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9 Tips For Writing the First Draft:

Tips and Strategies for Getting Words on the Page

By Barbara KingPublished 10 months ago 6 min read
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Writing the first draft of a novel can be an intimidating and overwhelming task. However, it's an essential part of the writing process and one that every author must face. If there's only one thing about a first draft that you need to know - it's that it's going to suck - and that's ok. There's not a single author alive (Or dead) on this planet that write a perfect first draft. Spelling errors, plot holes, and all other sorts of things happen to everyone. However, the first draft is the most important because it's you getting the words onto the page. After that, editing can fix just about anything. Here are some tips and strategies for getting those first words on the page and starting your journey toward a completed manuscript.

Set a goal and schedule: 

One of the best ways to make progress on your first draft is to set a goal for how many words you want to write each day or week. Then, create a writing schedule that works for you and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you build momentum and make steady progress toward your goal. It doesn't matter if you write 100 words a day or 1000 as long as you are consistently getting yours onto the page, you're story will have no choice but to move along. 

Give yourself permission to write badly:

 Remember that the first draft is not supposed to be perfect. It's simply a way to get your ideas down on paper. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. Just focus on getting the story out of your head and onto the page. If you were to see the first draft of anything I've ever written, you would be surprised that there are more words underlined in red than not. I'm a horrible typer and an even worse speller, but if I were to go back ad fix these errors as I wrote - well I would still be editing this article and you wouldn't be reading it. Sentences don't have to be perfect and the story doesn't have to make sense quite yet. 

Start with a plan, but be flexible:

It's helpful to have a rough outline or plan for your story before you start writing. However, don't be afraid to deviate from your plan if new ideas come up as you write. Sometimes the best ideas emerge during the writing process itself. Outlines aren't permanent, but they are a good guide to have. 

Eliminate distractions:

Turn off your phone. Mute all social media. Uninstall TikTok. Send all mail, to a P.O. Box. Sell your T.V. When it's time to write - make sure it's time to write. If you're only able to give yourself 30 minutes every day to write then you better make sure that you use every minute and second of that time to write without checking Twitter or any text messages, the laundry can wait and so can everything else that isn't writing. It's important to eliminate as many distractions as possible while you're writing your first draft. Turn off your phone, close your email, and find a quiet place to write. The fewer distractions you have, the easier it will be to focus on your writing.

Don't edit as you go:

 Resist the urge to edit your work as you write your first draft. Editing can disrupt your flow and slow down your progress. Instead, focus on getting the story out of your head and onto the page. You can always go back and edit later. Ignore the typos and red lines and for all the love that is writing do not delete anything you write. I don't care if you think that passage you just spent an hour writing will make your mother cry, leave it in or copy it to another document. You never know when you might need it later and it's better to hold on to it than regret deleting it. 

Embrace imperfection:

These may sound repetitive, but it's a point that new writers need to know when they first begin writing. Some writers will start to look back over what they have written, decide it's not good enough, see that it's not like all those pretty books at their local bookstore - and they'll give up. Do not give up. Accept that your first draft will be imperfect. This is normal and part of the writing process. Don't let the fear of imperfection stop you from writing. Remember, you can always revise and edit later.

Find a writing community:

Writing can be a solitary activity, but it doesn't have to be. Consider joining a writing group or finding a writing partner who can provide feedback and support. Writing communities can be a great source of motivation and inspiration. A simple search of the internet can find groups in your area, or even connect you with online groups with people from all over the world. 

Take breaks:

 Writing can be mentally exhausting, so it's important to take breaks and give yourself time to recharge. Go for a walk, take a nap, or do something else you enjoy. When you come back to your writing, you'll feel refreshed and energized. Just make sure you never step away from it completely. Sure a day off when you have a cold is one thing, but never let anything take you away from writing your first draft for more than a day at a time. 

Celebrate your progress:

Finally, remember to celebrate your progress along the way! Every word you write brings you one step closer to your finished manuscript. Take pride in your accomplishments and keep pushing forward. I reward myself with a special tea at the end of the day if I've completed a chapter and my partner takes me out to a special dinner every time I finish the first draft of a new novel because they know it's the hardest part. Celebrate your victories no matter how big or small they may be. 

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Writing the first draft of a novel can be challenging, but it's also an exciting and rewarding process. By setting goals, eliminating distractions, and embracing imperfection, you can get those first words on the page and start bringing your story to life. 

Best of luck and get to writing your first draft! 

With love, 

B.K. xo

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About the Creator

Barbara King

Barbara King is a full-time writing coach and novelist. King is a recent college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University where she earned her BA in Creative Writing.

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