ATTN Writers: A Question of Approach

[laymonite]

When it comes to the first draft, do you find that you include an excess of details that you then trim away in the second draft, or do you find that you focus on telling the story from start to finish in the first draft and worry about filling it in with details during the second draft? Another way of stating this question: Do you find that your second draft is larger or smaller than the first? Why?

[keilj]

First and foremost - write the first draft whatever way you are comfortable with. In other words, if you find yourself adding all kinds of details in the first draft, just do it

But for me, I focus more on the story and what I am trying to say in the first draft. Then I might go back in the second draft and add a few more details. (but my second drafts are usually no longer than my firsts, becasue I get rid of stuff in the second draft also)

However, I believe in not adding a bunch of extra details and garnish to my writing - I like it to be stripped down (so perhaps I should not be giving advice on your question - and I am now wondering if I should even hit the Submit button on this post)

[laymonite]

Thank you for pressing that Submit button! That sounds like my approach: I, too, try to write only what I feel is necessary in that first draft.

[MANICHAEAN]

The first draft that I do is a God Almighty mess, but I stop for nothing in getting it down on word format; incorrect spelling, bad grammer, excessive verbage or random rubbish. Just get it down. In there somewhere are the bare bones of what you are trying to convey. Then I go back & try to get the rudiments in place.

Another two phases are then to be executed; the real slow review, inclusive of alternate ways of expressing something & the sleep on the couch/ reflect over a couple of drinks step. This latter discipline, (which incidentally is most enjoyable), is the crux. It centres around looking for that extra depth that writers should, (I am reliably informed), always strive for.

I'm not into those long, dark nights of the soul routine, but reflection & the spark of the imagination are, when carried off successfully, like the stars in the heavens proclaiming the very deliverance of mankind.

Good hunting.
M.

[Alexander III]

I find the final draft to be always more or less of equal length, as I trim and add in equal measure. But I suppose more than anything else it depends upon one writing style. SOme people when writing the first draft, spend a long time on each sentence and word making sure it is perfect, this style is very much alla Flaubert. And then there are people who just write. write ,write, don't look back and keep writing without pause, alla Kerouac.

[hillwalker]

I often find I can trim my first draft once I have finished it.
Rather like building a house, some of the details needed to construct the story are little more than narrative scaffolding so they are surplus once it's completed.

H

[MarkBastable]

Apparently I'm Flaubertian.