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This Author's Advice on First Drafts

As the day dawns, here we are once again at The Indie Author Method. Today, as the kettle steams and keys clatter, we turn our attention to the enchanting wisdom of Neil Gaiman. A man who’s not just penned tales, but has breathed life into universes.


Driving Through the Fog: Gaiman has this sublime metaphor about novel writing – it’s like "driving at night in the fog". A venture into the unknown. Sounds familiar? It should. Every time you draft a page, you’re navigating through this fog. Remember, it's the journey that’s sacred, not necessarily the clarity. The destination? It'll reveal itself in due course.


Your Tale, Your Tone: An essential Gaiman mantra to carry is: "Start telling the stories that only you can tell." In a landscape dotted with countless authors, what sets you apart is your unique narrative voice. So, what if there are authors with more flair or finesse out there? Your tales demand your voice. Indulge them.


To The Finale: Ah, the end. Gaiman's words resonate, reminding us: "You learn more from finishing a failure than you do from writing a success." So, irrespective of the tale’s perfection, surge ahead. Conclude your draft. For in its conclusion lies profound learning.


As ever, it's crucial to remember that the distilled essence of a thought can sometimes carry more potency. Step back occasionally, cherish your milestones, and let the beauty of writing sweep you away. For in Gaiman's words: "Writing is flying in dreams. When you remember. When you can. When it works. It’s that easy."


Cheers to inked pages and dreamy narratives.

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