Good Writing Starts with Bad Drafts:

I make an effort to be an artist. On other days, when I'm painting, the white canvas stares at me, paralyzing me. It is challenging to begin. I also make an effort to write articles here. In my experience, the white paper has the same effect. However, I've gained knowledge. Writing is challenging. Being difficult is acceptable, but don't make it so. Seeing a blank page when you sit down to write is the worst thing in the world. You want every thing you say to be excellent, need each word to be distinctive. However, perfection is not the first step.

The American novelist and nonfiction writer Anne Lamott said one time: *“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 dive into 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 article, 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 with our dog. I have a button on my phone where I can start recording and when I stop, it is sent as text to my inbox in my Notion-app. When I walked that’s when the perfect opening line hit me.

5. Learn From Your Heroes

The best writers embrace bad drafts.

I bought a book by Anne Lamott’s ***Bird by Bird*** and this 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.

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