Here's a post about one writer's drafting-method from Debi Alper's blog. Debbie's responding to a post about editing and what exactly we mean by it over at Emma Darwin's Itch of Writing blog. I think reading about other writers' experience and methods is possibly more useful than getting a list of rules (see some of my earlier Writing Tips posts) as it's easier to disagree and easier to see how subjective, personal and trial and error the whole idea of finding a method is.
So Debbie writes about her three drafts. Three! That would be nice. For me, it's been around five to seven drafts each time, rewriting half the material from scratch for each go. I try to plan better and avoid this, but I think the rewriting and the repetition is just my process and I need to accept it.
I can empathise with Debbie about the mood-swings though. I'd add one bit of extra advice to her excellent list, which is to shut up while you're having the mood swings, because blogging or talking about them too much, especially when your mind is so un-made-up, is bound to make you look like a tit.
Now, I'm off to take my own advice.
Joie de vivre
-
When I am prime minister, dear reader, every funeral will have dancing.
Thanks to her brilliant and brave daughters, friend Ann (always the life
and soul o...
2 hours ago
As a non-fiction writer, as distinct from those who work in fiction, the business of moods and the agonies of what goes on during the process of writing tend to percolate through into my writing.
ReplyDeleteThough it's important to get the balance right, not too much introspection about the writing process, but enough to involve the reader.
I for one love to read about people's internal struggles, but of course it depends on how they write about them.
Thanks for this, Jenn.
Thanks for the link, Jenn. You're right to say that if the way you write works for you, no one should tell you it's wrong. There are no rights and wrongs, just different approaches.
ReplyDeleteFor me personally, letting go is also part of the process, so I know I have to get it right by the end of the 3rd draft, otherwise I'd still be working on my 1st book. But that's just me ...
Debi - I think I'm jealous you can do it in three drafts, that's all. I did a load of planning for Cold Light, hoping it would be a quicker and easier write than A Kind of Intimacy was. Actually, the process was very similar so I think my approach is one I'm stuck with for the time being!
ReplyDeleteElisabeth - I'm glad you like to hear about the internal struggles. I'm kind of shy about displaying my mood swings about my work here on my blog because I know I've got the best job there is and it doesn't feel right moaning about it. Although of course, I moan loads - just not here :)