Getting started with the actual writing or drafting of anything is usually difficult. It can be very intimidating to have to produce something compelling. Few people can write or compose under pressure. And almost no one can begin writing perfect copy that doesn’t need eliminating, reworking or changing. Most writers – and perhaps the most accomplished – start with fits and starts and scratch outs and point-form notes and odd words here and there on the page. Writing isn’t neat and tidy. It’s a sloppy process of forming and delivering words and ideas, cleaning them up and herding them into a pleasing order. Writers are like shepherds or ranchers, and the blank page or screen is our range. Here are some tips to tame the wild process of drafting:
*Banish the editor. Now is not the time to listen to your internal critic, the editor who thinks that what you’ve written needs improving. Now you need to nurture your creative side, encouraging it to make suggestions. At this point, anything goes and should be considered. Don’t toss out your early attempts. False starts are OK. There may be ideas or phrases that you can rework and use later.
*Give yourself freedom. Don’t force yourself to compose in single spaces. Double or triple space your writing, leaving plenty of room to insert additions or changes. Write anywhere on the page or screen. Your first idea may be for a later paragraph. Instead of waiting, note it further down for future use. Don’t risk losing a good idea.
*Do what works. I still prefer to draft on scrap paper. I use arrows and square brackets, circle words, make marginal notes, and generally almost sketch or draw first drafts. I keep going after the big picture without worrying about precise details. If I’m not sure which word is best, I write several possibilities and separate them with slashes. I’ll decide/choose/select the word I want later. The main thing is to get and keep a flow going. I believe that messy drafting is the sign of a brilliant mind.
*Warm up with your first paragraph. If you’re so blocked that you can’t get started at all, begin writing anything. Summarize the problem you need to address. Write about how difficult this piece of writing is. Vent your hostility about your assignment, work situation or even your personal life. Once you’ve warmed up by writing something off-topic, you should be able to begin drafting relevant sentences. Then delete your first paragraph.
*Don’t fear dead ends. Sometimes a train of thought peters out. You dry up and can’t seem to find a way to go further. If this happens, instead of starting over from the beginning, retreat a few sentences or paragraphs and seek a new direction. Sometimes you’ll go off in a way that doesn’t lead anywhere. Pull up, back up a little and find a richer path.
*Write for one reader. If the thought of all the people who might read your work unnerves you, think about writing for one sympathetic reader: a friendly colleague, your spouse, or someone who knows nothing about your topic. Writing for an individual can lead to simple, clear and highly effective work.
*Don’t play it safe. If you give yourself freedom and permission to make mistakes, you should be able to try unusual things. By taking risks, you might come up with new, different or exciting materials that get noticed and bring desired results.