Let’s be honest: dictated drafts can look messy.
I still remember the first full scene I dictated—nearly 1,500 words while doing dishes. When I had it transcribed, it looked like it had been chewed up and spit out by autocorrect: Missing punctuation, random words, broken sentences. I almost gave up right then.
But here’s what I discovered (and what I share in this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast): messy drafts aren’t a failure. They’re the key to momentum.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why messy dictated drafts actually signal progress, not problems.
- How dictation helps you silence your inner editor and write forward.
- Why “messy = breakthrough.”
- How my cleanup time went from 50/50 to 90/10 as my dictation skills improved.
If you’ve been waiting for “perfect” words to hit the page before you could finish your novel, this episode will give you the freedom to let go, embrace the mess, and gain the momentum you need.
If messy drafts have been the thing holding you back from dictating your fiction, my upcoming Dictation Bootcamp was designed for you! We kick off October 14th with 4 live days of training, assignments, and a private community to help you take those first steps.
It’s just $37 to join—and yes, enrollment is finally open.
👉 Enroll in Dictation Bootcamp now
Messy drafts lead to finished novels. Let’s get your stories moving!
Register for free: https://fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/earn-readers-trust/
In this live masterclass, Choctaw author and writing instructor Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer equips fiction writers to include Native American characters in their stories with accuracy, respect, and confidence. Through clear examples and practical strategies, she shows how to avoid common missteps, replace fear with understanding, and build trust with readers.
***
Free resources for you:
The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkit
Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictation
Dictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide
5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes
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