still discovering what the book wants to become rather than executing a fixed plan.
Simple Deflection Strategies
When people ask about my current project, I just say I’m working on another Myrtle book or mention the series without plot details. Most people are satisfied with this general answer, and it lets me change the subject naturally. If someone presses for more, I’ll say the story is still too early to describe—which is usually true.
Opening the Door Later
Once my first draft is complete, I welcome input. The story has found its shape, the characters have established themselves, and I have something concrete to work with. At this stage, feedback helps me see blind spots and strengthen weak areas without derailing the fundamental story.
Finding Your Own Boundaries
Every writer’s comfort level is different. Some people thrive on talking through ideas with trusted friends. Others need complete privacy until they type “The End.” The key is knowing what protects your creative energy and being willing to maintain those boundaries even when people are genuinely curious.
What’s your approach to sharing your work-in-progress?
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I couldn't agree with you more, Elizabeth! First drafts are private for me, too. When people ask, I'll tell them in very broad terms (e.g. 'I'm working on a standalone," or "It's the next in my ___ series.") Once I've been through a couple of drafts, and it's ready for beta readers, then I might say more. But not at first. The characters really are freer that way to act how they'll act, and if the plot changes, so what? Thanks for these thoughts.
Sounds like we look at our first drafts the same way! It’s nice to keep them under wraps. :)
I like your analogy to the first stages of pregnancy. And I think your response is a good one.
Thanks, Natalie!
Great advice. I rarely talk about it early because I'm never certain about the story until I'm done. I'll start with an outline of a story and the end product rarely resembles what I had at the beginning.
Isn’t it amazing how that happens with outlines? I’m often the same. :)