7 Do's and Don't's For Writing Your First Draft

Writing Your First Novel: Do's and Don'ts for Starting Your First Draft

Embarking on the journey of writing your first novel is a thrilling yet challenging endeavor. The key to navigating this path successfully lies in understanding some essential do's and don'ts. Here's an in-depth look at each point to help you start strong and keep your momentum going.

Do's

1. Do Outline Your Story Crafting a rough outline before you start writing can act as a roadmap for your novel. While it doesn't need to be overly detailed, having a clear idea of your main plot points, character arcs, and key events can provide direction and help you stay focused. An outline can also serve as a reference when you hit a block, reminding you of your story's trajectory and the goals for each scene.

2. Do Set Realistic Goals Setting achievable word count goals for each day or week can maintain your writing momentum. Consider your personal schedule and commitments to set targets that are challenging yet attainable. These goals not only help in tracking your progress but also instill a sense of accomplishment, motivating you to keep going.

3. Do Allow Yourself to Write Badly Embrace the notion that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, it's normal for the initial draft to be rough around the edges. Give yourself the freedom to write imperfectly. The first draft is all about getting your ideas down on paper. You can refine, edit, and polish your work in subsequent drafts.

4. Do Write Regularly Consistency is crucial when writing a novel. Try to establish a regular writing routine, whether it's daily or a few times a week. Writing regularly helps keep the story fresh in your mind, reduces the daunting nature of the task, and builds a habit that can sustain you through the length of your project.

5. Do Focus on the Story During the first draft, prioritize the narrative over the finer details. Concentrate on the plot, characters, and overall story arc. The nuances of language, dialogue perfection, and detailed descriptions can be honed in later drafts. The primary goal of the first draft is to bring your story to life.

6. Do Take Breaks If you find yourself stuck or overwhelmed, it's okay to take breaks. Stepping away from your manuscript can provide a fresh perspective and rejuvenate your creativity. Activities like walking, reading, or engaging in a hobby can clear your mind and inspire new ideas, making you more productive when you return to writing.

7. Do Seek Feedback (at the right time) While it's advisable to keep your first draft private to preserve your vision, feedback becomes invaluable once you're done. Sharing your completed draft with trusted friends, writers, or writing groups can provide constructive criticism and insights. This feedback can guide your revisions and help improve your manuscript.

Don't's

1. Don't Edit as You Write Editing while writing can disrupt your creative flow and slow down your progress. The first draft is about getting your ideas down, not perfecting them. Separate the creative process from the editing process. Write first, edit later.

2. Don't Aim for Perfection Perfectionism can be paralyzing. Remember, the first draft is just the beginning of your novel-writing journey. It's a rough sketch of your story. Aiming for perfection too early can lead to procrastination and frustration. Accept that there will be imperfections and that's okay.

3. Don't Compare Yourself to Others Every writer's journey is unique. Comparing your progress, style, or process to others can be discouraging and counterproductive. Focus on your own writing journey, celebrate your achievements, and understand that everyone writes at their own pace.

4. Don't Overthink the First Line The first line or chapter doesn't have to be perfect right away. It's more important to start writing and let your story unfold. You can always revise the beginning once you have a clearer understanding of your narrative and themes.

5. Don't Get Bogged Down by Research While research is important, especially for accuracy and depth, it can also become a form of procrastination. If you encounter a detail you need to research, make a note of it and move on. You can always come back to it later during revisions.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment The first draft is the ideal time to try out new ideas, narrative techniques, and character developments. Experimentation can lead to unexpected and exciting elements in your story. Don't be afraid to take risks; you can always revise or discard parts that don't work later.

7. Don't Give Up Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days when it feels challenging or overwhelming, but persistence is key. Stay committed to your story, keep writing, and remember why you started this journey in the first place.

Starting your first novel is a significant and rewarding undertaking. By following these do's and don'ts, you can navigate the initial stages of your first draft with confidence and creativity. Happy writing!