Workbook 4 of 6
First Draft Planner
Write your first draft with confidence.
Estimated time: 15–20 minutesRecommended after: Guide 5: Building the Middle
Before You Begin
Your first draft is not supposed to be perfect. The goal is to get your story onto the page. You can always improve it later.
- I understand this is only my first draft.
- I will focus on writing instead of editing.
- I will let my authentic voice come through.
- I am willing to improve my draft later.
Write Your Introduction
Use the opening moment from your roadmap to draw the reader into your story.
Opening paragraph
Build the Story
Continue the experience by explaining what happened, how you responded, and why the moment mattered.
Middle of my essay
What changed because of this experience?
Write Your Conclusion
Finish your essay by reflecting on what you learned and how the experience shaped who you are today.
Conclusion
Read Your Draft
Read your essay from beginning to end before making changes.
- My essay has a clear beginning.
- My story stays focused.
- My reflection explains why the experience mattered.
- My conclusion feels natural.
- My essay sounds like me.
The strongest part of my draft is...
The section I most want to improve is...