Your first drafts are NOT shitty!

That book you just put down.

The blog post you reshared on Facebook.

The social post that inspired you to leave a thoughtful comment.

All those words have one thing in common.

Every word you've read from any writer started as a Surrendered First Draft (SFD).

In this third episode of How Women Write, I explore the idea of surrendered first drafts — how they're ESSENTIAL to helping you create your unique writing voice.

I've realized the importance of avoiding labeling initial drafts with negative words — think about what this does to your brain! Instead, I invite you to see your first drafts as a natural and necessary part of your writing process.

Overthinking every word because you call yourself a 'perfectionist'?

It's time to let go of these old ideas that hold you back and play with drafting your writing as quickly as possible without overthinking. It's writing without a backspace button.

Here's what you'll learn in this week's episode:

• Why I'll never refer to the first draft of anything as anything other than that — a draft
• How to establish a writing practice that feels natural and effortless
• The difference between authentic writing and constrictive and contrived writing and how to know you're being real in your words
• Practical ways to sync your writing process with your natural rhythm
• Last, I share specific and valuable tips to help you write fast drafts every day this week to help you uncover your own writing flow

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to How Women Write

01:58 The Concept of First Drafts

02:53 Reframing the Shitty First Draft

04:17 The Process of Surrendered Writing

06:12 Overcoming Perfectionism in Writing

10:44 Practical Tips for Surrendered Drafts

25:34 Embracing Your Authentic Writing Voice

33:08 Writing Tips for Finding Flow With the Moon the Week of March 2

37:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts