The Cake layer Idea

Are you having a hard time finding help on how to start your book? Where everyone says, "Don't worry about the first draft," but no one really knows how to do that? Well, I think I found a solution to that problem.

Recently, I realized that I focus too much on the small details of my story, rather than focusing on the big things. That led me to come up with the cake layer idea.

The cake layer idea is a way to organize how you write & edit your story. Think of your book as a wedding cake, full of different layers- plate, base, frosting, details, & sharing.

Layer 1- The Plate

This is our first draft and what we can call the plate of our book. The plate is the foundation for the rest of the cake, which it relies on.

When writing this draft, don't describe things like scenery and looks. Just focus on the characters and what they say/do/think. Small character details should also be left out and put aside as notes. And focus on the big plot points versus the small subplots. I'd suggest writing them in notes for safekeeping.

Layer 2- The Base

The second draft of your book would be the base of the cake. This is the foundation for everything else cake-related.

During this draft you'll add scenery and character appearances. You shouldn't worry about small character details or fixing common mistakes like grammar. Also, keep a hold on the subplot ideas.

Layer 3- The Frosting

As the third draft, this is the frosting, or sweet, layer. This is what'll hold the smaller details together.

When editing this draft, focus on the small details of your characters and you can finally add those subplots. Make the characters pop with their personalities, and use the subplots to help convey who they are.

Along the way, you can spruce up any scenery shots you have, or character looks. Just don't worry about editing grammar mistakes yet.

Layer 4- The Details

For this fourth draft, it's going to be all editing grammar. This layer of cake is the details of frosting, that makes it look so good.

Before you edit, you should wait at least two weeks, if not longer, after finishing the third draft. This will help you clear your mind to focus on the editing when the time comes.

When you're ready for the fourth draft, remember to take it slow and read it aloud. Reading it aloud helps you catch any grammar mistakes. Don't focus on the story, just worry about how it sounds to you.

Layer 5- The Topper

The fifth draft will follow in the footsteps of the fourth. These are the finishing touches of the cake, the topper if you will.

You'll focus on more minor editing of the book [which should be done a couple weeks after the fourth draft]. You can even hire an editor, or more, to look through it for you.

You can also do minor editing for the storyline as well, but this should be done after the minor editing of grammar.

Layer 6- The Sharing

Now, for the best part. Sharing the cake!

To share your book, you should ask around for beta readers. Once you get a few of them, have them read the story, then have them give you feedback on the plot, grammar, subplots, etc. With any feedback you get, change it as you see fit.

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Once you've gone through as many rounds of editing as you see fit, you should be ready to publish your story! You don't have to follow this word for word, but I hope it helps, nonetheless!

Have fun, a Merry Christmas, and happy writing!