Good Writing Starts with Bad Drafts:

I do my best to be a productive artist. Some days, it feels like standing in front of a locked door without a key when I start painting—the blank surface stops me completely. It’s really hard to find a way to begin.

The same thing happens when I try to write articles for this site. In my experience, the blank page is just as paralyzing as an empty canvas. Both can bring all creative work to a halt.

But I’ve learned something: It’s okay for painting or writing to be challenging—it doesn’t have to become a barrier. Sitting down to write and facing a blank page can feel awful, as if the silence is demanding perfection. You want every word to be unique, and everything you write to be amazing. But the truth is simple: Perfection is never the first step.

The American novelist and nonfiction writer Anne Lamott once said: “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”

This isn’t just advice—it’s the truth. Let’s explore why messy beginnings are essential and how you can embrace them.

Why It's Better to Start Badly Than Not Start at All

All authors have experienced it. You don't even attempt because you're afraid you won't measure up. The trick, however, is that poor first drafts are necessary.

1. A blank page cannot be edited. You can't get better with a blank page. No matter how awful they are, words provide you a starting point.

2. Progress Is Killed by Perfection You will be trapped if you wait for the ideal statement or concept. The first step to writing well is writing poorly.

3. The magic starts with messy first drafts. Writing and sculpting are similar. The lump of clay is your initial draft. The process of shaping it into art is called revision.

Step-by-Step: How to Embrace Terrible First Efforts

Ready to start writing without fear? Here’s how:

1. Stop Judging Yourself

Writing badly is part of the process.

No one sits down and writes a masterpiece on the first try. Not Hemingway. Not J.K. Rowling.

When I started blogging, my first posts were embarrassing. Clunky sentences. Awkward phrasing. But I didn’t stop.

And neither should you.

**Tip**: Write as if no one will ever read it. You can polish it later.

2. Set a Timer and Just Write

Give yourself permission to write freely for 10 minutes.

Don’t stop to think. Don’t edit. Just write.

This simple trick gets your brain moving and silences your inner critic.

**Bonus**: You’ll often stumble upon ideas you didn’t expect.

3. Use a «Bad First Draft Ritual»

Make starting messy feel like a win.

Light a candle. Put on your favorite playlist. Make it feel fun.

For me, it’s a cup of coffee and a clutter-free desk. The ritual reminds me it’s okay to start small.

**Tip**: Celebrate writing 100 words—even if they’re terrible.

4. Take Breaks, Then Return With Fresh Eyes

Your first draft doesn’t need to be fixed immediately.

When you step away, your brain keeps working in the background. You’ll see new solutions when you come back.

**Example**: After writing this article’s intro, I went for a walk. That’s when the perfect opening line hit me.

5. Learn From Your Heroes

The best writers embrace bad drafts.

Anne Lamott’s ***Bird by Bird*** is my go-to book for encouragement. She talks about the “shitty first draft” with humor and wisdom.

**Challenge**: Find a book or blog by a writer you admire. See how they describe their process.

Why You Should Keep Going

Every great writer was once a beginner.

• Stephen King’s first novel, ***Carrie***, was rejected 30 times the history tells.

• Marguerite Annie Johnson, or better known as Maya Angelou, who was an American memoirist, poet, and once said, *“I try to get something down, no matter how bad it is.”*

Their success didn’t happen because they waited for perfection. It happened because they kept showing up.

Your Writing Journey Starts Today

Still not convinced? Here’s why starting badly can change your life:

1. **You’ll Build Confidence**

The more you write, the better you’ll get.

2. **You’ll Find Your Voice**

Your style develops as you write. You can’t rush it.

3. **You’ll Create Momentum**

Each word you write brings you closer to your goal.

# **Final Thoughts**

Bad first drafts aren’t the enemy. They’re the gateway to great writing.

So, grab your notebook. Open your laptop. Start writing that messy, awkward first draft.

**Because here’s the thing: *The only bad draft is the one that doesn’t exist.***

# **Let’s Connect!**

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Thank you for reading. Let’s meet on the other side of success!