Sparks & Starts: "Genetic memory"

First draft vs. final draft

Hi, Friend.

The poems are flowing again for me—always a joy, a relief, a miracle. There’s nothing like the fever of writing when it’s going well. But what makes a second draft of a piece “better” than the first? What makes a final draft “best”? The choices we make are subjective. Sometimes revising is two steps forward, three steps back. Unless I’m on deadline, there’s no rush. It takes as much time as it takes.

When I comment on students’ work, I always remind them to weigh my questions and suggestions against their own vision for the piece. I don’t expect them to take all of what I’m offering. Frankly, sometimes it’s best to ignore even “good” advice—advice from someone experienced who wants to help you improve—if that advice would make the piece sound less like you, or would take it in a direction you’re not happy with. The work is yours, so the choices must be yours.

Today I’m sharing a first draft and final draft of a poem from my next book of poetry (more on that as soon as I can share!), and talking about the changes I made and why. It’s like poetry thunderdome: two drafts enter; one draft leaves.