This week's podcast is from the Writing Secrets book. While I did collect all the writing secrets, I did not “just” collect them and stuff them into this book. Instead, I cycled, writing forward for more clarification so they make more sense as a book. Then, I edited them. Yes, I practice what I preach.
Enjoy!
The Podcast:
The Transcript:
This is 60 Seconds of Writing in Public with Johanna Rothman for April 3, 2026, where I read an excerpt of just a minute of some writing in progress.
This is from the upcoming Writing Secrets book.
Here’s why I prefer to think of prototypes instead of drafts. Prototypes might surprise me, as I cycle through writing, thinking, and learning. On the other hand, if I think I already know everything, I don’t want to write that piece.
Already knowing everything makes the writing boring for me—and often, for my readers. Outlining feels the same way—I already know how this piece ends. Instead, I want the excitement to learn as I go.
That's why I don't write drafts, per se. I write prototypes.
The Video:
Here is the video link.