How do you start a rough draft?

Getting an idea for a story from your head is a complicated and important process and writers have their own unique ways of doing it. For most that way is the only way. I asked a few writers how they begin a rough draft: by hand with pen and paper or using a computer? Here are their answers and why they do it that way.

Cheryl Ntumy: I do everything on the computer, including notes, outlines, etc. I find that ideas flow better, it saves time and it helps me get straight into work mode so I never find myself waiting for inspiration. It’s also convenient because I can easily find my notes, look something up or refer to my other work without interrupting the flow.

Ayodele Olofintuade: My writing process has changed over the years. From writing by hand and then transferring to a system, I now work exclusively on my laptop.
As you well know the first draft is mostly about getting the basic idea down. That feverish state when words are leaking through your fingers and splattering themselves on your brand new page. (The only exciting bit of writing). So it really doesn’t matter whether I’m writing by hand or typing.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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