Writing Hint #33: Write first drafts quickly

A few days ago I read an article about writing suggesting that any first draft should be written quickly. The author encouraged a very rough first draft with no concerns for editing, spelling or punctuation.

The main idea was the get the ideas out of your head and on to the paper (or screen). Just write with no internal editors allowed. Writers were encouraged to avoid being perfect – just get the words written.

Now this technique may work for many writers. As far as I’m concerned I do not think I will try this idea too much, for several reasons:

1. My inbuilt editor has been finely tuned from 35 years of correcting the writing of students. It’s a habit that is hard to break.
2. I like to make my first draft as good as I can because that is the cutting edge of the way I write. Too much editing and fussing later on just breeds boredom which leads to procrastination.
3. When I write for my three blogs I rarely have the luxury of time to rewrite too much. I try hard to get it right the first time.

Anyway, despite my reservations about this method it probably would work for some writers.

Just find a method that you are comfortable with and develop it for all its worth.

Good writing.