Is it a bad idea to linger too long on a first draft?

Question

I'm currently working on the first draft of a screenplay, and it's not very good right now. It's little things; some parts go too quickly or slowly, other dialogue exchanges need improvement, and the word choice could be better. This isn't surprising, since first drafts tend not to be great, but I'm worried that I may be lingering too long on parts my first draft, when it isn't even finished. I'm thinking that it may be a better idea to just get my first draft completed, then worry about the details during a second run through it. At least then I have a better picture of the overall plot. Would that be a good idea?

Answer 1

A first draft is not final by any means. The main thing to focus on is getting ideas on the paper as quickly as they come to your head. Action is the top priority with the first draft. After the first draft, the hard part is mostly done, which is getting stuff on the paper and getting yourself in the space of creation. Once you feel satisfied with the first draft, begin proofreading and then editing. After multiple edits over the course of the next few days or couple of weeks, have others proofread, edit and give you feedback. Again, go through this phase over and over until you feel satisfied. Good luck!