This episode is brought to you by Your Clockwise Week—a personalized weekly structure built around your actual life, not an ideal one. If your week feels full but not fitting, you can learn more at mikevardy.com/yourclockwiseweek.

We all need to write more crappy first drafts – that’s the way to truly get unstuck from writing. In this episode I learn from Daphne Gray-Grant about her inspiring writing process.

From my experience of writing a book, I know the process can easily get overwhelming. Which is why I was refreshed to hear about the need to write “crappy first drafts” from today’s guest, Daphne Gray-Grant. Aside from being a prolific writer, Daphne is also a coach to many writers who want to learn to write faster, better. She started her career in the newspaper business and quickly learnt that 80% of your writing is the process you have set up – 20% is the actual writing.

Tune in as we explore the lessons she’s taught to hundreds of her clients. We discuss mind mapping techniques, the joy of paper, and her love for treadmill desks.

Talking Points

On treadmill desks and Daphne’s love of walking

The draw to editing

Daphne’s writing mindset and routine

Is there a good timeline for writing a book?

Ways to beat mind map overwhelm

The impact of writing by keyboard vs by hand

Who can benefit from dictations?

The most common mistakes people make when mind mapping

Quote

“A mind map is not an outline nor an organizational tool – it’s an inspirational tool”

Helpful Links

Episode 288: How to Be Awesome at Your Job with Pete Mockaitis

Daphne Gray-Grant’s interview on ‘How To Be Awesome At Your Job’

Gabriele Rico’s Clustering

Writing the Natural Way | Amazon

Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon

GoodNotes

iThoughts

Scapple

Scrivener

Drafts

PublicationCoach.com

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

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