5 Mindset Hacks to Help You Finish Your First Draft

Picture this: You sit down with a fresh cup of coffee, open your laptop to write your novel, and immediately that voice of doubt creeps in: "This is terrible. You don't know what you're doing." And then you're staring at a blinking cursor, completely frozen.

Sound familiar?

If you're nodding your head, you're not alone. Whether you're just starting your first novel or you've been trying to finish that draft for months (or years!), these mental roadblocks aren't signs of failure—they're normal challenges every writer faces.

I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of writing a first draft. The excitement of a fresh story idea can quickly give way to self-doubt, perfectionism, and that nagging feeling that maybe you're not cut out for this novel-writing journey after all.

But here's the truth: These feelings don't mean you should stop writing. They mean you're in good company with every author you've ever admired.

In today's post, I'm sharing five proven mindset strategies from professional book coaches and editors who have helped countless first-time novelists overcome writer's block, self-doubt, and procrastination to finally type "The End" on their first drafts.

Mindset Hack #1: Defeat Inner Critic Paralysis with Self-Compassion and Humor

The first draft process is inherently messy—and experienced writers know that's perfectly normal. Yet this messiness often triggers our harshest self-criticism. 

Book coach and Developmental Editor Candace Coakley explains that defeating this inner critic often comes down to approaching difficult writing moments with humor instead of frustration.

"What if instead of feeling rage, we made a huge joke of it to bring down the tension?" Candace suggests. "Instead of listening to that nasty inner critic, we could think, 'Well, there's my writing neuroses showing up again. Guess we're in for a wild ride today.!"

This perspective shift is powerful because, as Candace points out, "When we mess up, nobody dies." By lightening up and finding humor in your writing struggles, you become more compassionate toward your draft's inevitable imperfections—exactly what you need to keep moving forward.

Try This: Self-Compassionate Reframing Exercise

When negative thoughts arise, like "This is terrible. I'm a bad writer," pause and intentionally reframe with humor. Even cheesy jokes work:

• "If writing bad dialogue is a crime, lock me up!"
• "Plot twist: the real genius of this chapter is its ability to confuse even the author."
• "Dear Inner Critic, thank you for your feedback. I've filed it under 'revisit during editing.'"

A good laugh triggers endorphins and puts you in a better mood about your messy first draft. Remember, perfect first drafts don't exist—even for bestselling authors!

Want to get in touch with Candace Coakley? You can find her at candacecoakley.com or on Instagram @candacecoakley.

Mindset Hack #2: Create a Writer's Schedule That Actually Sticks

For many first-time novelists, finding time to write feels impossible. Developmental Editor and Book Coach Sam Henke reveals that successful writers don't "find" time—they deliberately create it by making their writing schedule non-negotiable.

The secret starts with being crystal clear about your personal motivation. Sam recommends asking, "Why does writing this story mean so much to you? What is the goal you're trying to reach?"

The secret to consistency starts with being crystal clear about your personal motivation. Sam recommends asking yourself: "Why does writing this story mean so much to you? What is the goal you're trying to reach? How will it feel when you reach that goal?"

Once you understand your "why," you'll naturally give yourself permission to treat writing as a priority rather than an indulgence or hobby that can be easily pushed aside.

"Schedule your writing time on your calendar just like you would schedule a doctor's appointment," Sam explains. "Be realistic about where that time fits best and how much time you actually have available to you. Don't set yourself up for failure by scheduling the most idealized option that is not actually attainable."

Try This: The Daily "Top Three" Priority Method

This powerful technique has helped countless first-time authors finally establish a consistent writing practice:

1. Create a daily list of only three non-negotiable priorities (not a lengthy to-do list)
2. On your designated writing days, make sure writing appears on this list
3. At night, check what you accomplished and what you didn't complete
4. If writing didn't happen, honestly identify why—was it something out of your control, or did you put other tasks first?
5. After a few weeks, look for patterns in your behavior and adjust your approach accordingly

Don't forget the importance of clear communication with your support system. Family and friends want to help but aren't mind readers. Share your writing goals with them so they understand why it's important to you! As Sam suggests, "Brainstorm with your spouse on ways to simplify life, even a few days a week," whether that's ordering grocery delivery or having someone else handle bedtime routines on writing nights.

Want to get in touch with Sam Henke? You can find her at writeforwardcoaching.com or on Instagram @writeforwardbookcoach. 

Mindset Hack #3: Embrace Imperfection and Find the Courage to Write Anyway

One of the biggest breakthroughs that helps first-time novelists finish their drafts is giving themselves permission to be beginners. As Book Coach Jenny Luke explains, "Every writer starts out as a beginner, including the successful authors you admire most. They didn't start out writing perfect drafts, and it's likely they still don't."

Many writers—especially those working on their first novel—struggle with paralyzing perfectionism and fear: What if I'm no good at this? What if nobody wants to read what I've written? What if I get stuck on chapter three and can't continue?

Jenny offers this powerful reframe that has helped countless writers break through their block: "Fear or a lack of confidence is a natural part of the process, and every creative, no matter how experienced, goes through it from time to time."

The secret that experienced novelists understand? It takes courage to write, but here's what's crucial to know: "Motivation and inspiration often show up AFTER we've begun putting words onto the page, not before." This means waiting to feel inspired before writing is a strategy doomed to fail.

Try This: Courage Before Confidence Exercise

When fear or perfectionism strikes during your writing session:

1. Acknowledge the fear as normal rather than a sign you should stop
2. Replace fearful thoughts with courage-based ones: "I can write one imperfect page today"
3. Set a small, achievable goal (write for 15 minutes or 300 words)
4. Remind yourself that in writing, you actually can't "fail" - every word gets you closer to a finished draft
5. Keep a "small wins" journal to record moments when you pushed through resistance

As Jenny wisely notes, "The challenging days are what make the eventual great days feel so amazing. You just have to keep showing up." Remember that writing is a process of trial and error—you'll write clunky sentences and have off days, but you'll also craft beautiful paragraphs and experience the creative flow that makes writing so rewarding.

Want to get in touch with Jenny Luke? You can find her at jennyluke.com or over on Instagram @jennylukewrites.

Mindset Hack #4: Reignite Your Creative Spark Through Curiosity

When first drafts stall in the dreaded "middle section," Developmental Editor and Book Coach Karla Diaz reveals that curiosity is often the missing ingredient. Learning to harness curiosity can be your secret weapon for overcoming writer's block and breathing fresh life into your novel—especially when the initial excitement has faded.

"Curiosity is such a wonderful part of being human," Karla reflects. "Without it, we might not be where we are today. Just think about our ancestors. They ventured out of their caves, were eager to explore the world, and even crossed oceans to discover new lands."

When writers lose their sense of curiosity, their storytelling inevitably becomes stagnant and uninspired. Characters feel flat, dialogue becomes predictable, and the narrative loses its momentum. This is when many first-time novelists abandon their manuscripts.

Fortunately, as Karla points out, "Writers are curious by nature. They have a fearless spirit when it comes to asking questions." You simply need to reawaken this innate quality.

The five W's become powerful allies when you're stuck: Who are the characters (really, beneath their surface)? What unexpected plot twist could happen next? Where might the setting reveal something new? When does the timing of events matter most? How does the story structure need to evolve? And why—what deeper theme is emerging?

Try This: Curiosity-Boosting Techniques for Stuck Writers

When your first draft feels stale or you're unsure what happens next:

• Practice mindful observation: Take 15 minutes to notice details in your surroundings that most people overlook—these observations can spark fresh story elements
• Ask "what if" questions about your plot: "What if my character made the opposite choice here?" or "What if the antagonist's motivation isn't what it seems?"
• Challenge established assumptions about your characters or story world
• Study masterworks in your genre to recognize patterns and techniques that engage readers
• Expose yourself to diverse storytelling media (films, plays, graphic novels) for fresh narrative approaches
• Journal from your character's perspective about a childhood memory never mentioned in your draft

By integrating even one or two of these practices into your writing routine, you'll maintain a vibrant sense of curiosity that continually fuels your first draft progress and prevents abandoning yet another manuscript.

Want to get in touch with Karla Diaz? You can find her at karladiazedits.com or on Instagram @karladiaz_bookcoach.

Mindset Hack #5: Strategic Neglect—What to "Fail At" So Your Novel Can Succeed

Book Coach Sam Cameron offers perhaps the most refreshingly honest perspective that new writers need to hear: to create space for finishing your first novel, you must deliberately decide what you're willing to let go of—or as Sam puts it, what you're willing to strategically "fail" at.

"For me, I've chosen to fail at keeping up with dishes and folding laundry," Sam candidly shares. "My apartment is messy, but my books get written."

This mindset shift is crucial for first-time novelists who feel overwhelmed trying to maintain perfect homes, social lives, and other commitments while also writing a book. 

The challenge comes down to time management—but with a twist. Rather than trying to squeeze writing into an already packed schedule, Sam suggests deliberately creating space by lowering your standards in other areas.

"If writing matters to you, and you struggle to have the time or energy to do it, you may need to take other things off your plate so that you have time to rest and time to write," Sam explains. 

Many successful first-time authors discover that achieving their writing dreams requires temporarily making peace with an imperfect home, saying no to some social events, or simplifying other aspects of life.

Try This: Writing Priority Audit & Strategic Neglect Plan

This exercise has helped countless writers finally find the time to complete their manuscripts:

1. List all your regular activities and responsibilities (be exhaustively honest)
2. Mark which ones are truly essential to your well-being and the well-being of your loved ones
3. Identify what could be dropped, streamlined, delegated, or done to a "good enough" standard
4. Make deliberate choices about what you're willing to sacrifice or do imperfectly during your draft phase
5. Create writing time blocks in the spaces you've freed up through strategic neglect
6. Communicate these temporary changes to affected household members

This approach will look different for everyone—the key is finding what works for your unique situation. As Sam wisely notes, "You will be a much better friend/partner/parent if you are carving out this time for yourself" rather than constantly feeling frustrated about your unfinished novel.

Want to get in touch with Sam Cameron? You can find her at truantpen.com or over on Instagram @truantpen.

Your Path to Typing "The End" on Your First Novel Draft

These mindset strategies aren't quick fixes—they're proven practices that strengthen your writing resilience over time. But here’s what I want you to know…

The difference between authors who finish their drafts and those still talking about "the novel they want to write someday" often comes down to mindset management rather than talent or time.

Remember that completing a first novel draft is challenging even for experienced writers, but you absolutely can do it. All it takes is time, courage, and the right mindset tools—like the ones you've just discovered.

Start by choosing just ONE of these mindset hacks to implement this week. Track your progress in a writing journal to see what's working and monitor your growth. Find accountability with other first-draft writers who understand what you're going through. 

And don't forget to celebrate small wins along the way—finishing a chapter, writing consistently for a week, or pushing through a difficult scene all deserve recognition on your path to completion.

Ready for more structured support? My signature Notes to Novel course walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing your first draft using proven methods designed specifically for first-time novelists. Learn more and get on the waitlist to be the first to know when enrollment opens!