Write Your First Draft Like No One Reads to Beat the Writer Block
Writer block happens for many reasons, but there is a great fear of reader judgment. To overcome this, write your first draft just for yourself.
In The New Writer’s Handbook, Erica Jong explains:
All writing problems are psychological problems. Blocks are usually due to fear of being judged. If you imagine that the world is listening, you will never write a single line. This is why privacy is so important. You should write the first drafts as if they would never be shown to anyone.
Ever since I read this quote I followed the advice and it helped me a lot. It’s a lot easier to get started and actually create something when I’m not worried about how picky my writing will be.
It also helps to remember that I will be allowed to take the reader’s opinion into account during the second draft. When I’m right, I imagine how the reader will perceive the text. But the first sketch is just for me.
Check out the book itself at the link below.