Step 5.2: Write Regularly – On Not Worrying About Perfection

Writing a novel is a creative endeavor filled with excitement, inspiration, and the occasional bout of self-doubt. As you embark on your novel-writing journey, you’ve learned the importance of writing regularly, even if it’s just a few sentences a day. Now, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into a crucial aspect of the writing process: the first draft. Specifically, we’ll explore the liberating concept of not worrying about perfection in the first draft and focusing on the simple act of getting words on paper.

The Myth of the Perfect First Draft

One of the most common misconceptions among aspiring authors is the belief that the first draft should be flawless. It’s an understandable misconception, as we often encounter beautifully polished books in bookstores or libraries, leaving us with the impression that great novels emerge fully formed from the author’s mind.

In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every novel, no matter how exceptional the final product, begins as a rough, imperfect draft. It’s the initial stage where ideas take shape, characters find their voices, and the story unfolds.

Why Perfectionism Hinders Progress

The desire for perfection can be a double-edged sword. While it’s essential to have high standards for your work, striving for perfection in the first draft can hinder your progress and dampen your creativity. Here’s why perfectionism can be detrimental to your writing process:

1. Paralysis by Perfection:

The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to writer’s block. When you constantly edit and revise as you write, you may find it challenging to move forward with your story. This can create frustration and disrupt your writing routine.

2. Stifling Creativity:

Perfectionism can stifle your creativity by demanding that every sentence be immaculate. This hyperfocus on perfection may prevent you from exploring new ideas, taking creative risks, or embracing the unexpected twists that can enrich your narrative.

3. Loss of Momentum:

Writing is a momentum-driven process. The first draft is about capturing the essence of your story and characters. If you’re preoccupied with perfection, you risk losing the momentum necessary to complete your novel.

4. Extended Timelines:

Striving for perfection in the first draft can extend the time it takes to finish your novel. Endlessly revising and rewriting can become a never-ending cycle, delaying your progress and potentially causing frustration.

The Power of Imperfection

Embracing imperfection in the first draft can be incredibly liberating and conducive to your creative process. It allows you to shift your focus from writing flawlessly to writing authentically. Here’s why you should consider embracing imperfection:

1. Progress Over Perfection:

Instead of obsessing over each word and sentence, prioritize progress. Understand that the first draft is a journey of discovery, where you unearth your story’s essence. Accept that imperfections are a natural part of this exploration.

2. Creative Freedom:

Give yourself permission to write freely and without constraints. Let your imagination run wild, explore uncharted territory, and experiment with different narrative styles. Creativity flourishes when you’re unburdened by perfectionism.

3. Character and Plot Development:

In the first draft, your characters may not be fully realized, and your plot may have gaps or inconsistencies. Embracing imperfection allows you to evolve your characters and refine your plot as you progress, rather than striving for a perfect portrayal from the outset.

4. Editing Comes Later:

Remember that editing is a separate stage of the writing process. After completing the first draft, you’ll have the opportunity to revise, refine, and polish your manuscript. It’s during this stage that you can address imperfections and enhance your work.

5. Less Pressure, More Enjoyment:

Letting go of the need for perfection relieves the pressure that can accompany writing. You’ll find more enjoyment in the process when you allow yourself the freedom to explore your story without the weight of unrealistic expectations.

Techniques for Embracing Imperfection

Now that you understand the value of embracing imperfection in the first draft, let’s explore practical techniques to help you implement this mindset in your writing:

1. Set Realistic Expectations:

Remind yourself that the first draft is not meant to be perfect. Set realistic expectations for your writing, understanding that imperfections are part of the creative process.

2. Silence Your Inner Critic:

The inner critic can be relentless, pointing out every perceived flaw in your writing. When you write, silence that inner voice and focus on telling your story.

3. Use Timed Writing Sessions:

Set a timer for your writing sessions, and commit to writing without interruption until the timer goes off. This technique encourages continuous writing and discourages excessive self-editing.

4. Keep Writing Forward:

When you encounter a sentence or paragraph that feels imperfect, resist the urge to dwell on it. Keep writing forward, knowing that you can revisit and revise later.

5. Trust the Revision Process:

Trust that the revision process exists for a reason. It’s where you’ll refine your work, address imperfections, and enhance your storytelling.

6. Seek Feedback When Ready:

After completing your first draft, seek feedback from beta readers or writing peers. Their insights can help you identify areas that need improvement.

Case Study: The Evolution of Imperfection

Consider the journey of an aspiring author named Sarah. She embarked on her novel-writing journey with a desire to create a masterpiece from the very beginning. However, she soon realized that her pursuit of perfection was impeding her progress.

Sarah decided to embrace imperfection in her first draft. She allowed herself to write freely, accepting that her characters might change, her plot might have inconsistencies, and her prose might lack polish. The shift in mindset allowed her creativity to flow unhindered.

As Sarah completed her first draft, she was amazed at the depth of her story and the unexpected twists that had emerged. While her draft was far from perfect, it was a genuine reflection of her creative journey.

In the subsequent editing and revision stages, Sarah refined her work, addressed imperfections, and transformed her manuscript into a polished novel. She realized that imperfection in the first draft was not a limitation but a catalyst for her creative process.

Conclusion: The Beauty of Imperfect Beginnings

In the world of novel writing, the first draft is a sacred space for creativity, exploration, and discovery. It’s where your story takes shape, your characters come to life, and your narrative unfolds. Embracing imperfection in this stage is not a sign of weakness but a testament to your willingness to engage with your creative self.

So, as you write your first draft, remember that perfection is not the goal; authenticity is. Focus on getting words on paper, capturing the essence of your story, and allowing your creativity to flourish. Trust that the editing process will refine your work, and relish the beauty of imperfect beginnings on your path to completing your novel.