Guide to Embracing and Celebrating Unpolished Works
Writing a first draft can be a challenging and not always enjoyable experience for many writers. The initial draft is often considered the most difficult part of the writing process, filled with feelings of being lost, unsure, and overwhelmed [1]. Despite these challenges, perseverance is rewarding, and the act of finishing a first draft is a significant accomplishment that should be celebrated.
Completing a first draft is a testament to a writer's commitment, discipline, and persistence. It signifies the laying of a foundation upon which the polished masterpiece can be built [2]. However, it's essential to note that the first draft is typically imperfect, raw, and incomplete—often referred to as a "vomit draft"—and not yet the finished product [1]. This can lead to feelings of relief mixed with dissatisfaction or doubt about the quality of their work [1].
To celebrate their accomplishment despite these mixed feelings, writers can acknowledge the significant effort involved in completing the draft, recognizing it as a major milestone that required commitment, discipline, and persistence [2]. This can include small personal celebrations or simply taking time to appreciate their progress. For example, appreciating positive feedback, reminding themselves of the hard work involved, or marking the moment with a reward can help motivate continued effort toward rewriting and refining the work [2][4].
It's essential to remember that every story begins flawed and will require revisions [3]. The first draft is a necessary step in the writing process, and the journey does not end with its completion. Embracing the creative process as a journey rather than a single finished product helps maintain motivation and encourages writers to continue improving their work.
Meg Dowell, the managing editor at College Lifestyles magazine and a guest contributor with Lifehack and a guest blogger for Food & Nutrition Magazine, is a testament to the power of perseverance. With eight NaNoWriMo wins and writing experience for Teen Ink and USA TODAY College, Meg Dowell embodies the spirit of finishing a first draft and celebrating the accomplishment [5].
In conclusion, writers often feel unhappy because the first draft is rough and incomplete, leading to self-doubt and the recognition that they have much rewriting ahead [1][2]. Celebrating the draft’s completion can involve recognizing the discipline and determination it took, and treating the moment as a milestone rather than a final victory [2][4]. This approach helps maintain motivation and embraces the creative process as a journey rather than a single finished product.
Taking some time to celebrate and be happy about completing a first draft is important before diving into the revision process. After all, every writer deserves a moment of joy for their hard-earned accomplishment.
[1] https://www.thewritelife.com/writing-the-first-draft/ [2] https://thewritepractice.com/celebrate-writing-first-draft/ [3] https://www.thebalancedwriter.com/celebrate-first-draft-completion/ [4] https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/first-draft-celebration/ [5] https://megdowell.com/about/
Completing a first draft is a significant milestone in the education-and-self-development journey of personal-growth, marking the writer's dedication, discipline, and perseverance. The act of finishing a rough, imperfect first draft often leads to mixed feelings of relief, dissatisfaction, and self-doubt about the quality of the work, but it's crucial to remember that every story begins flawed and necessitates revisions. Celebrating the draft's completion by acknowledging the effort and the journey rather than the single finished product can motivate continued effort towards rewriting and refining the work.
