Bulletproofs

On working through your unfinished drafts … 1,164

Oh, hi friends!

So book publishing is weird. You look at the same words over…and over…and over again.

The weird part isn’t the pacing.

The weird part is you will always find something to change.

Here’s my desktop folder set-up for my next journal, Do It (or Don’t), which is coming out later this year.

Each of those numbered folders contains a new version of the journal. A small evolution.

Four separate drafts in Word. Then three sets of proofs. (Meaning the book is mocked up with design and text, as it will look when it’s published.)

First, the changes you make in each draft are major. 

Rewrite entire sections. Delete paragraphs.

Then you begin to trim.

Tighten that sentence. Cut that lame metaphor.

Then you take out the scalpel. 

Swap a word. Add a comma.

But no matter how many drafts there are, you will keep finding things to change. 

No, not change. Improve.

That is the point. You should keep finding things.

Because there is real satisfaction in going through, again and again, trying to make something better.

Not for your editor. Not for the designer. Not even for the reader.

But for yourself.

Because your job is to make it better. 

Make it your best.

And then let it go.

One-and-a-Half Questions for Your Tuesday

Which draft are you on? How will you improve it?

Give This a Grammy Right Now

Did you know you needed a “believe in yourself” kids sing-along with an animated puppy Snoop Dogg (aka Bow Wizzle) in your life? Because you might! (h/t Aliza Rabin)

Here are the best lyrics I’ve heard so far in 2023:

Affirmations are positive statements 
That help us to challenge and overcome
When you’re not feeling good 
And have negative thoughts
So repeat after me
Come on everyone

There is no one better to be than myself
There is no one better to be than myself

Today is going to be an amazing day
Today is going to be an amazing day

My feelings matter
My feelings matter

I get better every single day
I get better every single day

I choose to feel happy
I choose to feel happy

Cute!!! Valid for all ages.