First Draft Tips for STUDENTS and WRITERS!

Summary

This video offers practical tips for tackling the daunting task of writing a first draft. The key advice includes maintaining consistency and perspective by breaking the work into manageable chunks, embracing the 'Ugly First Draft' mentality to get words on the page without obsessing over perfection, and identifying the best time to write to avoid procrastination. By writing consistently, focusing on the flow of ideas rather than immediate quality, and tackling early in the day, writers can streamline the process, leaving ample time for editing and polishing. The main goal is to reduce stress and boost efficiency in producing drafts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing a first draft can be daunting, even for seasoned writers—approach it with perspective and consistency.
• 😀 Break large tasks into manageable chunks, like writing 350 words a day for a 1,750-word draft over a week.
• 😀 Writing consistently every day helps build momentum and make steady progress on your draft.
• 😀 End your writing session when you know exactly what the next sentence or paragraph will be to maintain flow.
• 😀 Let your first draft be an 'Ugly First Draft' (UFD)—focus on getting your ideas down without worrying about perfection.
• 😀 Don’t stop to correct spelling, grammar, or punctuation during the first draft. Save those for the editing phase.
• 😀 Separate research from writing to avoid fragmented thinking and improve productivity.
• 😀 Don’t expect to write a perfect draft the first time around—writing is a process of refinement.
• 😀 Avoid procrastination by writing early in the day when your mind is fresh and creative.
• 😀 Procrastination often stems from fear or reluctance—recognize it and develop a consistent writing routine.
• 😀 Writing early helps reduce stress, making the rest of your day feel more relaxed and productive.

Q & A

What is the first tip for writing an efficient first draft?

The first tip is consistency and perspective. By breaking the writing task into manageable daily chunks, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Focus on writing consistently, without worrying about perfection in the first draft.

How can breaking down the writing process help with large tasks like a dissertation?

Breaking the process down helps make a large task feel more achievable. For example, writing 350 words a day for a 1,500-word essay spread over five days makes the overall task more manageable and ensures steady progress.

Why is it better to exceed the word count in your first draft?

It’s better to exceed the word count because it’s easier to cut unnecessary words during editing than to try to expand a draft that feels too short. This allows you to capture all your ideas and refine them later.

What is the recommended approach to writing sessions in terms of time management?

It is recommended to write in 25- or 45-minute bursts, followed by a short break. This helps maintain focus and prevents burnout, making the writing process more productive and sustainable.

What is an 'Ugly First Draft' (UFD), and why is it important?

An Ugly First Draft is a rough, unpolished version of your work. It’s important because it allows you to get your ideas down quickly without being bogged down by perfectionism. The goal is to write freely and worry about editing later.

How should writers approach spelling and grammatical mistakes in their first draft?

Writers should ignore spelling and grammatical mistakes during the first draft stage. These can be addressed in later editing phases. The focus should be on completing the draft and getting all ideas onto paper.

What is the potential drawback of trying to research, read, and write at the same time?

Trying to research, read, and write simultaneously can fragment the writing process, slowing down progress. It’s more effective to separate research and writing into distinct phases to maintain focus and efficiency.

Why do people often feel they write best under pressure, and what is the downside of this?

People often feel they write best under pressure because there is no choice but to write as the deadline approaches. However, this usually results in rushed writing, with less attention to editing and proofreading, leading to a lower quality of work.

What is the recommended time of day for writing, and why?

It is recommended to write in the morning, when you are most creative. Writing early in the day can help you feel more relaxed and productive, and it avoids the tiredness that can affect late-night writing.

What are the key takeaways for writing a first draft effectively?

The key takeaways are: write daily and stop when you know what comes next, embrace the Ugly First Draft to get your ideas down quickly, and avoid procrastination to ensure your editing and proofreading are thorough and effective.