First Drafts: Do's and Don'ts

So, I haven't written a first draft of anything for a couple of years. Normally, that wouldn't seem like a very good way to start this post. You're probably thinking I'm not the best resource for you right now. But I have written four or five rough drafts, even if it's been awhile.

Right now, I'm working on a rough draft of a new novel. And I'm reminded of how incredibly hard it is. No wonder I haven't written anything new for awhile. So I've decided that others are probably struggling with rough drafts, maybe even for the first time.

Here is my advice.

1. Do write a little every day. Perfect practice makes perfect. If you aren't writing pretty consistently, it's going to be a lot harder to write when you actually try. Habits are important to make as a writer.
2. Don't edit as you go. This is practically law in my mind. If you're always going back to fix things you are never going to get through a single draft. If the first draft sucks, good. That means you're doing it right.
3. Do your research when you start. Know your characters and plot and backgrounds. But don't be tied down to them. Things can change.
4. Don't worry about how it sounds. This goes back to no editing during the drafting. Until that first draft is done, no editing and no deciding what to keep and what to throw out. Basically, anything goes in a first draft.

And that's it. This is my recipe to getting through the first draft. And it all gets better from here, scout's honor.

Have fun with it. You only get to write this rough draft once.