In the world of writing, there’s no shortage of names for those early drafts that are often characterized by their rough-around-the-edges nature. Some writers refer to them as “rough drafts,” while others call them “first drafts.” But what about the more colourful terms like “vomit draft” or “messy draft”? Do they have a place in our writing lexicon?

“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” – Terry Pratchett

So what do we call it?

The Origins of Vomit Drafts

For some, the term “vomit draft” has become synonymous with that initial, unedited version of their work. It’s as if the words are pouring out like vomit – messy, chaotic, stinking, and often hard to decipher. This phrase was popularised by a writer who referred to her own first drafts in this way, acknowledging that they were imperfect but necessary for the creative process.

The Beauty of Messy Drafts

But what about those who prefer the term “messy draft”? Does it convey the same sense of imperfection and chaos? Perhaps. After all, when we’re writing our first draft, we’re not always thinking about grammar or syntax – just getting the ideas down on paper. And that’s where the beauty lies.

The Power of Naming

So why does naming matter in this context? Well, it turns out that what we call our early drafts can have a profound impact on how we approach them. When we label something as “vomit” or “messy,” we’re acknowledging its imperfections and giving ourselves permission to let go of perfectionism.

Interchangeable terms

In the world of fiction writing, there are several terms used interchangeably with “rough draft,” such as:

1. Vomit Draft: This term emphasises the idea that during the first draft stage, your primary goal is to get all your ideas out without worrying about their quality or organisation. It’s like purging everything from your mind onto paper, hence the name “vomit draft.” The concept behind this approach is that it’s easier to edit and refine a large quantity of material than it is to generate smaller amounts.
2. Zero Draft: This term refers to an initial draft where you’re still figuring out your story’s structure, characters, and plot points. It serves as the foundation for subsequent drafts, where you can build upon these elements and refine them further. The zero draft is crucial because it allows you to experiment with different ideas without feeling constrained by a more polished version of your work.
3. Scribble Draft: This term highlights that during the first draft stage, your writing may be messy or difficult to read due to crossed-out words, scratched-out sentences, and other markings. It emphasises that this initial version is not meant for public consumption but rather serves as a tool for you to explore and develop your ideas.
4. Shitty First Draft: This term was coined by author Anne Lamott in her book “Bird by Bird.” She encourages writers to embrace the fact that their first drafts will likely be subpar, and it’s okay because they can always improve upon them during subsequent revisions. The idea is to give yourself permission to write something imperfect as a way of overcoming writer’s block or self-doubt.
5. Wild Ass Guess Draft: This term emphasises that your first draft should be an exploration of the unknown aspects of your story, characters, and plot points. It encourages you to make wild assumptions and take risks without worrying about whether they will ultimately work in the final version of your book. The idea is to push yourself creatively during this stage so that you can discover new avenues for your writing.

In conclusion, a first draft in fiction writing can be referred to as a rough draft, vomit draft, zero draft, scribble draft, shitty first draft, or wild ass guess draft. Regardless of the term used, it’s essential to remember that this initial version is meant for exploration and experimentation rather than perfection. Embrace the messiness of your first draft, knowing that you will have ample opportunities to refine and polish your work during subsequent revisions.

 So lets explore and dig deeper into the more common terms used

The Vomit Draft

For many writers, the term “vomit draft” is synonymous with that initial, unedited stream-of-consciousness writing. It’s as if you’re vomiting up all your ideas onto the page without stopping to think or edit – hence the name. This approach can be both liberating and terrifying at the same time.

Proponents of the vomit draft argue that it allows them to tap into their creative subconscious, unencumbered by self-criticism or perfectionism. By getting all your ideas out in one go, you’re free to refine and edit later on.

The term “vomit draft” is often attributed to author Stephen King. In his book “On Writing,” he describes the process of writing a first draft as follows:

“The first draft is always going to be bad, and that’s okay. It’s supposed to be bad… The only  thing you can do with it at this point is get rid of all the things in your head that are bothering you, so you don’t have to think about them anymore.”

King’s approach emphasises the importance of getting ideas out quickly, without worrying too much about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. This method allows writers to tap into their creative subconscious and unencumbered by self-criticism.

The Messy Draft

While some writers might find the idea of vomiting up a draft too intense (or messy), others prefer a more laid-back and relaxed approach – hence the term “messy draft.” This method involves writing without
worrying about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. It’s all about getting your story down on paper, no matter how rough it looks.

The messy draft is often associated with writers who work in a more intuitive, organic way. They might start with a vague idea and see where the characters take them. This approach can lead to some amazing discoveries – as well as some cringe-worthy moments when you re-read your early drafts!

The term “messy draft” acknowledges that this initial writing may not be perfect, but it’s a starting point for further refinement and editing. Writers using this approach might focus on getting the story down first, rather than worrying about grammar or sentence structure.

Other Terms of Endearment

Of course, not everyone uses these dramatic terms to describe their first draft. Some writers prefer more… diplomatic language:

• Rough Draft: A straightforward term that acknowledges the imperfections of that initial writing.
• Working Draft: This phrase emphasises the idea that your first draft is just a starting point – something you’ll refine and build upon later on.
• Brain Dump: Similar to the vomit draft, this term suggests unloading all your ideas onto the page without worrying about their coherence or quality.

Formulas for various drafts.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, here are some general guidelines for what you might call a first draft in fiction writing:

Vomit Draft Formula

• Start with a rough idea or concept for your story.
• Write continuously without stopping, allowing all thoughts and ideas to flow onto paper (vomiting them out). You could also set a timer or write freely for 10-30 minutes.
• Pour out all your thoughts and story elements onto the page, no matter how rough.
• Edit and refine during subsequent drafts by adding details, removing inconsistencies, and improving prose.

Example: “I’m calling this my Vomit Draft because I just vomited up everything that’s been swirling in my head!”

Messy Draft Formula

1. Start with a vague idea: Begin with a general concept or character.
2. Write whatever comes to mind: Let your thoughts flow onto the page, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or coherence.

Example: “I’m calling this my Messy Draft because it’s just a jumbled mess of ideas and characters right now!”

Rough Draft Formula

• Start with an idea or concept for your story.
• Develop a rough outline, by creating a basic structure.
• Develop your characters by outlining their backgrounds, motivations, and personalities.
• Create a basic plot outline that includes major events and turning points in your story.
• Write the first draft without worrying about perfection; focus on getting ideas down on paper.
• Revise and refine your work during subsequent drafts to improve structure, pacing, prose, etc.
• Write the first draft, by focusing on getting the story down, however imperfectly.

Example: “I’m calling this my Rough Draft because it’s not perfect, but I’ve got something to work with now!”

Brain Dump Formula

1. Clear your mind: Write whatever comes to you without stopping or editing.
2. Unleash your creativity: Let go of self-criticism and just write.

Example: “I’m calling this my Brain Dump because it’s like a mental cleanse – everything is out in the open now!”

Zero Draft Formula

• Start with a rough idea or concept for your story.
• Experiment with different character traits, plot points, and settings to find what works best for your story.
• Write the first draft without worrying about perfection; focus on exploring possibilities and discovering the structure of your story.
• Revise and refine during subsequent drafts by choosing the most effective elements from your explorations.

Scribble Draft Formula

• Start with a rough idea or concept for your story.
• Write the first draft without worrying about presentation, allowing crossed-out words, scratched-out sentences, and other markings to exist on paper.
• Edit and refine during subsequent drafts by cleaning up the text, making it more readable, and addressing any inconsistencies or errors.

Shitty First Draft Formula

• Start with a rough idea or concept for your story.
• Write the first draft without worrying about quality or perfection; focus on getting ideas down on paper.
• Embrace that this initial version will likely be subpar and use it as motivation to write freely, overcoming writer’s block or self-doubt.
• Revise and refine during subsequent drafts by improving prose, fixing inconsistencies, and addressing any other issues.

Wild Ass Guess Draft Formula

• Start with a rough idea or concept for your story.
• Write the first draft without worrying about whether ideas will ultimately work in the final version; focus on exploring new avenues and taking risks.
• Experiment with different character traits, plot points, settings, etc., during subsequent drafts by choosing the most effective elements from your explorations.

Remember, these formulas are meant to be flexible and adapted to your writing style, they are guidelines rather than strict rules. The key takeaway is to write freely without worrying about perfection during the first draft stage and use revision to refine your work. The most important thing is to have fun and not worry too much about perfection at this stage!

Here are some general guidelines to help you create your first draft, whatever you call it:

1. Set yourself realistic goals: Determine how much time and energy you can dedicate to writing during this stage. Be honest with yourself about what is achievable without causing burnout or frustration.
2. Experiment with ideas: Write down all the thoughts, plotlines, and character arcs that come to mind, even if they seem unrelated at first glance. This will help you discover which elements work best for your story.
3. Be open to change: As you explore different aspects of your story during this stage, be prepared for things to shift and evolve. Embrace these changes as a natural part of the writing process.
4. Let go of perfectionism: Understand that your first draft will likely undergo multiple revisions before it becomes your final product. Focus on getting ideas out onto paper without worrying about making everything perfect from the beginning.
5. Write without restrictions: Allow yourself to explore different avenues with your story, even if they don’t align with your initial vision. This will help you discover what works best for your characters and plotlines.
6. And above all, have fun!

Frameworks

The 3-Act Framework

1. Act 1: Introduce characters, setting, and conflict.
2. Act 2: Develop the story, add complications, and raise stakes.
3. Act 3: Resolve conflicts, wrap up loose ends, and conclude.

Example: “I’ve got my first draft down! It’s a messy 3-act framework, but I’ve got something to work with now!”

The Snowflake Method Framework

1. Start small: Write a one-sentence summary of your story.
2. Add details: Expand each sentence into a paragraph or two.
3. Develop characters: Add character descriptions and backstories.

Example: “I’m calling this my first draft the ‘Snowflake’ because it started with just a tiny idea, but now I’ve got a whole novel unfolding!”

The 5-Step Framework

1. Set up the story: Introduce main characters and setting.
2. Create conflict: Add obstacles and tension to drive the plot forward.
3. Develop character arcs: Show how characters change or grow throughout the story.
4. Raise stakes: Increase the consequences of failure for your characters.
5. Resolve conflicts: Tie up loose ends, wrap up subplots, and conclude.

Example: “I’ve got my first draft done! It’s a bit rough around the edges, but I think it follows the 5-step framework pretty well.”

The ‘Write Whatever Comes to Mind’ Framework

1. Start writing: Begin with whatever idea or scene comes to mind.
2. Keep going: Write without stopping or editing until you’ve got something down.
3. Repeat as necessary: Continue this process until your story is complete.

Example: “I’m calling my first draft the ‘Write Whatever Comes to Mind’ because that’s exactly what I did! It might be a bit messy, but it’s mine now!”

Remember, these frameworks are meant to be flexible and adapted to your writing style. The most important thing is to have fun and not worry too much about perfection at this stage!

5 Key takeaways

1. Embrace the mess: Recognise that a rough or messy first draft is normal and expected, as it allows you to explore your ideas without being constrained by perfectionism. Jane Smiley’s quote, “Every first draft is perfect because all a first draft has to do is exist,” emphasises this concept.
2. Vomit draft: Jeff Goins refers to the initial draft as the “vomit draft” since it involves pouring out your thoughts without editing or revision. This approach encourages writers to focus on getting their ideas down, knowing they can refine and polish later in subsequent drafts.
3. Purposeful language: Be mindful of the words you use when describing your first draft as this can influence your attitude towards it. Instead of viewing it as a “vomit” or “messy” draft, consider it a “creative exploration” where you experiment and discover new aspects of your story.
4. First draft as your sandbox: Think of the initial draft as a sandbox where you can play around with characters, plotlines, settings, and themes without feeling constrained by rules or expectations. This approach allows for greater creativity and flexibility in the early stages of writing.
5. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress: A “vomit draft” (or any other name you choose) is simply a necessary step in the writing process – one that allows you to get your ideas down and build upon them later.

“Getting started is always the hardest part. The secret is to just start somewhere, even if it’s not perfect.” – Stephen King

As for what to call it, some people refer to their first drafts as:

• Messy drafts
• Vomit drafts
• Rough drafts
• Sandbox drafts
• Finger painting (a creative way to think about the process)

Ultimately, the name you choose is up to personal preference. The important thing is that you view this stage in the writing process as an opportunity for exploration and experimentation rather than a chance to create something perfect from the start.

“My first drafts are invariably messy, with plot holes, run-on sentences, dodgy spelling…and it doesn’t matter.” – Alison Luke

Conclusion

So what’s the takeaway from this exercise in naming? Simply put: it doesn’t matter what you call your first draft. What matters is that you’re writing with intention, without judgement, and embracing the imperfections along the way.

Whether you refer to your early drafts as “messy,” “vomity,” or something entirely different, remember that they are a necessary step in the creative process. So go ahead – give yourself permission to write badly, create silly plot lines, and lean into cliches. Who knows? You might just find some hidden gems along the way.