Going On A Word Diet

Drafting Your First Cut

When you sit down to write, the first draft often feels like a chaotic flood of ideas. Some writers choose to let that flood flow unchecked, splashing words onto the page without worrying about grammar or structure. This free‑write approach allows raw thoughts to surface, creating a rich source of material that can later be sifted and refined. The advantage is that you bypass the mental block of trying to construct a perfect sentence from the outset; instead, you capture the essence of what you want to say. The challenge is that the raw material can be messy, requiring a careful second pass to extract coherent points and a clear message.

Another common method starts with a scaffold. You create a brief plan that outlines the purpose, key points, structure, and even a target word count. Think of it as a roadmap: you know where you’re headed before you begin to write. This method demands patience - you pause to think, then commit the outline to paper or screen. The payoff is a draft that is more focused from the start; the words are guided by a purpose and a logical flow, making the subsequent editing process smoother.

The third style is the guided session, where a writer connects with a higher purpose or spiritual spark and lets the writing flow almost automatically. Dr. Wayne Dwyer, in a PBS interview, described how his book “Power of Intention” seemed to write itself once he felt a spiritual connection. No pre‑written plan, just an open mind that allows a clear outline to materialize as the words appear. This approach can feel liberating, but it also requires a disciplined eye to keep the draft on track once the initial surge subsides.

Regardless of which method you choose, the core goal is the same: produce a first draft that can be trimmed and polished. The time you spend deciding how to begin can become an obstacle if you let it consume you. Instead, aim to strike a balance - start with enough structure to keep you grounded, but leave space for spontaneity and creativity. The first draft is a living document that will evolve; treat it as a canvas that can be shaped and refined over time.

After completing a first draft, many writers find themselves overwhelmed by the volume of text that needs editing. To reduce this burden, it helps to tackle the writing process in stages. Stage one gathers raw ideas; stage two organizes those ideas into a coherent structure; stage three polishes language and removes filler. By compartmentalizing the process, you avoid feeling buried under a wall of prose and instead move forward with a clear sense of progress.

Four Strategies for a Lean Draft

The first strategy is to build a creative “steam” before you touch the keyboard. Imagine tasting a dish before you taste the seasoning; by visualizing your words in advance, you create a mental blueprint that guides the writing process. Creativity researcher Robert Fritz outlines a three‑stage model where the first stage fuels imaginative tension, the second stage requires a different set of skills, and the third stage crystallizes the concept into a tangible form. By acknowledging that the initial burst of energy may fade, you can plan to sustain momentum with deliberate practice and skill development.

Second, adopt Stephen Covey’s principle of “begin with the end in mind.” When you outline a project, specify its purpose, target audience, and expected outcome before you write a single sentence. Write a concise 25‑word elevator pitch that captures the essence of your work. This pitch becomes a compass that keeps you focused on the reader’s needs and the overall goal. Knowing your book’s genre, word count, and publishing plan from the outset prevents scope creep and keeps the draft aligned with your vision.

The third tactic is to choose a structure that aligns with both your style and the content’s demands. Articles, for example, often follow a six‑point format: hook, problem, solution, benefits, evidence, and call to action. Fiction uses narrative arcs, while how‑to guides lean on step‑by‑step frameworks. Mastering one structure at a time allows you to internalize the flow, making it easier to apply that structure to future projects. A clear structure reduces the need for later reorganization, saving you time and mental effort.

Finally, the outline becomes your editing ally. Sketch it on a napkin or use a digital mind‑mapping tool - whatever feels natural. Start with a brief description of the project, then break the outline into main sections, each with a target word count. If you find the outline is too bulky, trim branches until the total word count meets your goal. This visual representation of your draft keeps tangents at bay and ensures each sentence serves a purpose. By tightening the outline before you write, you eliminate unnecessary filler words and streamline the final text.

Adopting a word diet is like a health regimen for your writing. It demands conscious effort and regular practice, but the results are tangible: clearer prose, faster drafting, and a less intimidating editing phase. As you develop the habit of planning, visualizing, and trimming, you’ll find that your words become more powerful and purposeful. And with a lean draft, you’ll have more time to polish, publish, and share your ideas with the world.

© 2004 Catherine Franz. Catherine is a veteran entrepreneur and communications master coach. Explore her workshops, newsletters, and more resources at Abundance Center and follow her blog at Abundance Blog.