Rough drafts are rough for a reason. There are grammatical mistakes, plot holes, and low word counts. I'm telling myself this today. I need the encouragement because I just finished the rough draft for my second novel. It's bumpier than a dirt road layered with ice and snow.
But, here is what I am reminding myself and what I hope other writers like me will remember.
You just wrote a rough draft! No matter the length or condition, it is a huge accomplishment to write a rough draft of anything. You are putting yourself into a creative work of art and being vulnerable. That's scary! But, it's the first step.
You now have something to revise! Now you can move on to the next step, which is the first revision. Fix those grammatical errors! Fill those holes! Write more words! Smooth the road! Maybe create a new path!
You have written down words, which is your favorite thing to do! Remember why you are doing this writing thing. You can't help it. It is what you were meant to do. So, do it! Enjoy the journey!
You have written down something, which is better than nothing! How many people set a goal and make it happen? How many people can say they have accomplished what you just did?
You can take a break and work on something else for a while! Take that sigh of relief and plop down on the couch to read another author's book! Or work on another project for a while! Or de-clutter the basement! Do something else because you've earned a vacation from this project.
You are a writer! It's supposed to feel this way. Know why? This is how a writer feels.
Whatever you are doing today, be encouraged! Happy Friday!