I'm just breaking the ice here but was wondering if anyone writes their first draft long-hand?
I've recently taken to hand writing vomit drafts, and even with transcription, I've found myself far more efficient than when I try to write an initial screenplay draft on a computer. I definitely can hear the characters much more clearly and the stories can take unexpected turns.
I was just curious: Does anyone else work this way? If so, what's your experience?
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I write my first drafts longhand. Then I transcribe them into final draft. Then I print that out and do edits by pen on the printed version. Not sure what it is but writing with pen on paper taps into something that typing on a computer just doesn't access. :)
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I've never done it, but I know of people who have and had great success in doing so. It's easy to lose ones groove when worrying about spacing, sluglines etc.
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Gwen: For me, there is definitely something about putting pen to paper. And thanks. Its really helpful to hear your process. I've also been looking for a reasonable accurate OCR to transcribe my handwriting to copy and then drop into FD but to no avail as of yet.
MARIA. Exactly. when I get wrapped up in the layout mechanics
I do heaps of notes, questions, scripts segments. Then I’ll commit it to prose on my iPad. Then finally Writer Duet.
i was a huge user of paper. But my wife was getting sick of it.
I write all my vomit drafts longhand, 6 pages a day over the course of 20 days, getting the story out of my head and onto paper as fast as possible. I then spend about a week typing it into Final Draft, making a few edits or small changes as they come to me as I do.
I find writing longhand keeps me more focused and creative. Editing and rewriting is when the technical comes in, so I find it best to do that on the computer. I do print off the draft, make edits in red on the page, then type it back in from page 1.
Here is a resource for you http://www.autocrit.com. I love to write things long hand. I write in other languages and type them in in English.
I write everywhere when inspiration hits me l have no discipline to stop until everything in my head stops screaming to get out. Sometimes l have no access to my note pad when attending a family function or am in public spaces. I have written at the back of doctor's prescriptions and shopping receipts short notes to jog my memory later or send whatsapp messages to my kids or friends with weird character descriptions or dialogue. At first they would reply telling me l sent them wrong messages but now... they actually give me feedback that helps me rethink my story strategies or give me a thumbs up when l hit the nail right on its head.
That's what I like about Stage 32. Open and honest feedback.
I do when I have to (laptop dies, etc.). Only downside is a sore wrist.
You can use voice recordings. Here are some additional resources http://www.acx.com and https://www.autocrit.com/af-download-secret-formula-bestselling-novel/ .
Sometimes I will type into a text pad instead of Final Draft to avoid the urge to edit while writing.