What They Actually Mean: "This is the twenty-seventh draft." "We both know this isn't a rough draft." "Because I've said out loud that this is a rough draft you're now obliged to go easy on me."
21. "Are You Okay? What's Wrong? Tell Me Everything!"
What They Actually Mean: "Tell me what's upsetting you so I can write about it in my book." "I'm hoping what you say right now has huge dramatic potential." "Speak clearly and don't cry so I can remember as much of this as possible."
20. "It's A Modern Re-Telling Of Heart Of Darkness, But For, Like, Our Generation..."
What They Actually Mean: "It's Heart of Darkness." "It's easier to write a novel if I trace over a pre-existing plot." "It's mostly Heart of Darkness, but I changed the character's names." "The critical quote on the front of my book will make reference to Heart of Darkness." "I have read Heart of Darkness."
19. "It's Kind Of A Mess Right Now..."
What They Actually Mean: "What I've written makes absolutely no sense." "I thought what I'd written was good until I read it back." "This particular project will never see the light of day."
