My First Draft Ritual — Where Stories Begin

Writing for me is a bit of a scattered process. I find myself writing in several phases sometime each phase blurs with the next So follow along dive in with me while I try to explain my process for the first draft of my stories. I will break down some of my other processes in future posts but for now why not start on phase 2, the first draft.

Location is NOT key.

My first drafts don’t happen in just one spot — they unfold wherever life takes me. Most often, you’ll find me tucked into my comfy couch out in the garage or waiting patiently in the carpool line, notebook and favorite pen in hand. I carry that notebook everywhere, alongside my trusty note cards filled with scene ideas. I also love to keep notes in my notes app on my phone for those times I can’t have my notebook on me ahem when I am in the sauna. Because inspiration always strikes at the most inconvenient times no matter how prepared you are. (If you’re curious about how I organize those ideas before the pen even touches paper, check out my drafting process blog coming soon!)

Shhh I am writing.

When I’m writing, I go media blackout. For me, this no podcasts, no movies or tv series not even my favorite music in the background. Even when I am not writing. Though I usually make an exception for when I am driving or needing a little bit of creative boost for brainstorming, I will create a playlist that matches the vibes of the story I am working on. But when it’s time to actually put words on the page, I need complete silence. The only sounds I welcome are the gentle hum of a fan on hot summer days or the soft whir of a space heater in the cold.

Messy Yet Satisfying.

This phase is beautifully imperfect — messy and scattered but full of discovery. I write by hand to slow down and catch every feeling, every nuance that might slip away behind a keyboard. It’s a sacred, quiet conversation between me and my story, where anything is possible. This is the part I allow the story to flow freely. Any writing advice you get says, “The first draft is you telling yourself the story.” And I do just that. Tell myself the story. I don’t focus on spelling mistakes or grammar. Heck I don’t even focus on making sure my imagery is correct in my first draft. I find that too can be too distracting and I end up hyper-fixating and picking up my phone to google about my settings so I put my phone into a “writing focus” and set it aside writing away.

For fellow writers or dreamers hoping to start their own story, I encourage you to embrace your unique rhythm and find those little rituals that invite your creativity in, no matter how unconventional they may feel.