Chapter 1: The Concept of Life as Story Drafts

It’s been said countless times that we are the authors of our own life narratives. We hold the pen and can script our stories. However, life often intervenes, adding unexpected plot twists.

Reflecting on my journey as a writer, I recall the stages of drafting my first manuscript—writing, editing, procrastinating due to feelings of inadequacy, seeking feedback, and finally publishing. Each step was a unique part of the process.

Then, an intriguing thought struck me: What if I genuinely approached life as if it were a series of story drafts?

This led me to envision a short narrative in which I was the protagonist, while my self-doubt took the form of a dragon—ever present, ready to remind me of my perceived shortcomings. Yet, in this story, I triumphed. I cleverly persuaded the dragon to collaborate, cleverly embedding a clause that allowed me to ignore its negative whispers. Gradually, I grew accustomed to its presence, diminishing its influence over me.

Continuing this exploration, I recognized that being an author involves much more than mere writing; it entails editing, rethinking, discarding drafts, and more.

I considered my tendency to overthink, especially during sleepless nights. What if I penned down my swirling thoughts? How would they appear on paper?

After writing my anxieties, I found they weren’t nearly as overwhelming as they felt in my mind. However, the narrative still lacked appeal. I resolved to treat it like an initial draft, setting it aside for later, thinking, “I'll handle this tomorrow.”

To my surprise, that night, I enjoyed peaceful sleep.

The following day, encouraged by this small victory, I pondered further: What if I documented my reactions to daily events? Would these drafts contribute to the narrative I wish to live? Do they merit my time? Would I choose to procrastinate on any of them, rewrite, or discard them? Which narratives would be the most impactful?

Chapter 2: Recognizing Our Internal Narratives

The first video titled "How to Save Instagram Stories as Drafts" offers insights on managing your social media content effectively. It explores the idea of preserving your stories until you're ready to share them, much like how we can refine our personal narratives before presenting them to the world.

Everyone harbors a collection of stories they tell themselves. During my daily walks, I began to envision every passerby as an author in their own right, crafting their narratives filled with thoughts, actions, and concerns.

How does one determine which stories resonate as bestsellers? In reality, while we may allow others to influence our narratives, we ultimately possess the final say. We curate the tales that become our personal bestsellers.

How do we achieve this? Through the narratives we repeatedly tell ourselves. The stories we rehearse in our minds are the ones that gain traction. For instance, my leading narrative this December revolves around the question, “How will I manage work after recovering from burnout?” This story has garnered significant attention in my mind.

Is it truly my best narrative? Not by a long shot! Just like in the publishing world, the stories my mind prefers to replay often lack depth or significance. They are merely popular.

Like many, my mind gravitates toward negativity, often fixating on fears of future events and playing the victim. I’ve often questioned why some books gain immense popularity while others fade. Upon reflection, I realized that my mind's trending tales are of even lesser quality.

Yet, I possess the power to alter this narrative quality. I’m committed to ensuring that my December bestseller doesn’t carry over into January. It will remain just a draft to tackle when I’m ready—not now.

What’s the path forward? In a reality where we are the authors of our experiences, there are numerous steps we can take:

• Document our concerns and revisit them later.
• Chronicle our reactions to daily occurrences.
• Edit and refine these narratives.
• Discard drafts that no longer serve us.
• Postpone those needing attention to a later date.
• If possible, add a more uplifting conclusion.

We also have the capacity to craft a short story about our lives. What type of hero do we embody? What genre defines our existence? What are our aspirations? Who or what acts as the antagonist in our journey?

By prioritizing narratives based on their importance and relevance, we can select the most impactful ones to embrace and share. And the more stressful tales? They can remain on the desk until we’re ready to address them.

Now, it’s time to rest.

Happy writing, editing, and storytelling,

Maria

The second video titled "How to Go From Idea to First Draft of Your Book in 90 Days with Caroline Donahue" provides practical strategies for transforming your ideas into tangible drafts. This process mirrors our journey in crafting our life stories, emphasizing the importance of taking actionable steps toward our goals.