Writer Unleashed #262: Finding the Story in Your Rough Draft (Even When It’s a Mess)
Jan 13, 2026
Struggling to find the story in your rough draft? Discover four powerful questions to help illuminate your narrative. Explore how to spot repeated themes that signal your story's essence. Learn to follow your personal excitement and identify emotional anchors that keep your writing alive. Nancy advises on recognizing what doesn't fit and summarizes strategies for moving forward when clarity evades you. Trust the emergence of your story and let your unique voice shine through the mess!
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Find Repetition As A Signal
- Look for repetition across your material to find patterns that matter.
- Highlight recurring images, situations, relationships, or metaphors as signals of the story.
Follow What Still Excites You
- Mark the parts of your draft that still excite you to locate sustainable energy.
- Prioritize scenes and characters that give you juice now because they sustain the long draft process.
Use Emotional Moments As Anchors
- Mark moments in your material that make you feel something because emotion reveals the story's heart.
- Treat emotionally charged paragraphs or lines as anchors to build around.