Writing a novel can be emotionally exhausting, especially when perfectionism, self-doubt, or burnout take over. For many writers, the constant urge to revise every sentence can make the process feel more like pressure than passion. The One Draft Method offers an alternative: a low-stress, judgment-free approach to getting your story out of your head and onto the page. In this article, we’ll break down what the One Draft Method is, its pros and cons, and how it can help protect your mental health while reigniting your creative flow.
What Is the One Draft Method?
The One Draft Method—also known as “writing in one go” or “one and done”—is a writing approach where authors aim to complete an entire fiction manuscript in a single, uninterrupted draft without stopping to edit, revise, or overthink. The core idea is to silence your inner critic and focus entirely on getting the story out from start to finish.
While it’s not for everyone, many authors swear by the method to increase productivity and reduce perfectionism. But is it right for you?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of using the One Draft Method for your novel.
The Pros of the One Draft Method
The One Draft Method offers several key benefits for fiction writers, especially those who struggle with overthinking or creative block. By focusing on getting the story down without stopping to edit, this method helps build momentum, reduce stress, and boost confidence. It encourages faster drafting, stronger narrative flow, and a more joyful, fearless writing experience.
1. Eliminates Perfection Paralysis
One of the biggest roadblocks new writers face is trying to make every sentence perfect before moving on. The One Draft Method forces you to push through imperfections and just keep going, allowing creativity to flow without self-censorship.
2. Boosts Writing Speed
When you’re not constantly stopping to edit or re-read, you can finish a draft in weeks—or even days. This can be motivating for authors who tend to procrastinate or lose interest halfway through a project.
3. Strengthens Story Cohesion
Writing a novel in one fluid push helps you stay deep in the voice, tone, and character arcs. This often results in more consistent storytelling and character development, since you’re immersed in the world without long breaks.
4. Encourages Bold Choices
When you're not analyzing every decision mid-draft, you're more likely to take risks—experimenting with plot twists, character quirks, or daring themes that might otherwise get “edited out” before they have a chance to shine.
5. Provides a Complete Book Fast
Even if the draft is messy, finishing a full manuscript is a massive psychological win. It proves you can write a book. Once it's done, you can revise—but you can’t revise what doesn’t exist.
The Cons of the One Draft Method
While the One Draft Method can be empowering, it’s not without challenges. Writing without stopping may lead to messy drafts, plot inconsistencies, and overwhelming revisions. It’s less suited for complex stories and may cause burnout if writers push too hard. For some, skipping early editing can also reinforce bad habits or make the revision process feel daunting.
1. High Risk of Messiness
Let’s be honest—first drafts are rarely pretty. Writing without editing means your manuscript may have continuity issues, pacing problems, or entire scenes that don’t work. If you’re not comfortable with heavy revisions later, this could be overwhelming.
2. Not Ideal for Complex Plots
If your novel involves multiple POVs, intricate world-building, or layered subplots, the One Draft Method might lead to confusion or tangled narrative threads that take more time to untangle later.
3. Can Encourage Bad Habits
Some writers fall into the trap of assuming the first draft is “good enough.” But even fast-draft novels need polishing. Skipping critical editing stages can result in underdeveloped characters, weak dialogue, or plot holes.
4. Requires Mental Stamina
Writing an entire novel in one sustained burst takes a ton of energy and focus. For writers with limited time, mental health considerations, or fluctuating creative cycles, this method can quickly lead to burnout.
5. Revision Can Be Daunting
Because you didn’t edit along the way, revisions might feel like you’re starting over. You may find major issues that require rewriting large sections—or even restructuring the whole book.
Tips for Making the One Draft Method Work
If you're intrigued and want to give the One Draft Method a try, here are a few strategies to boost your odds of success:
- Outline first: Even a loose chapter outline can help keep your story on track.
- Set a daily word goal: Create momentum with a daily habit. 1,000–2,000 words a day is a good starting point.
- Use placeholders: Can’t think of a name or perfect detail? Use brackets like [Insert Name] and keep going.
- Don’t reread: Resist the urge to “just check” yesterday’s work. Trust yourself and move forward.
- Schedule revision time: After finishing the draft, take a break, then return with fresh eyes and a plan for revision.
Is the One Draft Method Right for You?
The One Draft Method is best for:
- Writers who struggle with perfectionism or overthinking
- Authors who want to build a rapid writing habit
- Those who thrive on momentum and creative flow
It may not be ideal for:
- Writers who enjoy revising as they go
- Complex stories that require careful plotting
- Beginners who don’t yet understand narrative structure or pacing
Final Thoughts
The One Draft Method can be a powerful way to kickstart your fiction writing, overcome creative blocks, and prove to yourself that you can finish a novel. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Like any creative method, it works best when tailored to your personality, process, and writing goals.
If you're curious, try it on a short story or novella before committing to a full-length novel. You might just discover a new way to write faster, freer, and with more joy.
Bonus: Try This Quick Prompt Using the One Draft Method
Prompt: A character wakes up in a place they don’t recognize with a note in their handwriting that says, “Don’t trust anyone—not even me.”
Set a timer for 25 minutes. Write the entire story in one burst. No edits, no backspace. Just go.