Usually my first draft of a writing piece begins with many different topics and ideas jotted down into a jumbled mess of notes, not without detail, but strongly lacking clarity and structure. Much like Beth Shopes’ comparison of a writing style that represents a cluttered house rather than an unfinished one.

Each writing style possess it’s own unique challenges. One of the more common struggles I face when forming a second draft is being willing and able to let go of some portion of what I’ve written. This can be difficult for many reasons.

First and foremost, I don’t want to leave any sentence behind. Some portions of the writing many be unfitting or unnecessary but it seems like removing it could be taking away from the finished product.

Second, knowing what should and should not stay. One of the biggest challenges when writing a second draft Is knowing what portions of the piece can be removed to create a new and improved version without taking away from the writing.

Finally, feeling content with the second draft’s more compact product. No one want’s to read something that goes on and on without purpose or direction, but reading something bland can be just as painful. Detail is a valuable component of any piece of writing but must not being confused with rambling. For me, the line between the two is drawn thin.

The most beneficial advice that can be gained by reading ‘True Writing I Rewriting’ would be to “consider what you’ve just written as something to be played with, a lump of clay to be molded into a pleasing shape.” (Shope, 2002)

Considering this new insight has helped me to better understand the necessity of the rewriting process, and allowed me to take this into consideration next time I’m struggling with my second draft.

Shope, B. (2002). True writing is rewriting. In G. Lazette, (Ed.) Vision: A Resource for Writers. Retrieved from Vision@sff.net

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