Second Draft

I'm making my way through the second draft of my book manuscript, adding text while I try to improve what I've already written.  I like this stage.  The first draft entails blasting out words with not too much concern for their form or coherence.  The initial draft is probably the most difficult because it requires creating something from nothing.  Almost everyone has experienced writer's block, the feeling of not knowing where to begin and the fear that there's not really anything to say.  Every writer must face the ominous empty page.  Truth be told, it hangs momentarily over me even in composing my daily blog entries.  Yet the writer must plunge ahead boldly, and maybe a little recklessly, trusting that something meaningful will emerge.  The second draft is different because the raw (sometimes very raw) material is already there in black and white.  Now the game is refinement.  Through additions, deletions, transitions, and substitutions, a piece of text gains coherence.  But two drafts, at least for me, is never enough.  Even my blog entries require about four iterations—and even when I post I know they are not error-free.  Multiple drafts are essential, but I think I love the second draft the most.  When I edit, it reminds me of combing out the knots in my daughters' freshly shampooed hair.  If I keep combing, the hair will will eventually flow and shine; likewise, through editing, the text transforms toward its aesthetic ideal.  Eventually, it gives me pleasure.  It can also evoke a little surprise, as in: "Oh, so that's what I mean."