Trust the Messy First Draft Process: Why Overwriting Is Essential
Our hosts dive deep into one of the most challenging phases for any creator—the unruly, sprawling first draft. Drawing insights from book coach Rana Goffstein’s article in Indie Author Magazine, this episode unpacks why that bloated, meandering draft isn’t a sign of failure, but a vital step in your creative discovery.

They break down common anxieties around overwriting, challenge the misconception that drafting is about performance, and share practical wisdom on how letting your draft "get messy" actually sharpens the final story. From uncovering hidden character wounds (07:37), to the infamous coffee cup test (06:56), to understanding the true function of the discovery phase (03:44), listeners are guided through the psychological and craft-based benefits of embracing the chaos.

Key Segments:

• Crucial Insight: Why the messy draft is an act of creative discovery, not inefficiency (02:36)

• Overwriting Anxiety: Reframing fear of long drafts (03:28)

• Coffee Cup Test: Hidden value in overwritten scenes (06:56)

• Five Hidden Discoveries: What ‘wasted’ pages really reveal (07:37)

• Writer vs. Reader Needs: Two distinct creative phases (04:53)

• Turning Cuts Into Foundations: How deleted scenes fuel your final manuscript (10:41)

Perfect for anyone staring at an overwhelming draft, this episode offers a refreshing perspective—and permission—to trust the messy process. You’ll walk away with practical insights (and a lot less self-judgment) for your next writing sprint.