Quote I'm writing a first draft and reminding myself...

“I'm writing a first draft and reminding myself that I'm simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” - Shannon Hale

Decryption of quote

Writing a first draft is like shoveling sand into a box. It may seem like a tedious and mundane task, but it is an essential step in the creative process. Just as a builder must gather materials before constructing a castle, a writer must first lay down the foundation of their story.

As you pour your thoughts onto the page, it may feel like you are simply filling space with words. But each word is a grain of sand that will eventually come together to form something magnificent. Every sentence, every paragraph, is a building block that will contribute to the grand structure of your story.

It's easy to get caught up in the imperfections of the first draft. You may find yourself questioning the quality of your writing or the direction of your story. But remember, the first draft is just the beginning. It is a rough sketch, a rough outline of what is to come.

So, embrace the process of shoveling sand into a box. Allow yourself to be messy, to make mistakes, to explore different ideas. For it is through this process that you will discover the gems that will later be polished into your masterpiece.

Writing is a journey of creation and discovery. Each word you write is a step closer to uncovering the hidden treasures within your mind. So, keep shoveling that sand into the box, knowing that with each scoop, you are one step closer to building your castle.

And when the time comes to build your castle, you will have a solid foundation to work with. The hard work and dedication you put into your first draft will pay off as you begin to shape and mold your story into something truly remarkable.

So, don't be discouraged by the roughness of your first draft. Embrace it as a necessary part of the creative process, knowing that it is all leading towards something greater. Keep shoveling that sand into the box, for soon you will have the tools to build your castle.




editing writing

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