Tips for Writing a First Draft

Pen and paper? Check. Computer? Check. Ideas? Check. Great! You’re ready to write a book! You’ve got all these amazing ideas in your head waiting to form the best story ever written—but where do you start? As an editor, I understand the challenges that often accompany this initial stage of writing. In this blog post, I am going to share nine tips to help you make the process of writing a first draft both exciting and satisfying.

Let’s get started.

1. This is not the Time for Perfection

This is your first draft—the building blocks to your future castle. What do you want it to look like? Allow your imagination to run wild without worry. Write down anything and everything that comes to mind. If you think of a cow wearing red socks and a toupee. . . write it down!

 

2. Set a Schedule: Practice Makes Perfect

When you designate time to work on your draft, you’re creating an implementation intention. This will make the process go from feeling like a daunting task into a manageable—and likely exciting—endeavour. Set realistic goals that will align with your lifestyle. Do you have more ideas first thing in the morning, while you’re sipping on your coffee? Or are you more of a night owl who likes to plot when everyone’s asleep? Psst… see what I did there?

3. Focus on Telling the Story: Create and Describe

When you start putting your ideas into paragraphs, don’t concern yourself with flawless prose. Go ahead—make that sentence forty-eight words long! Editing can be done later. Bring your world to life by painting vibrant scenes, and breathing life into your characters. When you prioritize your storytelling, you lay the foundation for a compelling narrative that will captivate readers.

4. Write Freely: Express Yourself

Let yourself write what comes to mind. Allow yourself to escape your self-criticism—and those of others. Have a great idea for a spicy scene? Oh, but what will my readers or family think? Nuh-uh—forget those thoughts. Write all the saucy, scary, and imperfect thoughts onto that page, raw and unfiltered, the way your brain intended them to be. This is your first draft. Meaning, there will be several more drafts for you to cut and paste.

 

5. Don’t Edit Yet: Compose now, Refine Later

It’s tempting to edit during your first draft—a little here, a little there. Next thing you know you’ve cut out half of your ideas, and your character has gone from being a handsome, paranormal creature, to a lonely, mutant sea-urchin—and no one knows how they got there. Editing too early can disrupt your creative momentum and hinder the natural flow of your writing.

Besides, you have editors to help you out with that sort of thing, am I right?

 

6. Keep Your Ideas Close: Seize Inspiration Whenever It Strikes

Creativity can hit you like a train when you least expect it. Always keep a notebook or your writing device nearby so you can document any thoughts that might pop up, such as: character nuances, plot settings; or hey, even trains!

7. Trust the Process: Trust Yourself

Your story has six main characters that are connected through four different universes, and three of them are dinosaurs? Sure! Why not? Whatever your ideas, trust that they will take shape. Ideas, characters, settings, they all evolve—the story will find its natural rhythm as you progress.

8. Celebrate Milestones: Fuel Your Motivation

Look at the progress you’ve made! Setting short-term goals and acknowledging your achievements along the way will help you feel an immense sense of accomplishment. Finally decided on your character’s description? Yes, great job! Finally completed that chapter you’ve been working on for what feels like forever? Keep on going! The more you celebrate, the more motivated you’ll be to keep the momentum going.

9. Have a Solid Support System: Connect with Fellow Readers and Writers (and Editors)

Just because you’re a writer, doesn’t mean you have to live your life in solitary with your lap pet and your oversized hoodie, surrounded by snacks and candles—although, who doesn’t love the sound of that? Engage with other writers, join online communities, seek out people and groups where you can share your experiences and ask advice. There’s an incredible number of readers and writers out there, and chances are they’re all seeking the same encouragement and support that you are.

So, there you have it: nine tips to turning your first draft from a daunting task, into an exciting experience. Embracing your first draft with a sense of adventure will set the stage for a remarkable writing journey. Remember that perfection is not the goal of this stage—it’s about unraveling the details and giving life to your story. Now you’re ready to pick up that pen or keyboard and let the creativity begin. Good luck!

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• Read about how to prepare your book for publishing

• Learn why editing is crucial for your book