It's the week before Christmas, which means that while I know I have a lot of loyal lurkers out there, I'm not expecting many people to be keeping up on their blogs. So I just have a simple question, one that's been nagging me for a while.
I hear people talk about "drafts" a lot. To me, a draft is a significantly different version of a manuscript. Perhaps a complete re-write. But when I hear people talk about drafts, I don't usually think they mean a complete tear-down and re-dress.
Or do they?
Tell me, dear readers: what do you consider to be a draft?
5 comments:
I consider it anything where I've gone through the whole file making changes. Sometimes it will be going through info I've gotten from critters, sometimes it will be going through for the purpose of strengthening characters, sometimes to add depth, sometimes to cut words, and sometimes to make sure every sentence is the best it can be. So no. Not a complete tear-down for me. :)
Drafts are different versions of the same story. The first and second draft are usually quite different, and then progressive drafts become more and more similar.
That change between first and second draft can, at times, be a complete tear-down and rebuild. As long as the essence of the plot remains the same, I would still call those drafts of the same book.
My drafts are a lot like Nancy's, I think. For me, I make a new draft (and I number them, so I don't get confused) whenever I need the old version around "just in case."
Like if, going in, I know I'll be doing significant rewording or deleting, I'll save a new draft so I can go back to the old one if I change my mind.
It's mere semantics. I think in terms of version numbers.
I think a draft is whatever it means to the individual writer. Since I'm an edit-as-I-write person, I rarely have completely different drafts saved.
Post a Comment