The Writers' Circle

I certainly do, DeUndrae, especially when I am writing rhyming poems.  I literally typed on single lines all the words and phrases that popped in my mind that bear on the theme, and then I'd pick and choose and put them into order.  Once started, the whole process typically takes 2-4 hours.  (All my poems are short!)   But once I've done that, it's almost impossible to fine-tune unless I get some feedback. 

On the other hand, when I write short stories or sketches, I've never used an outline.  I tend to incubate the idea or theme for as long as it takes (all in my head) and when I am ready, I 'll sit down on the keyboard and start typing.  I pause frequently but what turns out is usually in more or less final form.  I suppose I'm a hipshooter when writing free verses.  I'm thinking of giving the "shitty first draft" method a try in my next story.

Well, what works for me might not work for you bobchoi. But the "shitty draft method" is useful if you're crippled by the rules and perfectionism and inner critics. I've tried what you've done--writing by the seat of my pants and write the first draft as if it's the final draft--but I can never get anything done by doing that.

I know the "shitty first draft method" can be a help to some, but it doesn't come without a disadvantage. When you write a shitty draft you have to revise it possibly several times, especially if it's a novel.  Think of the haul you've put yourself into! But oh well, if a shitty first draft is what gets you to accomplish writing, then I say go for it. Something is better than nothing.

DeUndrae

I totally agree.

I once mentioned to a teacher that I sometimes found it condusive to write while drinking coffee and she proceded to read a passage about how coffee and alcohol, in a way, turn off your filters and whatnot and I thought "Yeah, in a first draft, that's kind of what you want." Oddly, I had read the Anne Lamott book in one of the teacher's other classes in an earlier semester.