It’s not to write more…
Several years back, I rediscovered my love for writing (after over a decade of life pulling me in many directions); I was desperately scouring the internet for anything having to do with writing a book, how to write a novel, or how to become an author, etc.
After a while, I started seeing similar patterns over and over. But there was one pattern that the most influential books had that I just seemed to latch on to.
Many of these books and articles repeated similar pieces of advice like “Write more!”, “The only way to become a better writer is to write”, or “Just keep writing”, etc.
Sure, writing more (especially when you’re consistent with it) WILL improve your writing. Most writers won’t deny that. In fact, I can attest to the power of that statement.
However, if I were to rate all the pieces of writing advice I’ve gotten over the years, there is ONE that is without a doubt the most critical. And the one that I would come back to again and again, especially when I was just a newbie doubting myself and my skills.
You’ve probably heard of it.
It’s from one of my favorite books on writing. The ever popular Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.
Ah, I can still visualize those beloved words on the page.
“Write shitty first drafts.”
This is a powerful statement. So powerful, it bears repeating.
“Write shitty first drafts.”
Anyone who’s ever read the book knows exactly what I’m talking about.
There is just so much freedom in those few short words.
Freedom to unleash your true creative nature. Freedom from your own inner critic. You know the one. That damn critic that one too many writers are familiar with and fall victim to. The one that won’t shut up and keeps trying to tell you “You’re not good enough”. Or that “Your writing isn’t good enough.”
You are more than good enough.
Your writing is more than good enough. Let your creative superpowers be free!
But what exactly does “Write shitty first drafts” actually mean?
Simple.
Whenever you sit down (or stand up or however you choose to get words onto the page, lol) to write, don’t worry about what you’re writing, because whatever you’re writing is probably going to be… shitty.
But that’s a good thing. Why?
Because it helps you to realize that it’s OK. It’s ok to let whatever words you have locked away come out. No one you don’t want to read your writing will ever read it if you don’t want them to.
In fact, it was those same words that gave me my “Ah hah!” moment. Soon after reading the book, I did just that. I started writing a “shitty” first draft.
(Of what? Well, that’s a post for another day).
New writers would do well to take this piece of advice to heart. Don’t worry so much about what you’re writing. Don’t worry about whether it’s any good. Whether it’s too short or too long. Or even if it makes any sense. Just let the words pour out of you as they see fit to come out. You can always go back and edit later.
Oddly enough, I’ve heard similar pieces of advice before, however, Bird by Bird was the first book I’ve read to put it so bluntly. So simple yet so… elegantly.
Another take on this advice is “All writing is rewriting.” Again, a very popular saying among writing circles. It may not be as direct as “Write shitty first drafts,” but it holds true all the same. Chances are, if you are writing for someone other than yourself, you will go back and do some editing, eventually. Hence, all writing is rewriting.
Other pieces of advice that I hold near and dear to my heart include:
Start small.
If you’re writing fiction, start off writing short stories. Nothing too long. Just enough to get your feet wet.
Another is:
Stay consistent.
This is another critical point. What’s the reason for doing something if you won’t do it consistently? I’ll let you decide how consistent to be, but please take this to heart.
So, if this is the first time you’ve ever heard of this legendary piece of writing advice, consider it my advice to you. From one creative to another. Go and… Write. Shitty. First. Drafts.
Or to put it another way, don’t let fear stop your creativity. Ever.
Jeff Aybar is a writer, Sci-Fi/Fantasy nerd, INFJ, veteran, and all-around creative. You can get a free copy of his guide for writers and other creatives on starting the creative journey by signing up to his newsletter HERE.