A Writer's Perspective
by Beth K. Vogt

Tuesday, February 15, 2005
I Think I'm Gonna' Be Sick

Whenever my kids have a writing assignment for homework, I tell them to go throw up.
Let me explain.

Getting started--lassoing that first paragraph--is the biggest challenge for my kids.
Isn't this true for most writers? We stare at a blank piece of notebook paper or at an illuminated computer screen and mutter, "What do I write?"

"Go throw up on the paper," I tell my kids. "When you're done, we'll sift through what you've written and salvage the bits worth keeping."

Another writer named this technique "brain vomit." Granted, it's gross terminology, but it's vivid. Here's a nicer take on this writing tip:

Fiction writer Angela Hunt says to give ourselves permission to write a lousy first draft. Do it and be done with it--and then re-write it and re-write it until it's strong, clean writing. Sift through the passive verbs and fizzled conflicts, the confusing plot twists and weak conclusions. Separate the proverbial chaff from the wheat. Look for sentences that shine--or as my mentor says, the sentences that sing.

I've met very few writers (translate: NONE) who write spotless prose the first time. (I don't believe the writers who say they do.) Relax. Repeat after me: Writing is re-writing. You've got to start with something. Sure, your first draft may be slop. Your goal is to make certain the final draft isn't slop.

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