I feel like a lot of newer writers seem to be under the impression that experienced writers churn out beautiful work with no effort in no time and with no forethought. That just… IS NOT true.

Does writing get easier with practice? Yes. Everything does. You learn what your strengths are and how to least painfully vomit out the first draft.

But it’s never an immediate thing. You don’t have a polished draft on your first draft. It’s called a draft for that reason. You’re drafting something onto a page. You’re creating a framework. You’re building a foundation you can add to.

Does it suck to be in that very steep learning curve when you’re just starting out? FUCK YES IT DOES!!! But it’s a requirement if you’re gonna get better. It sucks, but it’s required. It’s on the job training, baby. Buckle in and hang on.

That being said—and to demystify this concept of a writer who’s been writing prose for 20+ years having a first draft that remotely resembles anything decent to publish—do y’all wanna see my vomit draft? I’ll fucken post it. I’m dead serious. I’ve had it with newer writers being hard on themselves for not writing a Pulitzer Prize-winning first draft, ok?