If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, paralyzed by the need to get it just right, Anne Lamott’s concept of the “shitty first draft” offers a liberating antidote. In her book Bird by Bird, Lamott argues that all writers—yes, even the great ones—write terrible first drafts. The beauty is that they’re supposed to be terrible. These messy beginnings are where creativity truly begins, and embracing them is a crucial part of becoming a better writer.

What is a “Shitty First Draft”?

A "shitty first draft" is an unpolished, messy version of your writing where you let ideas flow freely without worrying about perfection. It’s the essential first step in the creative process, giving you something to refine and shape later.

Why “Shitty First Drafts” matter

1. They silence your inner critic

One of the biggest obstacles to writing is perfectionism. The moment you start judging your work as you write, you block the creative flow. Shitty first drafts are your permission slip to write freely without worrying about how it sounds. They remind you that the first draft isn’t about being good—it’s about getting the ideas out of your head and onto the page.

We embrace the same idea with Daily Prompt. Each daily exercise is about showing up, writing freely, and letting your creativity flow—no judgment, just practice. 

2. They get you started

The hardest part of writing is often starting. By lowering the stakes and accepting that your first attempt will be far from perfect, you remove the pressure and allow yourself to begin. Momentum builds from there, and before you know it, you’ve got a draft to work with.

3. They lay the groundwork for great writing

As Lamott puts it, “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” A shitty first draft is the foundation upon which you’ll build something amazing. 

Revision is where the magic happens, but you can’t revise a blank page. Writing a first draft, no matter how rough, gives you a starting point.

How to embrace Shitty First Drafts

1. Set low expectations

Approach your first draft with the mindset that it’s meant to be bad. Write clunky sentences, awkward dialogue, and half-formed ideas without hesitation. Your job isn’t to make it perfect; it’s to get it down.

Try this mantra: “It doesn’t have to be good—it just has to exist.”

At Daily Prompt, every writing exercise is an opportunity to explore, experiment, and practice without the pressure of producing a polished masterpiece. It’s all about progress, not perfection.

2. Write without stopping

Turn off your inner editor by writing as quickly as possible. Don’t pause to fix grammar, rethink phrasing, or perfect your word choice. If you’re stuck, jot down placeholders like “[insert fight scene here]” or “[something poetic about sunsets].” Keep moving forward.

3. Treat it like a brain dump

Think of your first draft as a way to unload all your ideas—good, bad, and bizarre—onto the page. It’s not about crafting a polished piece; it’s about capturing raw material. Let it be chaotic. Revision will bring order later.

The benefits of writing Shitty First Drafts

1. Freedom to experiment

When perfectionism is out of the picture, you’re free to take risks and play with ideas. You might stumble across a brilliant twist or a compelling character you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.

2. It makes revision easier

Once you’ve got a messy draft, the hard part—starting—is over. You can now focus on shaping, refining, and improving your work. Having something on the page gives you a roadmap, even if you decide to take a completely different direction.

3. Consistency builds confidence

The more you embrace shitty first drafts, the more you realize how effective they are. Each time you transform a messy beginning into a finished piece, you’ll gain confidence in your process and trust your ability to see a project through.

Anne Lamott’s “shitty first drafts” philosophy is a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal and that messy beginnings are an essential part of the creative process.

So, the next time you sit down to write, let go of the need to impress. Embrace the chaos, the clumsiness, and the cringe-worthy sentences. Remember: greatness isn’t born in the first draft—it’s carved out in revision. 

Make daily progress as a writer in a safe, encouraging environment: Give our creative writing prompts a try.