Mastering Contentment in the Face of Flawed Compositions
Writing a first draft is often a challenging and emotional process for authors, filled with feelings of emptiness, fear, and dissatisfaction. This is not uncommon, as the initial draft is usually an underdeveloped version of the polished final product that an author envisions [1].
The reason for these feelings could be denial, as it might take some time to fully realize that the draft is complete. However, it's essential to push through and write until the first draft is done. This is the foundation upon which the story can grow and develop [2].
Accepting the imperfection of a first draft is key to overcoming these feelings. A first draft should be viewed as a "zero draft" or underdrawing, a starting point that will require revision, and parts of which may ultimately be discarded or repurposed [1]. Keeping track of good lines or ideas for later drafts, and viewing the process as iterative, can help shift focus away from immediate perfection towards gradual improvement and creative progress.
Frustration is a common emotion during the writing process, but it should be embraced as a signal to adjust approach or mindset, rather than as failure. This can motivate a writer to keep moving forward [4]. Focusing on the larger creative journey and allowing room for "Eureka" moments that reshape the work within an existing framework can make the process more rewarding and productive [2].
Meg Dowell, a prolific writer who has written for Teen Ink, USA TODAY College, College Lifestyles magazine, Lifehack, and Food & Nutrition Magazine, is a testament to this. As an eight-time NaNoWriMo winner, she has mastered the art of pushing through the initial draft and transforming it into a polished piece of work [3].
In conclusion, completing a first draft is a significant accomplishment that requires making the conscious decision to write and follow through with the goal of finishing it. The original draft should be cherished, as it serves as the foundation upon which the final product is built. By recognizing that a first draft is just a starting point, accepting imperfection, and focusing on the creative journey, writers can navigate the emotional trials of the writing process and emerge with a polished, finished work.
[1] https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-article/craft-essays/writing-drafts-the-first-draft-a-beginners-guide [2] https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-article/craft-essays/the-writing-process-how-to-find-your-writing-voice [3] https://www.megdowell.com/about/ [4] https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-article/craft-essays/how-to-overcome-writer-s-block-when-you-re-stuck-on-a-writing-project
Embracing the imperfection of a first draft is crucial for personal growth and education-and-self-development as a writer. Completing the first draft, viewing it as a starting point for further revisions, and focusing on the learning and creative progress can help overcome feelings of dissatisfaction during the writing process.
