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The Beauty of First Drafts

Embracing Imperfection

By Elise L. BlakePublished 3 years ago 3 min read
The Beauty of First Drafts
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Writing can be an intimidating endeavor, and the pressure to create a flawless masterpiece can often hinder our progress. However, there is value in embracing imperfection, especially when it comes to first drafts. In this quick article, we'll explore the importance of letting go of perfectionism and the benefits of allowing yourself to freely write without judgment.

Give Yourself Permission to Write Freely

 One of the biggest hurdles writers face is the fear of producing subpar work. But remember, the first draft is just that - a draft. Give yourself permission to write freely, knowing that you can always revise and improve later.

Embrace the Messiness

 First drafts are meant to be messy. They are the raw material from which polished stories emerge. Embrace the messiness, knowing that you have the freedom to explore ideas, characters, and plotlines without the pressure of perfection.

Trust the Process

 Writing is a process, and every writer goes through different stages of refinement. Trust that your first draft is an essential step in the journey toward a final, polished piece. Embrace the process, knowing that revisions and edits will help shape your work into something extraordinary.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

 Shift your mindset from striving for perfection to celebrating progress. Each word you write brings you closer to your goals as a writer. Embrace the joy of creating, and don't let the pursuit of perfection hold you back from enjoying the process.

Embrace Feedback and Revision

Remember that the first draft is just the beginning. Embrace feedback from trusted readers or writing groups, and use their insights to shape and improve your work. Revision is a vital part of the writing journey, and it allows you to refine your ideas and bring your story to its full potential.

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Your first draft isn't going to be pretty and that's ok. 

Embrace it. 

Then keep writing.

With love, 

B. King 

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About the Creator

Elise L. Blake

Elise is a full-time writing coach and novelist. She is a recent college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University where she earned her BA in Creative Writing.

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Comments (2)

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  • Isabella Andrus3 years ago

    Quick and to the point, nice advice!

  • Babs Iverson3 years ago

    Learned about free writing (free flow) and being messy in my first English composition couse. At the time, It was eye opening. Loved this!!!❤️💕

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