One interesting fact is that the first drafts may contain a lot of author's personal thoughts and unfiltered creativity. In the case of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', the first draft might have had more of his own musings about the Jazz Age society which were then shaped into a more coherent narrative. First drafts can also show the initial inspiration, like how Stephen King might jot down a really wild idea in his first draft that forms the core of a later horror masterpiece.
One quote could be 'The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.' It emphasizes that the first draft is a very personal and initial exploration of the narrative. It's like you're getting to know the story and characters for the first time as you write it down.
In 'Don Quixote', the main character's delusions led to some of the most comical and yet thought - provoking situations in literature. 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy is not only a long and detailed account of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars but also a deep exploration of human nature. 'The Catcher in the Rye' was a very controversial novel when it was first published due to its use of language and the main character's disillusionment with society.
For 'Pride and Prejudice', Austen's first drafts probably had some rough edges. Maybe the dialogue wasn't as sharp or the relationships between the characters not as nuanced. The first draft might have had a less clear portrayal of the social hierarchies that are so central to the story.
Well, the First Fleet convicts' stories often involve the relationships they formed on the ships and in the new land. Some convicts married each other, and these unions became the basis for new families in Australia. Also, there were convicts who had skills in trades like carpentry or blacksmithing. These skills were crucial as they started to build the infrastructure in the colonies. Their stories also tell of how they interacted with the native Australians, which was sometimes friendly and other times fraught with misunderstandings.
In some cases, the author or their estate may release early drafts. For example, some writers like Mark Twain have had their notebooks with early draft ideas published. Also, some universities or libraries might have collections of author manuscripts which could include first drafts. You can also look for special editions of books that might include early draft excerpts as part of the bonus content.
First drafts are important because they give insights into the author's writing style at its rawest. They may contain crossed - out words, scribbles, and alternative plot ideas. This helps scholars and fans alike understand the author's decision - making process better. Take the first draft of 'The Great Gatsby'. It could reveal Fitzgerald's initial thoughts on the characters' relationships.
One interesting fact is that it was Conrad Hilton's first major foray into the hotel business. It set the tone for his future empire. Another fact could be that it likely introduced some unique features for its time, which might have been copied by other hotels later.
One common problem is plot incoherence. In the first draft, the events might not flow smoothly, like in some detective novels where the clues don't lead logically in the early version. Another problem is flat characters. They lack depth and complexity, just simple outlines without much motivation or backstory. For example, a character in a first draft of a historical novel might be just a name with no real personality. Also, the writing style can be clumsy, with overly long or convoluted sentences that make it hard for the reader to follow the story.
Scary stories typically rely on creating suspense. They build up tension gradually to keep the reader or listener on edge. For instance, a story might start with small, unexplained events and then lead to a big, terrifying climax. Moreover, the setting in scary stories is crucial. Dark, isolated places like old cemeteries or abandoned asylums are common settings as they add to the overall sense of dread. And often, the use of vivid and gory details can make a scary story more impactful.
Well, short stories can date back to ancient times. Folktales and fables are early forms of short stories, like Aesop's Fables which taught moral lessons through short and engaging tales. They are also very adaptable. Many short stories have been turned into movies or plays with great success. Moreover, short stories allow for a quick read that can still leave a long - lasting impression on the reader, as they usually focus on a key moment or character development.