the craft. getting through the first draft.

“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” - Terry Pratchett

This is honestly the quote that has helped me get to the finish line. The idea of drafting is absolutely daunting. We overthink it. We lose faith. We get blocked. But the more we lean into this idea of telling ourselves the story first, the better off we are.

The reality is that where you start is nowhere near where you will finish. Believe me, I have now read my novel more than 500 million times over. Tweaking and revising along the way. From the very first draft of Good Morning, Love to now, the story has had major overhauls. After feedback from beta readers, friends and family, and then an agent and an editor. Writing a book is a lot more collaborative than we think when it comes to telling the best story possible.

This week, I want to talk a bit about some tips on getting through writing a first draft. Namely realizing that a first draft is just that. I won’t stop mentioning how much of a mental game writing can be. We have to get our minds right first for the writing to flow.

It’s going to be terrible. Like if we can just assume this, it takes a lot of the pressure off. Listen, it probably won’t even be that bad. But it’s like expecting the worst, you know? It’s the first time you are getting what’s in your head out on paper. That may not be the smoothest process. As Terry Pratchet said, you need to bump your way around to tell yourself the story.

Try to avoid re-reading from the top. After you have a writing session. When you sit down the next time, you should only reread what’s relevant to the next part you need to write. I don’t know about you, but I used to have a terrible habit of reading from the top over and over which slowed momentum. There is something to be said for the speed of getting it out and knowing that you can make it better through revision. This brings me to the next point.

Don’t edit and write. It’s the hardest thing for most of us to do. But it’s necessary in maintaining that momentum not to try to think of the best words or metaphors in the initial draft. Write it as simply as possible in the first round. When you go back to edit and read, that’s when you can make those adjustments. And you should, before you start to get feedback from other people.

Planning and outlining. Even if you don’t outline every detail. It’s helpful to have some type of roadmap for your story. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction quite honestly. Where is your story starting and where will it end? What happens in between? Planning at least a little or loosely will help you power through. Often when you are letting the story “come to you,” your work will be at the whim of how clear your mind is that day.

Sprints work! One of the advantages to the PTW Power Hour is that I know if I don’t get any other writing done during the week, I will have one hour on Fridays to work on something. Whether it’s a newsletter or jumping into a manuscript. Uninterrupted time is invaluable when getting the first draft out. Whether you feel motivated or not, it’s important to have some time where you know you’re going to sit down at your desk and see what comes out. Some days you may squeak out 50 words, other times, 1500. But you have to make the time.

Side bar: We have to learn to treat writing like work. Hopefully, not that it becomes a nuisance or uninspiring, but that we take ourselves seriously as writers. This includes having some type of writing schedule. This will vary for everyone, but at the minimum being able to carve out thirty minutes a day or even showing up for that one hour a week. Writing a first draft takes consistency and discipline.

Find inspired space. I’m an advocate for creating your own space. We underestimate the importance of having a space that is inviting for our work. Sure, we can get things done on our lap on the couch, but there is something to be said for having a dedicated desk. There are all kinds of space saving options these days. Or maybe you want to go to a coffee or book shop. Light candles, play music, whatever you need to feel motivated to write.

Don’t get analysis paralysis about writing your first draft. You literally just have to write it. No amount of planning or thinking is going to actually get the draft done for you. You have to look at it as a sketch. Eventually, you will fill it all in and it will become a beautiful work of art. But sketching with pencil is the first step.

Revision is where it’s at! That means improving word choice, tightening up plot points, and sometimes ripping certain parts to shreds and re-writing them. But the draft is the foundation and you’ll never get there if you don’t start getting words on the page. Often easier said than done, but you got this! Members of our community are doers. So, let’s get after it! I know that I have goals of completing a first draft of a new story before the end of the year. And I can’t wait to see your drafts transformed into masterful pieces of literature.

Writing/Job Opportunities

Catapult - A call for pitches! Personal essays surrounding the holidays and family. Traditions or stories that bring you joy. Also flash fiction and stories about moving.

The L.A. Times is hiring a National Political Correspondent. (DC Based)

Dial Books, Penguin Young Readers is hiring an Editorial Assistant. 45K Salary. (NY Based)

The City of Philadelphia is hiring a Communications Director. 65-75K Salary. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

Princeton Alumni Weekly is hiring a Writer/Assistant.

Vox Media is hiring a Senior Reporter to cover Billionaire Power and Influence.

Closer Weekly is hiring a full-time writer for celebrity and entertainment.

io9 is hiring a Senior Writer.

Insider, Inc is hiring for their Careers Fellowship.

Elite Daily is hiring a Dating Editor. Up to 65k. (Open to remote candidates)