A Short Note on Rough Drafts

During my recent residency, one of the fabulous faculty members compared a rough draft to a baby learning to walk. It takes time and hard work. There are a lot of mistakes and mis-starts, but each gets that baby a little closer to success. First he or she stands, then steps, then walks. But the baby needs patience and love from a mama and a papa during the learning process.

In the same way, a new story needs love, support, and time. The first tries will almost certainly miss, but tenacity can create wonderful things. You wouldn't push down a baby who'd taken a misstep. Neither should you insult that story, that is just starting its life.

:)