The Rough Draft: Embracing Imperfection

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of Million Dollar Author!

I'm Travis Cody & I have over 15 published books, as well as a rich history of working as a screenwriter in Hollywood. I am bringing you the latest insights and tips from the trenches of the publishing world. Whether you're working on your first manuscript or polishing your latest masterpiece, my mission is to help you unlock your full potential and become a Million Dollar Author. Weeky, we will go over strategies that can transform your approach to writing, editing, & marketing so that you feel confident to get your book done! Let’s get started!

Hey there, Travis Cody here again in your inbox! Today, I want to talk about one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of writing: the rough draft. Whether you’re penning a screenplay or crafting a book, embracing imperfection in your initial drafts is essential. Here’s some advice drawn from my experiences as a Hollywood screenwriter and the insights I’ve shared in my book, Bestseller by Design.

Embrace the Messy First Draft

In screenwriting, the first draft is often referred to as the "vomit draft." It’s raw, a dump of everything a writer wants to say, unfiltered, and, let’s be honest, probably not very good. But that’s okay! The purpose of the first draft is to get your ideas down on paper. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creation. Embrace the messiness and let your creativity flow without the pressure of getting it right the first time.

The Power of Revision

Revisions are where the magic happens. In Hollywood, scripts go through numerous rewrites before they hit the screen. Each revision is an opportunity to refine your story, develop your characters, and sharpen your dialogue. The same principle applies to writing a book. Your first draft is just the beginning. Don’t be afraid to make significant changes, cut out entire sections, or add new content during the revision process. This is where your story truly takes shape.

Break It Down

When you’re working on your rough draft, focus on small, manageable sections. In screenwriting, we break down scripts into scenes and sequences. For your book, break down your writing into chapters or even paragraphs. Tackling smaller sections can make the process less overwhelming and help you maintain momentum.

Feedback is Your Friend

In Hollywood, screenwriters rely heavily on feedback from directors, producers, and fellow writers. Constructive criticism is invaluable. When working on your book, seek feedback from trusted peers, writing groups, or professional editors. Fresh eyes can catch inconsistencies, plot holes, and areas that need improvement.

Keep Moving Forward

One of the biggest mistakes writers make is getting stuck on perfecting the first draft. Remember, it’s called a "rough" draft for a reason. Keep moving forward, even if you’re not entirely satisfied with what you’ve written. You can always go back and revise, but you can’t edit a blank page.

Trust the Process

Writing is a journey, and every great story goes through many iterations before it reaches its final form. Trust the process and be patient with yourself. Each draft brings you closer to the finished product.

Every masterpiece starts with a rough draft. So, dive in, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the journey of bringing your story to life. Stop thinking about your book and start getting it done! If you'd like to explore what it looks like to get our help, just hit reply to this message and let me know!