As you pursue your writing goals, it's natural to want to produce work that meets your high standards from the outset. However, this can sometimes lead to self-doubt, self-criticism, and even writer's block. That's why I want to encourage you to give yourself grace and embrace the idea of terrible first drafts.
In a vlog on his YouTube channel, one of my personal favorite authors John Green talked about his process for writing first drafts. He shared that he writes his first drafts "very quickly and very badly," without worrying about making mistakes or getting everything right on the first try. He emphasized the importance of just getting the story down on paper, even if it's not perfect.
Echoing those sentiments, Anne Lamott famously wrote in her book Bird by Bird, "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere." In other words, your first draft doesn't have to be perfect, and it probably won't be. But that's okay. It's simply a starting point, a way to get your ideas down on paper.
Here are a few tips for embracing terrible first drafts:
Set realistic expectations: Don't expect your first draft to be a masterpiece. Instead, aim to simply get your ideas down on paper without worrying too much about structure or grammar. Remember, you can always revise later.
Give yourself permission to make mistakes: Writing is a process of trial and error. Allow yourself to make mistakes and experiment with different approaches. It's through this experimentation that you'll discover what works best for you.
Embrace imperfection: Recognize that writing, like all creative endeavors, is a messy, imperfect process. Embrace the messiness and imperfection, knowing that it's all part of the journey.
Don't compare yourself to others: It's easy to get caught up in comparing your work to that of other writers. But remember, everyone's journey is unique. Focus on your own process and your own progress.
So, as you sit down to write your next piece, give yourself permission to write a terrible first draft. Embrace the imperfection, knowing that it's simply a starting point for something great. And most importantly, give yourself grace along the way.
-Andrew
The Indie Author Method
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