I’m currently reading Dracula by Bram Stoker and am in awe at how well it has been planned out and all the hints and events that lead to something important in the story. Everytime I read something I am in disbelief in how intelligent one would have to be to write and publish a book. How do they find the passion, determination, and skill to do such a thing? Are they just gifted? Did they have to study and practice for years before executing it? I dont understand how someone who is human like me could have such an otherworldly ability to connect to others through words.
I’ve written my share of screenplays that I’ve turned into little indie movies. The trick is after that first draft going back and placing hints at the ending act earlier in the story. Someone shoots someone else with a hunting rifle at the end? Go back and make that character’s father an avid game hunter with a throwaway line or two in act 1. Stuff like that. IMO nothing good ever goes out before draft 3. First draft’s for groundwork, second draft’s for smoothing and clarity, third draft’s for details. (The after that it’s all about technicals like grammar, etc.)