Transforming Your Unfixable First Draft into a Masterpiece

It’s common to feel overwhelmed by a first draft, but remember that it’s just the starting point! Here are some steps you can take to move forward and turn that unfixable draft into something you’re proud of.

Take a Break

Step away from your draft for a little while. This can help you gain perspective and reduce frustration. Give yourself some distance and come back with fresh eyes.

Reframe Your Thoughts

Instead of seeing it as terrible and completely unfixable, reframe it as a learning experience. Understand that every writer has bad drafts, and that’s okay. Every draft is a step towards your final, polished work.

Identify Specific Issues

Make a list of what you think is wrong with the draft. Is it the structure, the characters, the plot, or the writing style? Pinpointing specific problems can make them more manageable and allow you to tackle them one at a time.

Focus on Key Sections

Rather than trying to revise the entire draft at once, pick a few key sections to focus on. This can help you build momentum. Start with the most problematic parts and work your way through the rest.

Get Feedback

Share your draft with a trusted friend, writing group, or mentor. Fresh eyes can offer valuable perspectives and suggestions. Use their feedback to guide your revision process.

Revise in Stages

Break the revision process into stages. Start with big-picture elements like structure and character arcs before moving to finer details like grammar and word choice. Take it one step at a time.

Set Small Goals

Set achievable goals for each revision session. For example, rewriting a specific scene or character dialogue can be a manageable task. Celebrate these small victories as you progress.

Remember the Purpose

Keep in mind that the first draft is about getting your ideas down. Editing and refining come later. Focus on capturing your thoughts and emotions, and polish them later.

Consider a New Approach

If you’re really stuck, consider rewriting a section from scratch or using a different format like an outline to clarify your ideas. Sometimes a fresh approach can make all the difference.

Be Kind to Yourself

Writing is a process, and it’s normal to struggle. Celebrate small victories and keep pushing forward. You’re making progress, no matter how slow it feels.

Step Away for a Week or So

Take a week or so off. Work on something else. Then go back and read it critically. No first draft is unfixable. Take it slowly and don’t be afraid to gut it if it needs it.

Celebrate!

My second novel, which I later titled “Operation: Incomprehensible,” was unfixable at first. I wrote two more, and after going through the process two more times, I could identify the issues and turn it into a much more interesting novel.

Use your unfixable manuscript as a guide for how bad you can do. Use it to measure how far you have come on your writing journey. Remember that every writer has bad drafts, and that’s okay. Celebrate your progress and keep moving forward.