#5onFri: Five Ways to Get through a First Draft

by Ren DeStefano
published in Writing

In the thirteen or so years that I’ve been in publishing, I’ve heard and seen it all. Working alongside #1 bestsellers and aspiring hopefuls, the similarities are a lot greater than one might expect—and the writing process isn’t too different, either. Whether you have a storied career, a collection of Creative Writing degrees, or you’re a tax accountant who woke up with a really cool idea you’d like to get down, the process is shockingly similar. And the number one question I’m asked by each of these groups is, “How do I get started with a first draft?”

Well, fear not. You can’t be in this industry as long as I have without picking up a trick or two or five. Whether it takes you ten years, or you’re looking to write your next great novel in twenty-minute sprints while your baby naps, or you have all the time in the world, here are five tips that can help anyone get through that dreaded first draft.

1. Embrace the Weird

I list this first because it is the most important step. The number one thing that stops writers from even getting started with a first draft is the fear that their idea is “too out there.” “Nobody will read this.” “It’s weird.” 

Stop that right now. 

The best books in literary history would sound too weird or implausible on paper. A killer clown harassing a bunch of kids into adulthood? A serial killer who lives in a family’s walls? A magical chocolate factory? A little girl with psychic powers who devours books to escape her toxic family? 

If a publisher heard some of these elevator pitches, they would have told the author to take a hike. And indeed, there are about a million ways some of these concepts would have turned out incoherently. But it’s the execution that makes all the difference.

So, if you have an idea—whatever it may be—set aside the fear that nobody will want to read it, and ignore the eyebrow raises or indifferent shrugs you get when you excitedly relay it to your spouse or friend circle. 

The truth is that all you have right now is the idea, and once you start writing, you’ll be hit with ideas that you hadn’t even considered yet. Trust your brain to make it make sense. And remember that if we all stopped ourselves from getting too weird, fiction wouldn’t even be a thing.

2. Develop a Support System

Writing is—and I cannot stress this enough—very isolating. 

Maybe you’re not ready to share your idea yet. Maybe you want to get 50k down before you even tell your loved ones you’re working on a book. Or maybe the only way you can get through a first draft is to write in a vacuum. 

This is a sustainable model for a little while. But once that adrenaline rush that comes with a new idea dies down, you may find yourself floating in the middle of a waveless lake without a paddle. This is where many writers give up.

A big help is to find a small community of writers. The internet is great for this. You may also check the community boards at your local library or download some virtual meetup apps. 

When you have someone asking, “How’s the writing going today?” it makes all the difference. And be honest when you’re struggling. It may surprise you how many others relate, and the amazing advice they can offer.

3. Support Others

This goes hand-in-hand with the above item. Support is a two-way street (and I live in Connecticut, so I can tell you just how many construction problems are caused by one-way streets). 

When you build a small community of writers, artists, etc, it isn’t just about having someone to motivate you. It’s shocking just how healing and helpful it can be to also motivate and support others. Tell them the sorts of things you’re needing to hear yourself. Inspiration and motivation aren’t in finite supply. The more you give, the more you create.

Be mindful, also, of the type of support you’re giving. Writing is a fragile balance. Some days, you want someone to give it to you straight and tell you if your writing isn’t working or your idea isn’t coming together well. This gives you the practical mindset needed to fix it. But some days, when you’re feeling especially demoralized, you just need someone to tell you that you’re doing a great job, keep going, and it’s okay to take a little break. 

So before you respond to your peers’ pleas for help, ask them, “Are you wanting feedback today? Or would you just like some moral support?”

4. Give Yourself Some Compassion

In school, we’re trained to work hard and hard work becomes the standard. If you get a good grade, that’s the norm, and maybe you get a sticker. And if you get a substandard grade, you’re meant to feel like a failure. 

But here’s the good news: writing isn’t school. Here, you’re going at your own pace, and you’re only here if you want to be.

While tough love and discipline may get you through a lot of professional endeavors, writing is something that has to be done with some degree of love and willingness. Push yourself too hard, do too much too fast, and you’re asking for burnout. Think of The Tortoise and the Hare. 

Whether you like it or not, you’re going to have to be nice to yourself during the writing process, especially during a first draft.

5. Be Inspired

You may think that in order to be a successful writer, you have to read a lot. But inspiration can come from anywhere. Nice childhood memories, operas, art museums, death metal… 

Just because you’re writing a nonfiction field guide to butterfly mating patterns doesn’t mean you have to stare at butterflies all day. 

Just because you’re writing about Jack the Ripper doesn’t mean you can’t pop in some Miley Cyrus and jam while you’re outlining your chapter. 

In many cases, immersing yourself in your writing topic may feel like too much of a burden, and giving yourself an eclectic mix of inspiration can help you get out of your head and get more creative. 

Remember, some tears may be an inevitable part of making any art (especially the first draft), but fun is important in this process, and you’re here because you have an idea that you really believe in.


Ren DeStefano lives in Connecticut, where she was born and raised. When she’s not writing thrillers, she’s listening to true crime podcasts and crocheting way too many blankets.

You can find her on her website or follow her on Instagram.

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