The Don’ts of Writing a First Draft
1. Don’t Edit As You Go
One of the biggest mistakes writers make in the first draft is trying to edit while they’re still writing. Editing too soon can stall your progress, make you overly critical of your work, and disrupt the flow of your creativity. Remember, the first draft is not the final draft, so resist the urge to polish sentences or perfect scenes.
Tip: If you’re tempted to edit, set a strict rule for yourself: no going back to revise until the first draft is complete. Focus on getting the full story down first.
2. Don’t Obsess Over Word Count
While it’s helpful to have writing goals, don’t get too hung up on hitting a specific word count every day. Fiction writing is a creative process, and some days you might write a lot, while other days, progress may come slower. What matters is that you’re making progress, not that you hit a magic number.
Tip: If you have a day where you don’t meet your word count, don’t beat yourself up. Celebrate the words you did write and look forward to the next writing session.
3. Don’t Get Stuck on the Perfect Opening Line
The opening line of your story might feel like the most important sentence, but don’t let it paralyze you. Many writers spend too much time agonizing over the perfect beginning, which can slow down the rest of the draft. Keep in mind that your first draft’s opening line will likely change in revision, so don’t get too attached to it.
Tip: Write any opening that gets you started, even if it’s clunky. You can always go back and rework it later, once you know where the story is headed.
4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Writers
Writing is a deeply personal process, and every writer’s journey is different. Avoid comparing your first draft to someone else’s polished, finished work. Comparing yourself to other writers can lead to self-doubt and frustration, which will only hinder your progress.
Tip: Focus on your own creative process. Remember that every published book started as a rough first draft, just like yours.
5. Don’t Worry About Plot Holes or Continuity Errors
