10 Things New Writers Should Focus On (Instead of Perfection)

 

If you’re new to writing, perfection can feel like the entry fee.
Perfect ideas. Perfect sentences. Perfect first chapters.

But the truth? Perfection stops more writers than failure ever could.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, these are the ten things worth focusing on instead — especially if you’re trying to write alongside a busy life!

1. Show Up Regularly

Not every day. Not for hours.
Just consistently.

Progress comes from returning to the page, even when motivation is low.

2. Writing Bad First Drafts

This has been my secret sauce for years!

Every finished book started as something messy. First drafts are written to be edited, improved & polished.

3. Learning Through Doing

You don’t need to know everything before you start.
Clarity comes from writing, not waiting.

4. Understanding Your Story’s Direction

You don’t need a perfect plan — but knowing where you’re roughly headed makes writing feel safer and lighter.

(This is where planning tools really help.)

5. Building Confidence Through Small Wins

A paragraph written.
A scene finished.
A session completed.

Small wins compound.

6. Separating Drafting From Editing

Drafting is for creating.
Editing is for refining.
Mixing the two is where momentum goes to die (in my humble opinion!)

7. Letting Your Writing Be Imperfect

Readers connect with honesty, emotion, and story — not perfection.

8. Creating a Writing Habit That Fits Your Life

You don’t need someone else’s routine.
You need one that works with your time, energy, and responsibilities

9. Trusting That Skill Comes With Time

Writing is learned.
No one is born knowing how to do this! Writing is an art to be learned, not a God given talent (again, in my opinion!)

10. Finishing What You Start

Completion builds confidence faster than anything else.
Even imperfectly finished work matters.

If you’re struggling to move forward or want help planning your novel without overwhelm, I’ve created printable tools designed to support new writers step by step — calmly, practically, and without pressure.

SHOP LINK: https://thewriterprintableco.etsy.com

Rachel x