In this discussion, James Beswick, a software professional turned author, shares his incredible experience of completing his first draft in just three months. He delves into the importance of outlining, revealing how a solid framework can alleviate the writing process's overwhelm. James discusses the transition from wanting to write a screenplay to focusing on a novel and emphasizes the necessity of planning and feedback. His mindset shift around messy first drafts and seeking outside criticism offers valuable insights for aspiring writers.