Facing Fear, Finding Purpose: Beyond the Rough Draft by Iman Llompart
Let’s welcome back Iman Llompart as she shares with us “Facing Fear, Finding Purpose: Beyond the Rough Draft.” Enjoy!
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Annnd my series, Beyond the Rough Draft, is finally out there in the internet ether, almost five months after I recorded the interview.
In a world overflowing with content, I didn’t see many podcasts or video series made for people like me — writers who want, more than anything, to be recognized for their craft, yet struggle silently with insecurity, doubt, and creative paralysis.
I won’t deny it: I was terrified to release this interview series. But it was the kind of scared that’s mixed with excitement, if that makes sense.
Why I Created Beyond the Rough Draft
Beyond the Rough Draft is about the writing struggles that everyone faces, which means a lot to me.
It’s a topic I hold near and dear to my heart and one I’m still personally battling.
I wanted to create a space where we could talk about those struggles openly.
A safe place where writers and authors can connect, be vulnerable, and remind each other that writing isn’t easy.
Nothing creative ever is.
Sometimes, just talking about it with people who get it can reignite your motivation to keep wading through the uncertainty.
The Fear Behind the Launch
Of course, I was scared.
I was scared of how it would be received, scared of the feedback, scared of being seen.
Putting any passion project out there is terrifying, especially when it’s deeply personal.
I’ve always admired creators who make video series, but I never imagined I’d be one of them.
I’m not exactly camera-friendly, and I’ve always preferred to be behind the scenes.
But sometimes circumstances change.
And sometimes, discomfort is exactly what pushes you to grow.
I realized that what I’m doing fills a gap.
It’s something that’s missing from the conversation, so here I am, taking the uncomfortable plunge.
Gratitude for the People Who Believed in Me
I have to thank the lovely Amandeep Ahuja, who bravely and enthusiastically became the first guest for an absolute novice host.
Her warm demeanor and kind presence immediately put me at ease.
Thank you, Amandeep, for your faith in me and in this series.
A huge thank you also goes to Beth Barany.
My client, mentor, and the one who gave me the final push to make this happen.
When I first pitched the idea, it was meant for her.
I suggested she start a series about the struggles of creative writing or maybe pass the concept to someone else.
I imagined myself helping behind the scenes, not in front of the camera.
But as soon as I told her about it, she said:
“Great, do it!”
I probably looked like a deer caught in headlights, but now I realize she was right.
I was the best person to host this because I understand the struggle firsthand.
Having these conversations helps me just as much as I hope they help my guests and the people watching.
Authenticity is key.
So thank you, Beth, for believing in an overthinking, camera-shy individual like me, and for partnering with me on Beyond the Rough Draft under your brand.
My Hope for the Series
My wish is that people connect with this series, that they see we all struggle, and that they find community and inspiration here.
If you’re stuck, listen in.
If you’re ready to share, be a guest.
And most importantly: finish what you started.
Pick up that half-finished shitty work-in-progress, and finish it anyway.
Or chase that new idea that’s been haunting you because those worlds and characters won’t leave you alone for a reason.
Finding My Way Back to Writing
I’m slowly but surely getting back to my manuscript.
The doubt is still there, it always will be but I feel most like my authentic self when I’m writing.
And if Beyond the Rough Draft can help even one person feel that same spark again, then every moment of fear was worth it.
Resources
Sign up to be a guest.
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About The Author
Iman Llompart is a Spanish-American romantasy writer and interviewer based in Dubai. She’s working on her debut novel and hosting Beyond the Rough Draft in collaboration with Writer’s Fun Zone.
Iman’s mission is to create space for honest conversations with writers — the kind that reveal both the doubt and the discipline behind the craft.
