The ‘Messy’ First Draft

Your professor hands you a new assignment and you read through the instructions. Your heart starts to quicken, your brain fogs, and you already feel overwhelmed at the task. Getting started on the first draft of a paper is a major hurdle for many students. It can feel overwhelming, and ‘perfectionism’ tendencies can take hold and halt the writing process before it even starts. This stress is not necessary! Embracing and understanding the benefits of a ‘messy’ first draft can help get you started. 

What is a first draft for?

Remember: The first draft is about being ok with imperfection! When you are writing for papers, you don’t need to worry about getting everything down perfectly in the first draft. Instead a ‘messy’ first draft accomplishes several important goals. For instance it: 

Lays Foundations: 

A first draft is a place to lay the basic foundations of the topic. It allows the writer to explore the topic and ideas they are thinking of developing. It is a place to ‘dump’ all the information that is already known and that has been researched. This foundation provides a starting point for idea development and organization.

Builds Framework: 

A first draft provides the flexibility to move ideas and information around into a working framework or outline for the paper. Not being fixed to where certain ideas and sources should be used allows the writer to think more critically and move their ideas, examples, and support around appropriately. The result is a stronger, more organized final copy.

Finds Flaws/Gaps: 

Working with a ‘messy’ first draft allows the writer to spot any flaws or gaps in their argument or research. It provides a space to review what has been developed and what needs more development. Being able to spot these gaps or areas of weak connection will contribute to follow up research and strengthening the overall argument. 

Encourages Creativity: 

Writing a first draft allows you to freely explore your thoughts without worrying about perfection. This can lead to more creative and original ideas.

Ultimately, embracing the ‘messy’ first draft not only improves the quality of the final paper but also impacts the writer’s experience. It can reduce the stress or pressure of a looming deadline or the daunting task of a minimum/maximum page length. The first draft provides space for justified imperfection (with room for revision!) and, most significantly, it encourages a sense of accomplishment and motivation for the writer to complete the writing process.