How to Write Your First Draft (Without Getting Stuck or Giving Up)
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Let’s be real—writing the first draft of a book is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. One minute you’re flying through a killer scene, and the next you’re Googling “how many words are in a novel” at 2AM while stress-eating cereal straight from the box.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Writing your first draft is one of the hardest, messiest, most magical parts of the process—and in this post, we’re breaking it all down. From building a writing routine to crushing writer’s block to hitting that final word, this guide will help you write your story all the way through.
Let’s get that draft DONE.
Step 1: Shift Your Mindset—Perfection is Not the Goal
Your first draft isn’t meant to be publishable. It’s meant to be written.
Say it with me:
Done is better than perfect.
The first draft is where you discover your characters, test plot points, and surprise yourself. Let it be messy. Let it ramble. Your only job here is to get the story out of your head and onto the page.
“You can’t edit a blank page.” — Nora Roberts
Step 2: Create a Writing Routine You Can Stick To
You don’t need to write every day—but you do need some kind of consistent rhythm to make real progress.
Try This:
Set a daily or weekly word count goal (ex: 500–1,000 words/day)
Choose a time slot that works for YOU (morning, lunch break, night owl session)
Use a writing tracker or printable word count calendar
Turn off distractions with tools like FocusWriter or Cold Turkey Writer
Reward yourself after every session—seriously, you deserve it
🎯 Bonus Tip: Join a writing sprint group or accountability buddy. 20-minute sprints can be a game-changer.
Step 3: Write Out of Order (Yes, Really)
Who said you have to write Chapter 1 first?
If you’re stuck on the beginning, skip to a scene you’re excited about. That twisty middle chapter? Go for it. The final battle? Why not?
Writing non-linearly helps you:
Stay excited
Avoid “saggy middle syndrome”
Discover key character arcs and themes naturally
Just keep a loose outline or beat sheet nearby so you can plug those scenes into place later.
Step 4: Use Tools That Make Drafting Easier
Your writing tools can make or break your momentum. Find the setup that helps you focus and flow.
Recommended Tools:
Scrivener – Organize scenes, notes, and chapters all in one place
Atticus – Write + format at the same time (perfect for indie authors!)
Notion – For flexible chapter tracking and character notes
Google Docs – For simple, cloud-based drafting
4theWords – A gamified writing platform where your words slay monsters 🐉
(Affiliate links can be added to any of the above!)
Step 5: Crush Writer’s Block Before It Starts
Everyone hits a wall. The trick is learning how to climb over it—or go around.
Writer’s Block Fixes:
Revisit your outline or beat sheet
Write a scene from another character’s POV
Use a prompt (Pinterest + Reedsy prompts are gold)
Set a timer for 10 minutes and write anything—even if it’s bad
Skip to a future scene you’re excited about
Sometimes, the block isn’t a lack of ideas—it’s fear. Write anyway.
Step 6: Track Your Progress (and Celebrate Milestones!)
Writing a book is a big deal. Don’t wait until “The End” to celebrate.
Print a word count tracker. Use a sticky note wall. Brag about your daily words in a Facebook group. Let it feel real as you go.
Milestones to Celebrate:
✅ Finishing your first 5,000 words
✅ Hitting the halfway point
✅ Writing a killer scene you love
✅ Writing “The End” (even if it changes later)
The more you track and reward progress, the more likely you are to finish.
Final Thoughts
Writing your first draft is a rollercoaster—ups, downs, loop-de-loops, and moments where you want to scream into a pillow. But if you stick with it, trust the mess, and keep moving forward, you’ll have something so many others only dream about:
A finished book.
And that’s where everything begins.
