Today's quote is a favorite of mine. It illustrates the meaning of a first draft so well. When we write a first draft, we're only on step one of a finished product. In fiction, we're putting the story down with all the basics, but no fluff or frills.
This first effort isn't going to make us worry about the extras. Of course, seasoned writers are going to add some automatically. Even the pros will need to go back and add or delete, put in more sensory details, check for clarity and more.
If you're writing nonfiction or creative nonfiction, it's the same. Get the basics written. It's the base that you will use to build upon. It's that plain sand in the box. It's a beginning.
What about poetry? Does a poet whip out a poem and call it finished? Rarely. The first writing of a poem is that same plain sand in a box. The poet will build sand castles when he/she revises and edits, adds and deletes words.
Maybe the first draft is one of the most important steps. Once we have that, it's not just an idea that is swirling in our minds. Still, it is only a beginning. That old adage--'The first step is the most important one of a long journey'--rings true with writing that first draft. It tells us that we have started, we have committed to continuing. Of course, we may put the draft in a file and not get back to it for a long time. That happens now and then. Even so, you still have something to build upon someday. The better way is to let the first draft simmer for a few days, then start the editing and revision process.
Maybe this weekend you can shovel some plain sand into a box, then start building sand castles next week.
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