Lit Bit: McDermott on Drafts

We've all heard it: writing is rewriting.  A first draft should never be considered complete.  In order to be successful as a writer, it's important not to fall in love with your own first draft.

Alice McDermott knows a thing or two about the various stages of a successful novel.  Here's her take.

"The first draft is spillage."  A writer should just let the words and story flow from you without regard to rules, structure, plot, character development, what makes sense, what doesn't jive.  Write the first draft from your heart, as it comes to you.  Hey, it's only a first draft.

"Then," McDermott suggests, "write at least three drafts.  In rewrites, spend the time, don't try to save time.  Hone the prose, shape it, redo it.  Don't just re-copy with minor edits-that's the easy way out."

With the soul of your first draft already on paper, the second, third, and any additional drafts should be where the true craftsmanship comes in.  Sculpt your clay into something wonderful and unique, something others will want to read as well as yourself.

"A Novel should evolve from its own predictable themes," McDermott suggests.  And those themes will be present in your first draft. "

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Eric D. Goodman, Books Correspondent

Eric's column, Lit Bit, is published every Wednesday to Gather Essentials: Books.  Featuring bits on writing, writers, books, and literature, Lit Bit will fulfill your literary longings.

Eric is a full-time writer and editor.  His work has appeared or is forthcoming in The Washington Post, The Baltimore Review, Writers Weekly, The Arabesques Review, The Potomac, JMWW, Scribble, Slow Trains,  Coloquio, To Be Read Aloud, Neck of My Guitar, and Travel Insights.

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