Rough Draft Delight

All authors use different writing techniques.  Plus, how someone writes can change over time. 

I used to create detailed outlines and go back and edit substantially as I wrote.  That was my earliest system. 

These days when I create a novel, I start with a synopsis so I know in general who's doing what and how things will happen.  Then I write the first draft.  From there, I polish extensively till I think the story works.

I'm delighted to report that I finished the rough draft of my second Superstition Mystery this week.  I do mean rough.  I printed it out on draft paper and will go back and edit while seeing it in print form, then enter all the changes onto my computer.  My expectation is that this version will need a lot of work. 

But, boy, does it feel good to have this draft done!  My deadline is November 1, and I should have plenty of time to finish it by then... I hope.  Meantime, a major step has been accomplished. 

And you?  What accomplishment have you achieved lately that you're happy about?