Your Stage : How I Keep Writing — Even When It’s Not Perfect by H. S. Almahse

H. S. Almahse

How I Keep Writing — Even When It’s Not Perfect

Hi everyone,

Amanda’s recent comment encouraged me to share a bit about how I keep my creative momentum going.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve written and submitted 20 original projects here on Stage32 — not because everything was ready, perfect, or even polished. But because I learned something that changed my entire process:

“Done is better than perfect — and expression is better than silence.”

I used to wait for the ideal idea, the perfect pitch, or the moment when everything aligned. That moment rarely came. So instead, I decided to write what I felt, what haunted me, what excited me — even if it was messy at first.

Here’s what worked for me:

– I stopped judging the first draft

– I wrote ideas as if I were telling a friend, not impressing a committee

– I trusted that clarity would come with motion, not before it

Writer’s block, for me, wasn’t about lack of ideas — it was fear of being judged too soon.

Now, I just write. One idea at a time. Some will land. Some won’t. But I’m growing with every sentence.

If you’re stuck, maybe don’t aim to finish something today. Just aim to begin.

And thank you to Amanda and everyone here who reminds us that creativity is a shared journey — not a solo climb.

— H. S. Almahsen

Maurice Vaughan

Hi, H. S. Almahse. Clarity comes with motion when I work on a script. Things become clearer and I understand things/realize things the more I work on the script. I keep that in mind when I'm working on a first draft, second draft, etc. I eventually get everything to work together and come up with a final draft, even though a final draft isn't really a final draft until it gets sold. And even then, it might go through more rewrites.

H. S. Almahse

Thanks for sharing that, Maurice.

I completely relate — staying in motion always unlocks something new.

Every draft teaches me something I didn’t expect.

Appreciate your insight!

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, H. S. Almahse. Thanks for making this post. I'm sure it'll help other writers.

H. S. Almahse

That means a lot, Maurice.

I’m really glad if it can be of help to others.

We’re all figuring it out one page at a time.

Michael Fitzer

Bravo Hussain! You have a healthy perspective. Check out this video from Ira Glass. It goes along with what you’re saying.

https://vimeo.com/danielsax/thegap

H. S. Almahse

Michael — I truly appreciate your kind words and the link!

That video by Ira Glass has always stuck with me, and seeing it here just felt like perfect timing.

Thank you for validating the perspective — and for taking the time to respond. Really means a lot

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