Point #2 resonated the most deeply. I too write everything out (or try to) in one giant inspiration filled burst. Then go back and chop it up, edit, and rewrite the whole thing. Wild to see the actual % that makes it through!
It’s also heartening to see other writers use this same process.
Number 4 is cool, I wish Google Docs had this feature
Number 2 is true, but only when I really want to go hard. Eg. My latest 200 word poem about leaving my job started off as a 2,000 word first draft (ie. cut 90%)
Reverse outlining, even just the short reference to it and explanation, was helpful. Going to give that a try. Re the video recording of life moments through glasses, I'm personally much more interested in someone writing about how their experiences are landing and being considered and digested by them than seeing the raw footage of their daily lives.
This is great overall but your footnote about the mug reminds me of the time someone called me a weirdo because I like to add ice water to my coffee so I can drink it as fast as possible.
Hey, did you know your video with a playback speed of 0.25 is peak horror cinema? It's anxiety inducing but so good.
Point #2 resonated the most deeply. I too write everything out (or try to) in one giant inspiration filled burst. Then go back and chop it up, edit, and rewrite the whole thing. Wild to see the actual % that makes it through!
It’s also heartening to see other writers use this same process.
Here’s a link to my most recent piece:
https://startupsocial.substack.com/p/the-purpose-of-creativity
If you have 5 minutes to give it a read I’d really be honored.
—Zac
Number 5 really landed for me
Number 4 is cool, I wish Google Docs had this feature
Number 2 is true, but only when I really want to go hard. Eg. My latest 200 word poem about leaving my job started off as a 2,000 word first draft (ie. cut 90%)
Link: https://leoariel.substack.com/p/why-did-amazon-pay-me-170kyr-to-update
I really like your images. Super helpful in illustrating the concepts you describe. What app are you using to make them?
Reverse outlining, even just the short reference to it and explanation, was helpful. Going to give that a try. Re the video recording of life moments through glasses, I'm personally much more interested in someone writing about how their experiences are landing and being considered and digested by them than seeing the raw footage of their daily lives.
This is great overall but your footnote about the mug reminds me of the time someone called me a weirdo because I like to add ice water to my coffee so I can drink it as fast as possible.
This is so cool! Love to see your thought process for editing, Michael. Thanks for the detailed write up!