First Draft

The first draft is also known as the "rough" draft. That's because it is rough. It may be the first draft of your article from beginning to end whether it is handwritten or typewritten. Whatever form it takes, it's the first writing of a piece before revisions.

Three things to remember about first drafts:

• Just write it down as fast as you can. Get the momentum going. Finish it without editing yourself. Rejoice that you have overcome this major hump.
• It's going to stink--or if it doesn't stink then it probably could be better. The first draft could most definitely improve with a second or third draft. But in the meantime wallow in the mud and enjoy it.
• Don't worry, be happy. Just because your first draft stinks, doesn't mean you're a bad writer. It means you're human. The most famous writers, those we consider masters of the craft, wrote stinky first drafts just like you and me. The difference is, they didn't give up. They went on to the next step which we will talk about later. In the meantime, when it comes to rough drafts, don't worry about logical order of ideas, spelling, grammar, style, word length or any technicalities. Just go back to the first thing to remember about first drafts: just write it down as fast as you can.

Cooling Off Period
After you have finished your first draft, file the draft away and do not look at it for a period of time. This is called the cooling off period.

Why have a cooling off period?
It helps us look at the manuscript more objectively when we begin the rewriting process. It helps the subconscious work on the ideas we presented and may help us improve upon them when we return to the manuscript. It helps us to not fall in love with our words and to cut text when we revise.

How long is the cooling off period?
Some writing authorities say "it must be a week. any less and you are weak--a looser." It can be any amount of time you wish. At least three or four days. It could be a couple of months. Determine the amount of time you need to become objective to the manuscript, to look at it with fresh eyes. A deadline may also determine the cooling off period. There is no set rule for the length of time for a cooling off period, but you might want to use a week as a standard.

What do I during the cooling off period?
Live your life as normal. As far as your writing life, you may want to work on another writing project, whether that be in the research stage, outlining stage or first draft stage. You may want to go on vacation and take a break from writing for a period of time. You may want to try some new things to get ideas and do research. Try reading a good book, fiction or non-fiction. Read a book on writing like Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird. It's your life. Use it wisely.