How Do You Write a First Draft?

Ah, the first draft. It’s that exciting yet terrifying step every writer faces.

The blank page stares back at you, daring you to begin.

But you know what?

The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect.

In fact, it’s supposed to be messy, rough around the edges, and full of potential.

The important thing is to get it down.

After all, you can’t edit what you haven’t written!

If you’ve ever sat down, pen in hand (or fingers over the keyboard), and wondered, “How do I even begin?”—don’t worry.

You’re not alone!

Writing your first draft is a huge milestone, and with the right approach, you’ll be on your way to creating a story that’s ready to be shaped into something amazing.

Let’s dive into how you can write your first draft with confidence, clarity, and creativity!

 

Embrace the Messy First Step

The first draft is not about perfection—it’s about progress.

You don’t need to have everything figured out right from the start.

In fact, trying to make everything perfect from the beginning will likely leave you stuck in an endless loop of editing.

Instead, give yourself permission to write badly!

Think of your first draft like a sculpture.

You’re carving out the shape of your story, but it’ll need a lot of work before it’s polished and refined.

Your goal is to get the basic framework down on paper, even if the details are a little rough.

Don’t worry if the prose isn’t pretty.

Just write.

You can always revise later.

 

Focus on the Flow, Not the Perfection

Once you’ve accepted that your first draft is going to be imperfect, it’s time to shift your focus.

Instead of obsessing over individual sentences or fixing every typo, aim for a solid flow of ideas.

Keep moving forward, and if you get stuck, don’t waste time trying to find the perfect word or phrase—just keep writing and move on to the next scene or chapter.

Sometimes, the best way to keep things moving is by thinking of your draft as a “zero draft.”

You’re simply getting your ideas onto paper in whatever form they come.

You can clean up the mess later.

But for now, let the words spill out without overthinking it.

 

Keep Your Outline Handy (But Be Flexible!)

One of the biggest hurdles writers face in their first draft is knowing where the story is going.

That’s where an outline comes in handy.

Even if it’s a loose roadmap, having some sense of the plot, key events, and character arcs will help you stay on track.

That said, flexibility is key.

Your outline is there to guide you, but its okay if the story takes unexpected turns.

In fact, some of the best moments in writing happen when you allow yourself to follow a new idea or develop a subplot you didn’t see coming.

Your first draft is about exploring, so don’t feel boxed in by your outline.

If you need a little help organizing your ideas before diving into your first draft, sign up for my newsletter and get a free First Draft Planning Template!

This tool will give you a clear starting point for your novel, helping you organize your thoughts and get into the writing flow faster.

 

Set Realistic Goals and Stay Consistent

Writing a first draft can feel like a huge task, so breaking it down into manageable chunks will make it feel much more achievable.

Set small, realistic writing goals for yourself.

Whether that’s writing a certain number of words per day or completing one chapter a week, having clear goals helps you stay motivated and on track.

Staying consistent is key to finishing your first draft.

Even if you can only write for fifteen minutes a day, those small writing sessions will add up over time.

The more you write, the more momentum you’ll build—and before you know it, your first draft will be complete.

 

Don’t Get Distracted by Editing

The urge to edit while writing your first draft can be strong, but trust me—resist it!

Editing as you go will slow you down and derail your creative flow.

Instead, give yourself permission to write freely, knowing you’ll fix things later.

If you come across a scene or line that just doesn’t feel right, don’t stress about it.

Simply mark it as something to revisit during your revision phase.

The goal right now is to get the words down, not to make them perfect.

Remember, you can’t revise a blank page!

 

Take Breaks and Step Away When Needed

Writing a first draft can be intense, and it’s easy to burn out if you’re pushing too hard.

Make sure you’re taking regular breaks, both to refresh your mind and to gain perspective on your work.

Stepping away from your story for a day or two can help you return to it with fresh eyes, ready to tackle any challenges that come up.

Don’t forget, writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint.

Pace yourself, and don’t feel like you need to write it all in one go.

Taking breaks ensures you maintain your creativity and focus, allowing you to make progress without over-exerting yourself.

 

Celebrate Your Progress

Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate when you finish your first draft!

It’s a huge accomplishment, and you’ve earned it.

Writing a novel is a long process, and each step forward is worth recognizing.

Whether it’s with a small treat, a night off, or just a moment of reflection, take the time to acknowledge your hard work.

Once your first draft is done, you’ll have the foundation of your story to build upon.

The revision process is where the magic happens, but you can’t get there without first completing the draft.

So, go ahead and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!

 

Ready to Tackle Your First Draft?

The first draft might feel daunting, but with the right mind-set and approach, you’ll find it’s not as scary as it seems.

Embrace the mess, keep things moving forward, and remember that the key is simply to write. The revisions can come later!

If you’re looking for more help with the first draft process, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and grab your free First Draft Planning Template.

It’ll help you structure your thoughts, set goals, and start writing your novel with confidence.

And for even more detailed guidance, check out The Ultimate Author’s Planner—your ultimate tool to organize every part of your writing process, from plotting to revision.

It’s designed to help you stay on track and organized, giving you the structure you need to finish your first draft and beyond.

Let’s get that first draft written!

 

Need more help?

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Happy writing,