On a recent episode of Escape Pod, Steve mentioned that he would post his Zeroth Draft online. His Zeroth Draft was what was being written n a notebook daily. I emailed him about this and he suggested that I post my question to the forums. Since I am just dipping my feet in the "Writing" WATERS, I thought I would ask everyone here the following:
1. How does everyone use the "Zeroth Draft"?
2. Is this mostly for notes, or are you writing out the draft longhand?
3. How often do you write to the draft?
4. When is the best time to start translating the info to the computer word processor?
Thanks,
SA
1. I don't know how everyone uses it, but I know how I do. Zeroth Draft for me occurs almost always between my brain and my typing fingers.
2. I keep a notebook with me, just a little 5.5/3/5 wirebound one, that if I have an idea for a good sentence or a character name, or some notes about an event or a conversation, maybe even a page or two of setup. But I don't always use it for that, sometimes I have an idea clearly enough that I can start typing it out right away. I also type much faster than I write longhand. I never outline anything, ever, unless it's Technical Training for my actual day job.
3. I am not sure I understand the question, but here goes. I usually have between 3 and 6 short stories (plus some much longer projects) going at all times in first draft form. I write in the one that I am most excited about at any given moment. Sometimes writing in one story, gives me an idea for another, so I switch to that and add that idea.
4. It depends on the person really. Some people like to write the whole shebang out longhand then retype and edit it. Others like to type out a draft, print it, and edit the hard copy. Others like me, usualy start soft copy, edit in soft copy, and pass around hard copy for my wise readers to comment on.
« Last Edit: February 01, 2007, 05:12:20 PM by jrderego »
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