The Insecure Writer's Support Group question of the month is, "How long do you let a first draft sit before you revisit it and make revisions? And is it related to how many books you have under your belt?"
I honestly don't have a specific time I let first drafts sit. Generally, I start writing something new and work on that for a while before even thinking about the most recently completed first draft. I want to forget what I wrote as much as possible. Then I can truly look at it with fresh eyes. And no, it really doesn't depend on how many books I have written. With Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China, I waited 6 years before looking at it again. I had written three books before I came back to it.
What about you? How long do you wait to redo the first draft?
Here's a recent puppy picture of Klaus. He's so adorable, but definitely a high-maintenance bundle of trouble! (For those who may have missed the last post, yes, the wall behind him is his handiwork. He likes to chew!)
Klaus looks like he's at that awkward age, where he hasn't quite gotten the hang of all his limbs. Middle school/teenage kind of. He must be fun to have around, though.
ReplyDeleteHe's a trip and a half. And that tongue is hilarious!
DeleteKlaus is so cute. I never thought of starting something new while I'm waiting to revise a different first draft, but it sounds like a great idea.
ReplyDeleteIt helps me clear my head. Probably works for some, but not everyone.
DeleteThat's no puppy!
ReplyDeleteLong time for a first draft to sit.
Yes. But I think the long sit helped!
DeleteHow cute is Klaus. Looking at those paws he still has a lot of growing to do.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like he grows a little more each day.
DeleteWow! Has Klaus grown up.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how quickly he has grown!
DeleteI sit on my hands and not allow myself to even *glance* after first drafting-- for TWO WEEKS minimum. If I have other revisions or projects, it can be as long as a couple of months. The longer, the better. but it takes self-restraint.
ReplyDeleteThat's why having another project helps.
DeleteP.S. Klaus is a heart warmer <3
ReplyDeleteHe's definitely a cutie!
DeleteKlaus is so adorable! Asher just turned five months. I'm not sure if this is a male GSD thing or what, but Asher always has his tongue hanging out of his mouth, too! My female GSD doesn't do that. #shrugs
ReplyDeleteKlaus is about that old. Schultz didn't have his tongue sticking out like that all the time. Only when he was hot. Klaus is a real character!
DeleteHi, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to see you, dear friend!
I'm left-brained and linear. Therefore, whenever I start a draft or any other type of project, it suits me better to see it through to completion rather than setting it aside for a period of time and jumping into something else.
Thanks for showing us a recent picture of that young rascal Klaus. That tongue of his would make Gene Simmons envious. :) I hope you bought him some chew toys so that he leaves the walls and furnishings alone.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Sherry!
Klaus has lots of chew toys. But he still keeps finding other things to chew.
DeleteThey are the craziest dog breed for sure.
ReplyDeleteSmart, but definitely high energy!
DeleteAwww, cute puppy!!
ReplyDeleteI think your set-aside system would work better for me if I were a faster writer. Seeing that it's been 8 years working on my current WIP, some of the chapters have had a long time to sit.
8 years is a long time. Hope it gets published!
DeleteGlad you went back to Bubba’s story. Klaus is more adorable with each photo you share.
ReplyDeleteHe's definitely a cute dog. I've never seen a dog jump as high as him. Sometimes he jumps so high, he ends up falling onto his side. Crazy!
DeleteKlaus is getting big! 6 years! I'm glad you went back! Big Hugs Sherry!
ReplyDeleteIt'll be interesting to see just how big Klaus gets.
DeleteI spend a lot of time editing as I write- and am trying to speed that up more. Then I put the chapters away and go back when I am all done with the whole first draft to start editing with fresher eyes.
ReplyDeleteIf you can edit with fresh eyes, it works so much better!
DeleteMy best wishes to you, very cute your puppy
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHi Sherry!
ReplyDeleteGood to see this new pic.
Love.
Klaus is a cute dog, for sure!
DeleteAs so much of what I write isn't book-length and has to be ready in a short period of time, I'm lucky to have 24 hours from the first draft to the final project.... Klaus looks goofy and wonderful and I bet is a joy to have around.
ReplyDeleteHaving deadlines certainly makes it difficult!
DeleteAdorable puppy.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree!
DeleteKlaus is getting so big!
ReplyDeleteHard to believe a few months ago he could be cradled in my arms!
DeleteGracias!
ReplyDelete