Your First Draft Doesn't Need To Be Perfect
5 Actions for Every Writer Fighting Through Their First Draft
You know that feeling when you sit down to start a first draft? Equal parts excitement, terror, and a heavy dose of “What if this is awful?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. Writing a first draft is like standing at the bottom of a mountain with a map in one hand and a bag of trail mix in the other, wondering how on earth you’re going to make it to the top.
Here’s the truth: your first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect. In fact, it shouldn’t be. A messy first draft is a rite of passage for every writer, from bestsellers to beginners. The goal isn’t to write something flawless right out of the gate—it’s to get the story out of your head and onto the page. The good stuff comes later, but you can’t revise what doesn’t exist.
If you’re still clutching your coffee, spiraling into perfectionism, and avoiding the blinking cursor, I’ve got your back. Here are 5 reasons to embrace the chaos of your first draft and 5 actions to help you actually get it done.
1. First Drafts Are for Exploring Ideas
Your first draft is your creative playground. It’s where you let your writing ideas run wild without worrying about whether they’ll work in the final piece. Think of it as brainstorming on the page—a time to try new things, take risks, and follow where the story leads.
Author Shannon Hale puts it perfectly: “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” That sandcastle analogy is gold. Your first draft is all about gathering the raw materials you need to create something beautiful later.
For example, in Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), Feyre’s initial struggle in the forest sets the tone for her character’s resourcefulness and determination. Imagine if Maas had scrapped that opening scene because it didn’t feel polished enough. By allowing herself to explore, she built a foundation that shaped the entire series.
Action Step: Take 10 minutes to free-write about a character’s secret. Don’t worry about grammar, structure, or whether it’s good—just let the ideas flow. You might uncover something surprising.
2. Editing Transforms Rough Ideas into Refined Stories
Here’s the secret: writing happens in layers. The first draft is just the foundation; the real magic happens in the editing phase. Anne Lamott, in her book Bird by Bird, famously champions the importance of "shitty first drafts.” She reminds us that first drafts are rarely good, but they’re necessary steps to get to something great.
Sarah J. Maas has openly discussed how much of her writing process involves revising entire sections of her books. In an early draft of ACOTAR, key plot points and character arcs looked completely different than the final version. But by starting with that messy draft, she was able to refine and shape her story into the gripping tale we love today.
Action Step: Print out your first draft and highlight any moments that feel raw but exciting. These are the seeds you’ll nurture in your revisions.
3. Perfectionism Can Stifle Creativity and Halt Progress
Raise your hand if you’ve ever spent an entire writing session reworking a single sentence. (Guilty!) While it might feel productive in the moment, perfectionism can actually block your creative flow.
Author Judy Blume candidly admits, “I hate first drafts, and it never gets easier.” Even legendary writers struggle with messy beginnings, which should be a comforting reminder: you’re not alone.
Think of your first draft like a toddler finger-painting. It’s messy, chaotic, and sometimes downright nonsensical. But beneath the smudges lies the potential for something incredible. The trick is to let the creativity flow and save the meticulous work for later.
Action Step: Set a timer for 30 minutes and write nonstop. No edits, no backspacing. Just get your ideas onto the page and see what emerges.
4. Imperfections Lead to Creative Breakthroughs
Some of your best ideas will come from the chaos of an imperfect first draft. Jennifer Egan, author of A Visit from the Goon Squad, has said, “The bottom line is that I like my first drafts to be blind, unconscious, messy efforts; that’s what gets me the best material.”
For example, in Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing, Violet’s struggle to adapt to the brutal world of Basgiath War College feels raw and unfiltered. It’s likely that those raw, messy moments in early drafts helped shape her character’s relatability and growth. When you allow yourself to just write, you create characters who resonate deeply with readers.
Action Step: Step away from the keyboard. Use voice typing, drawing, sticky notes, or a notebook to draft your story. Changing how you engage with the story can unlock ideas and make it easier to return to your draft with fresh energy.
5. First Drafts Are Private—No One Else Has to See Them
One of the most liberating things about first drafts is that they’re for your eyes only. Erica Jong advises, “You should write first drafts as if they will never be shown to anyone.” This private, judgment-free space gives you the freedom to experiment and make mistakes without fear.
Rebecca Yarros might not have shared her early drafts of Fourth Wing with anyone outside her inner circle. And yet, those drafts were the stepping stones to a story that captivated readers worldwide. You don’t need to worry about who will read your messy first draft—just focus on getting the words down.
Action Step: Write a short scene that you know will never make it into your final story. Experiment with voice, dialogue, or even absurd ideas. Explore character, mood, or setting. This practice can free up your creativity.
Your Next Move
Your first draft is the start of something magical. It’s messy, chaotic, and imperfect—and that’s exactly how it’s meant to be. By embracing the process, you’re giving yourself the freedom to explore, create, and ultimately uncover the heart of your story.
So, the next time you’re tempted to hit delete or obsess over a single sentence, take a deep breath and remember: every masterpiece begins as a rough draft. Let the words flow and trust the process—refinement comes later.
Need more inspiration? Check out my blog on 18 Creative Writing Tips to Start Strong to keep your writing energy alive and thriving. Because you’ve got this, and your story deserves to be told. Your future readers are waiting.
Follow Susan:
