On Writing

I've been thinking a lot about the novel writing process and what changes from a first to second draft.

My initial skeleton (first draft) is so full of creative energy. Of course the plot lines don't all add up or even work and a million changes need to be made, but writing the second draft has become an analytical process and looking back and remembering that first draft helps me remember why I loved this story so much in the first place.

Looking back and using some of the ideas I initially had and the scenes I first wrote makes the second draft unflatten. I also find that since I have been reading so much, my new ideas are not as adventurous and risky. They are more plot driven and simplified so readers can understand them, which is great, but I really enjoy remembering where this story started and what I really wanted it to be about. Finding the balance between the drafts is what will make this novel really work.