On Writing Slow

Like all writing advice, there is a wide spectrum of beliefs regarding the “proper” (and I put that in quotes because there is no universally proper way to do anything related to writing) way to create a first draft.

On one hand, there are those who believe in the power of “crummy first drafts,” of vomiting on the page so that the story is told and progress is made. Subsequent editing passes clean the manuscript until it shines.

Others believe in writing slow but well-formed first drafts. At the extreme end, authors only write one pass and send the book to the editors.

Over the years, I’ve wandered across that spectrum. Both approaches have been helpful. A crummy first draft can be a great tool for becoming unstuck, a powerful tool for a writer who has trouble getting words on the page. I’ve needed that in the past.

These days, though, I enjoy writing more careful first drafts. There’s a joy particular to finding the right word, the right phrasing, the first time through. I also find that as I get a bit older, I like to think a bit slower, and the gentler pace matches that well.

Today I wrote a little slower, and it was a joy.