Something I have been finding really useful at this point of the writing process has been bringing more self awareness around my own expectations about where I think the writing should be in Draft 2. I’ve noticed I’m putting more pressure on myself now that it’s a ‘second draft’. Do you do this to yourself? In this episode I talk about: 

- Expectations we place on the 'quality' of our writing at different points in the process.
- Expectations we put on ourselves when we’re writing hard-hitting scenes.
- Writing the significant moments and how this can bring up more pressure and self-criticism in the moment while we’re writing.
- Being willing to write material you aren’t in love with even when it’s a scene you really care about and even when it’s a second draft. 
- Having 'bad writing days' and questioning what constitutes a ‘bad writing day’ (it will be different for everyone!)
- In Draft 1 I found the hardest bit was ‘showing up’. Well in Draft 2 the hardest bit isn't showing up - it's writing the hardest pieces of the narrative puzzle which can get frustrating when you are showing up and it feels like average stuff is coming out.
- Consistency will get you somewhere. Average material will get you somewhere. Creative projects get written one writing session at a time so have faith in consistent progress over less frequent, inspirational bursts.

This episode was originally recorded in February 2021. You can watch the video diary here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CLxgy0lHnJl/

You can learn more about my work on my website http://www.emilysheehan.info or say hi and ask me a question via @emilysheehan__ on Instagram.