Time for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, dedicated to helping out insecure writers around the world. This month the event is hosted by Alex Cavanaugh, Nancy Gideon, Bob R Milne, Doreen McGettigan, Chrys Fey, Bish Denham, and Pat Garcia. Many thanks to the awesome cohosts.
I’m most of the way through my first draft now (about 55K words into what I’m estimating will be around 70K when done), and I find myself reciting this quote from Shannon Hale every day: “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box to that later I can build castles.”
I sit down and carve some words out of my head with a melon baller. Slap them on the keyboard, gore and all. Read them squirming on the screen. They’re embarrassed to be there, but I DON”T CARE. I need to reach my word count for today. Keep going. Remember, I’m just shoveling sand. This quote lets me just wipe down the keyboard (with tears, if need be) and move on.
I still believe in my story. Right now, though, I’m coming to the Dark Moment when my protagonist realizes that there’s absolutely no hope, no possible way forward, and gives up. It’s hard. It hurts. Don’t worry, she’ll get through it, and so will I. She doesn’t see the shining moment when she steps forward and saves the day, but I do. That’s the castle, waiting for me, and for her.
Once I get done shoveling all this sand.
Word Wacker 
If you live where it’s hot, the sand and heat together might be unbearable. Your audience is rooting for you.
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Thanks! I wish you success on your own path as well.
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Ooh, I love that quote! Shannon Hale is one of my favorite authors. And it’s so true. I sometimes I have to tell myself to “just keep swimming,” because once I get to the end, I can see the big picture and know what I need to fix.
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Yes! I sometimes sing to myself in Dory’s voice, “Just keep writing, writing, writing.” (People who don’t recognize the reference NEED to watch Finding Nemo.)
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That sounds like a short story in itself! Nicely done.
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I love that quote! I struggle with revisions, but to think of the first draft this way really helps.
Bish, your co-host
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I’m still looking forward to revisions. From this perspective, deep in the first draft, revision look like a breeze. I suspect that opinion is going to change, though. 😉
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Shoveling sand…it’s a never ending task. I just want the castles to form at the first try, but I try to remember what I first write isn’t going to be perfect. It’s going to take a lot of revisions and rewriting. And it still won’t come close to the story I’ve imagined in my head. But that it’s alright, as long as I get it down on paper. As along as readers feel that the story’s fictional world is reality. Good luck and keep writing!
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Good luck and good words to you as well. As I keep trying to remember: it doesn’t matter how we start out, it matters how we end up. Revision is my friend!
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I love that quote and it inspires me when I’m writing first drafts, whether they be novels or short stories. I quite enjoy the process of the first draft. It’s usually the next steps that trip me up. Good luck.
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