Writing First Drafts: Let that First Sentence be as Stupid as it Wishes by Olivia Salter

Writing First Drafts: Let that First Sentence be as Stupid as it Wishes 

 

by Olivia Salter

 

 When writing first drafts, convince yourself that you are working in clay, not marble, on paper, not eternal bronze. Let that first sentence be as stupid as it wishes. It may seem like an odd idea at first, but when you dig deeper, you realize the profound wisdom this statement holds. In a world that often idolizes perfection and eternal legacy, it is essential to remind ourselves that our creative endeavors are not set in stone but rather in a malleable medium like clay.

The analogy between working in clay and working on paper is a reminder of the impermanence of our creations and the liberating sense of possibility that comes with it. Clay and paper allow us to experiment, to make mistakes, and to embrace the creative process as a journey rather than a destination.

When we view our work as marble, we confine ourselves within the rigid boundaries of perfection and longevity. We become paralyzed by the fear of making errors or creating something that will not withstand the test of time. The weight of a legacy becomes a burden, stifling our creativity and inhibiting the exploration of new ideas.

However, when we embrace the concept of clay, we free ourselves from the shackles of perfection. We recognize that our creations are not meant to be eternal masterpieces but rather beautiful expressions of our present moment. This perspective allows us to delve into our creativity with a sense of spontaneity, experimentation, and freedom.

Working in clay signifies embracing the notion of imperfection. It encourages us to take risks and to celebrate the process rather than obsess over the outcome. Just like clay, we can mold our ideas, change them, and reshape them until we find the form that truly resonates with us.

Similarly, working on paper symbolizes the temporality of our creations. We acknowledge that our ideas and expressions are not fixed in stone but rather transient. Paper allows us to document our thoughts, sketches, and drafts, providing a tangible record of our creative journey.

Embracing the idea of working on paper serves as a reminder that our creative process is not linear but rather a series of iterations, revisions, and improvements. It encourages us to approach our work with a growth mindset, where mistakes are stepping stones towards progress and each stroke of the pen or brush is an opportunity for exploration.

Convincing ourselves that we are working in clay and on paper allows us to surrender to the joy of creation without being weighed down by the burden of perfection or an eternal legacy. It invites us to embrace the vulnerability and impermanence that come with the creative process, and through doing so, we discover the true essence of artistic expression.
So, let the first sentence be as stupid as it wishes. Let it serve as a gentle reminder that our creative endeavors are not bound by the expectations of eternity or flawlessness. Rather, they are shaped by our willingness to embrace the malleable nature of clay and the fleeting beauty captured on paper when writing and revising drafts.