How Fast Drafting Can Help You Finally Finish Your Children's Book

Have you ever stared at a blank page, unsure where to start? You’re not alone! Every writer—whether a seasoned author or a first-time storyteller—has felt the pressure of getting that perfect first draft down.

But here’s the secret: your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to exist.

That’s where fast drafting comes in.

What Is Fast Drafting?

It’s writing quickly without stopping to edit or overthink. The goal is to get your ideas on the page without worrying about spelling, grammar, or whether your story is "good enough."

It’s all about momentum. When you write fast, you don’t give self-doubt the chance to creep in.

Why Fast Drafting Works

1. It silences your inner critic. You know that little voice that tells you your writing isn’t good enough? Fast drafting doesn’t give it time to speak.

2. It helps you avoid perfectionism. Too many aspiring authors get stuck trying to make Chapter One flawless. With fast drafting, you push forward instead of getting bogged down in edits.

3. It makes writing feel fun. Instead of treating writing like a chore, you let your imagination take the lead.

4. It builds confidence. There’s nothing like seeing your story take shape on the page. Even if it’s messy, it exists—and that’s a huge win!

How to Fast Draft Your Children's Book

Want to try it for yourself? Here’s how to get started:

✅ Set a timer.Give yourself 20-30 minutes to write as much as possible. No stopping. No second-guessing. Just write.

✅ Turn off distractions. Put your phone on silent, close all those extra tabs, and let your mind focus.

✅ Give yourself permission to write badly. A messy draft is better than no draft at all!

✅ Use a prompt if you're stuck.

Writing Prompts to Spark Your Story

If you’re staring at a blank page, don’t worry—I’ve got you! Choose one of these prompts, set a timer, and just start writing:

For Younger Kids (Ages 3-6):

🌟 A tiny mouse discovers a magical button hidden under a leaf. What happens when they press it? 🌟 The rain stopped, and something amazing appeared in the puddle. What was it? 🌟 A little dragon wants to learn how to dance, but every time they try, something silly happens! 🌟 Your teddy bear comes to life at night. What adventures does it go on while you sleep? 🌟 The wind whispered a secret to the trees. What did it say?

For Early Readers (Ages 6-9):

📖 A kid discovers an old book in the library that writes back to them! 📖 Your pet has been hiding a big secret—what is it? 📖 A new student arrives at school, but there’s something unusual about them... 📖 An explorer finds a hidden door inside their attic. Where does it lead? 📖 A girl wakes up with the ability to talk to birds. What do they tell her?

Try Fast Drafting Today!

Pick a prompt, set a timer, and start writing. You might be surprised by what comes out!

And remember: you can’t edit a blank page. But you can edit a fast draft. 😉

Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about your experience!