Sarah Bullen's Rules of Writing your First Draft

Sarah’s Rules of Writing Your First Draft

#1 Stick to a basic word editor.
Close down all other programs every single time you sit down to write. The only programme open must be Word (or Pages on a Mac) – no email, no Internet and definitely no Facebook. Try not to use word processing fancy packages like Scrivener they are just more distractions.

#2 Write an entire scene in a sitting.
It takes a while to get into a scene. You will fidget, move stuff around, make coffee, clean the garden, make toast, reread your notes. The good material comes once you have got this out the way. Don’t break your flow once you find it.

#3 Don’t discuss your book with anyone until your draft is finished.
Talking is not writing. Instead of telling people your stories your challenge is now to move them into the written form. This rule is also to keep your own project sacred. You will find that everyone is ‘writing a book.' Well, YOU are doing it so no need to talk about it.

#4 No self-editing or revising the previous day’s work.
This is the single most important rule that will get you to the end of your book. Don’t look back. Once you start writing, there is no re-reading your previous day’s work. Just keep moving forward until you have finished the entire first draft. Your aim is to get your word count up. You will end up changing most of it in your second draft anyway.

#5 Do not read any similar books to yours for the entire duration of your writing process.
Your book is not unique. There are millions of books out there. You are bringing your own voice and life to this age-old story. Reading other’s work is going to confuse you and make you judge your own story. You will want to write like them. Avoid this.

#6 Get clear on your book and your chapters (or scenes) before you write.
Don't start until you have (most of) your scenes roughly plotted, so you understand the arc and flow of your story.

#7 Don’t change your story.
There will come a time when you wonder why on earth you chose this story, this angle when there are so many better ones out there. Well, there are not better ones, only distractions. This is your story – tweak, refine and improve – but stick with it to the end.

#8 There is no such thing as Writers Block.
Really. That only kicks in when you have a massive advance to write your 7th novel and no ideas.

#9 There is no such thing as good or bad writing.
I can’t stress this enough. It is not the most talented writers who get published. It is the most disciplined and tenacious writers who get published. Your writing style is your own, and you will find readers who enjoy it or an editor who can clean it up later.

#10 There is nothing you can’t fix in a rewrite or second draft.
This really speaks to rule #4 - That’s why I don’t want you to edit or revise your work each time you sit down to write. Leave it for the second draft.

There is no right or wrong way to write a book.
Okay, this is not a rule really, more of an observation. I have worked with writers on so many books that sometimes I have to throw the rulebook out the window. A recent writer who got a publishing deal spent eight years writing about her adventure in Tibet. A businessman last year threw his book together in four months using an Excel spreadsheet and an assistant. Some books only come together in the editing phase, or your best idea comes once have already sent your book off to the printers.

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​If there is a story inside you and you want to write it - then you are in the right place. Sarah Bullen is an international writing coach and author mentor. She has worked with writers for over a decade to help you to write a book.
I have loads of video lessons and written ones.

Find me at
There you can:
Join one of my online mentorships
Buy my latest book
Book a session to talk about your book

You may want to write a non-fiction book to expand your career, you may want to tell your own story, write a memoir or a novel. After 15 years of coaching authors, writing and editing books Sarah will guide you through the journey from the idea to publication. She lives in Cape Town, South Africa but works globally.
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"Writing is a journey. Writing a book is a deep dive into a process of creativity and structure. I totally believe in planning your book and writing with intent. Sometimes it just takes some clear direction, and an understanding on how to structure a book to take you from having a dream of writing to becoming a published author. Let's walk that journey together. The writing is your job, my job is to show you how, to hold you accountable and to find your best book."

[leenaronalds]

Lots of you are getting hung up on the "don't read in your genre while writing in that genre" rule. I think what Bullen meant was that you should avoid reading in the genre you're writing in WHILE you're writing. Makes plenty of sense to me. Whenever I'm writing a psychological thriller, the last thing I want to read is a psychological thriller. Do I really need to know how another, much more successful author, made it? No. I like to read something completely different to my writing genre as it helps keep me focused on the work at hand, instead of muddying the waters and weakening my resolve.

[FynnFish]

Have you ever even worked with Scrivener? You certainly can show it as one long text and one of its greatest features is the no-distraction writing mode. Writing a whole book in one word document is a pain in the ass, especially when it comes to editing.

[elmoretingle]

I found this short video enormously helpful. I applause your brevity. For the past two weeks I’ve adhered to all ten rules. The result? I’m smoking fast through that first draft.
The ‘don’t look back’ rule was particularly helpful.
Many thanks, Sarah.

[jakesidwellmusic]

I’m shocked how many stubborn writers are in this comment section, and I cringe at the thought of them receiving actual criticism of their beloved stories.

I appreciate the forthrightness and the information, Sarah. Twenty years ago, much of this remained a secret of circumstance, but information can be shared so freely now. Thank you. I don’t understand why any prospective author would be so quick to dismiss the pragmatism of an industry professional.

If scrivener works for someone as a writing tool, great, but there’s a pretty obvious parenthetical around, “don’t use scrivener for your rough draft.”

She’s telling us to simplify. People are out here creating mood boards and playlists and downloading multiple programs. The point is: the only thing we need to write and to write well, is whatever implement will get the words on the page. A pencil and paper is as effective for Neil Gaiman as an old computer is for GRR Martin. Everything else can easily become a distraction or excuse. “I need to do more research, ” or “I need x tool to do y, ” or “I can’t start until, ” are all versions of the writer’s dearest friend—procrastination.

Let’s not be so defensive toward our allies in the industry. If the ideas work for you and get words on the page, sew them into the fabric of your workflow. If not, discard them. Simple.

[oldguyinstanton]

Excellent advice. But, oh God, it will be tough NOT revising first chapters. Subscribed and upvoted.

[jamesgossweiler]

I love Scrivener. It was a wee bit intimidating at first because it does so much, but after that it was fantastic. It's amazing for keeping organized.

[KenKirkAuthor]

I have written 8 books that are Semi-Historical Fiction about the Scottish Highlands in the 1600's & I am 90% through writing my 9th, Your discipline regarding the writing of a First Draft is pure gold. I used to review everything I had written that day at the end of the day and, then, everything I had written that week at the end of the week. It was the most destructive thing I could have done! I now skim thru what I've written so to see how the storyline is brewing but make NO EDITS and make NO CORRECTIONS what so ever. One bad habit that still troubles me is saying: "Damn! What am I doing? I've used the word 'suddenly' 12 times, already, in this book and the word 'scowled' 6 times! I would even use the tools within Microsoft Words to tell me how the use of a particular word was distributed thru my book. Now, when I am being good, I say, instead: "I'll let my Proof Readers pick me up on that and they can tell me what words need attention". Your tip about not reading within your own genre while you are writing in the genre is also extremely valuable. I have come up with really good scenes and a Proof Reader has said: "Whoa. Stop. That's a little bit too much like a scene from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon!" and I have cringed and realised that they are actually right!

[tdayani]

This is fantastic advice! I know why my writing has stagnated. The more I learnt about the process the more critical and judgemental I became and that stood in the way of the storytelling. I know what I have to do to keep my story moving now. Thank you so much!

[LuciannaG]

advice. So many say to keep cant have two stories swirling around in my head at the same time. And the whole scene in one yes yes. My mood can change the way i write so much.
Thank you . I have just subscribed. 🎉

[RebuildRetreat]

This is the best advice I've heard on the whole of YouTube, I can tell you're an independent original thinker and couldn't agree more

[mitchjohnson]

After following two dozen supposed gurus over the years, I find your approach to writing the first draft most helpful. And I love your commanding confidence and clarity in delivery of the subject matter. Lastly, you have all the attributes of a true blue teacher I've been looking for.

[Lauri_l]

Thank you so much Sarah! As someone who didn’t major in English or Creative Writing, I feel very ignorant with my way of words. I decided to finally write the story that’s been in my head for many years, and my outline is 8 pages like (over 3000 words) and I’m starting to think I’m overdoing it, right? Idk what to do so I’m bouncing between videos and channels, and your video here is now going to make me just begin the prologue and actually start writing.

So, thank you!

[NotSoAlarmed]

🙏 thank you! I watched this a few months ago. Rewatching now, I'm happy to report I followed all this advice and am now writing my last two chapters. I particularly liked the advice on NOT reading others work. It took the pressure off. I wasn't comparing what I did in a first draft with the finished and polished work of established writers. It's helped me to simply enjoy the creative process of telling a story and exploring my characters, as well as developing my voice as a writer. Also, the advice on editing the first chapters was great. Now that I'm bringing my story to the climax, I can see how it has evolved since I first conceived the storyline. I know my characters better, the underlying story and themes. I have no doubt that when I start on my second draft in a few weeks, my first chapters will change!

[freedomthroughspirit]

Some interesting tips, worth considering, but ultimately through trial and error we find what works for each of us. 😊

[dorionbluebauman]

Thank you very much for the advice. It felt as though you were speaking directly to me

[fridgedesu]

love these tips, especially the one about not reading books from the current genre you're writing. often times i did catch myself borrowing ideas from other books to hamfist into my own, i really should just get my own voice out there

[Suzq]

This is amazing advice and some of your points have really changed my life. I can't think you enough for sharing your wisdom and words of encouragement.💗

[aaronfrench]

Thank you so much for these inspirational thoughts. I’ve been thinking of this same story in my head for nearly twenty years. Life, family, work have all been my excuse to not start but in the meanwhile “writing” it in my head. I’ve finally started it and this video was extremely motivating. Love the idea of finishing A Scene. Not looking back. Push forward, finish, revise. Might be a simple idea to educated or trained writers but as someone with only a passion project this was so helpful. Thanks again. I’ll be subscribing & watching more of your videos.

[Denz]

Especially that last rule. I need that one.

[Piratequeen]

This was worded so lovely and gave me great motivation to stop trying to perfect my first draft and to just work forward consistently. Thank you!