The Dos of Writing a First Draft
1. Do Write Without Judging Yourself
The first draft is about exploration, not perfection. This is your opportunity to let your imagination run wild and discover what your story is about without getting caught up in the details. Don’t worry about perfect grammar, polished prose, or even plot holes at this stage. You’ll have plenty of time to fix those in later drafts.
Tip: Give yourself permission to write badly. Embrace the messiness and trust that the magic of revision will shape your story later.
2. Do Set a Writing Schedule and Stick to It
Consistency is key when writing a first draft. Set a regular writing schedule and commit to it, even if you don’t feel particularly inspired on some days. The goal is to build momentum and make steady progress, not to wait for the "perfect" time to write.
Tip: Set daily or weekly word count goals that are realistic for your lifestyle. Even writing 500 words a day can add up to a complete novel over time.
3. Do Focus on Forward Momentum
In your first draft, always prioritize moving the story forward. It can be tempting to go back and revise previous scenes or fix plot inconsistencies as you write, but this can cause you to lose momentum. Instead, keep pushing forward and finish the story, knowing that you can revise later.
Tip: If you get stuck, leave a placeholder note like “fix this later” or “research this,” and move on. Your goal in the first draft is progress, not perfection.
4. Do Experiment and Take Risks
The first draft is your playground. Try out different plot twists, character traits, or narrative techniques. You might find that some of these experiments don’t work, but that’s okay. Taking risks in your writing can lead to unexpected discoveries and creative breakthroughs.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to veer off your original outline or idea. Sometimes the best parts of a story emerge when you allow yourself to explore unplanned directions.
5. Do Write Every Scene, Even the Hard Ones
It’s tempting to skip scenes that feel difficult or unclear, but the first draft is the time to tackle those head-on. Writing through challenging scenes—even if they’re not perfect—will help you understand the flow of your story and identify any structural problems early on.
Tip: Break difficult scenes into smaller, manageable pieces. Focus on one key element at a time, whether it’s dialogue, action, or description, to make the process less daunting.
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
It’s normal for a first draft to have plot holes, inconsistencies, or even missing scenes. Don’t worry about resolving every issue right away. Your first draft is meant to be a rough outline of your story’s skeleton, and you can smooth out the details in subsequent drafts.
Tip: If you notice a plot issue while writing, jot it down on a separate note and keep writing. You’ll have plenty of time to fix these problems during revision.
Bonus: How to Stay Motivated Through the First Draft
Writing a first draft can sometimes feel like a marathon. Here are a few strategies to help you stay motivated through the ups and downs of the drafting process:
· Set Small Milestones: Break your first draft into smaller goals, such as completing a chapter or a specific number of scenes. Reward yourself when you reach these milestones.
· Embrace Bad Days: Some writing sessions will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Accept that not every day will be perfect, but keep showing up. The more you write, the more progress you’ll make.
· Join a Writing Group: Surrounding yourself with other writers can be a great way to stay motivated and get feedback. Writing groups provide accountability and a sense of community that can keep you going when writing feels tough.
· Celebrate the Finish: Completing the first draft of a fiction story is a huge accomplishment. When you finish, take time to celebrate your achievement, even if the draft is rough. You’ve taken the first big step toward bringing your story to life!
Conclusion: Embrace the Imperfection of the First Draft
The first draft is not about producing a masterpiece—it’s about getting your story down on paper. Embrace the messiness, allow yourself to take risks, and don’t be afraid to write badly. Remember, you can’t revise or improve something that doesn’t exist, so the most important thing is to keep writing.
Assignment: Write your novel
By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll approach your first draft with the right mindset, making it easier to finish and, ultimately, refine into a story you’re proud of.
