Biography Progress Report #6 – The Rough, Rough Draft is Complete

Four months ago I started working on the Ann Dvorak bio during the 20 minute subway ride to and from work. As I had mentioned in previous progress reports, it took me two years to write the first 20,000 words, mainly because I was attempting to make my first draft the final draft and writing when I was really in the mood. This was grueling and my lack of progress was discouraging, so I was seldom in the mood. Then, I stopped being meticulous, started lugging my laptop on the subway, and have officially wrapped up the first draft.

Just to be clear, this first draft is a rough, rough draft, and I still have a lot of work ahead of me. These 50,000 words are essentially the skeleton of Ann’s life and career, and now I have to go back and add the details. I need to insert quotes, fact check, revisit a lot of her films, and amazingly there is still more research to do. This thirteen-year-old project is still no where near completion, but the progress I’ve made by tweaking my approach is amazing and and there is finally an end in sight.

Thanks to everyone who has commented here or sent emails of encouragement. This book has always been a personal labor of love, but knowing Ann has other fans who are interested in devoting some of their time to reading her life story has been mighty encouraging and I hope I don’t let any of you down. Thanks for sticking with me, and honestly, it’s just a little while longer!

4 Comments

  1. Christina August 3, 2011

    It’ll be well worth the wait, I’m sure! 🙂

  2. admin August 3, 2011

    I sure hope you’re right! Thanks.

    -Christina

  3. Cliff Aliperti August 4, 2011

    Well, it might be rough rough, but if I’m reading right you’ve got 2-1/2 time more than you had. Wonderful progress! I’ll chime in with the usual echo: can’t wait!

  4. admin August 5, 2011

    Thanks Cliff! Hopefully, the rough draft will come quickly!

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