Writing Exercise Part Four

If you followed all the previous prompts, you have a lot of writing. Here's how I approach a large chunk of freewriting:

1. Read it all.
2. Underline phrases/words that stand out as interesting.
3. Choose one line to start the first draft.
4. Write the first draft, incorporating the bits you liked from the freewriting, if they work. Sometimes they don't, and the piece takes on a whole new life. That's ok.
   
5. When you feel comfortable with the first draft, share it with a reader you trust for comments and suggestions.

An interesting post at Diane Lockward's blog today about Billy Collins and his tips toward writing a good poem here.