Of 110 answering there are 51 who map out a story in advance--2 of these
very carefully, 5 somewhat, 1 generally, 1 a little, the remainder
habitually. Those mapping out only in general number 32, while 46 let
the story tell itself, a few of the latter being included also among the
32. Who is sufficiently rash to venture a general rule on the subject?
Each mind must find its own best method and only experience can be the
teacher.
There are 10 who write a story a piece here and a piece there, one of
them writing two-thirds and then revising; 51 write straightaway, 3 of
these qualifying with "usually" and 2 with "sometimes."
Having the end clearly in mind when they begin, 60, 3 qualifying with
"usually," 3 with "in general," 5 with "sometimes," 1 with "fairly
definitely."
As to extent of revision 84 answer. Omitting those mentioning the number
of revisions, the remainder may be classed: much revision, 21; some, 10;
little, 9; very little, 19; none, 1. The record where number of
revisions is specifically given runs somewhat as follows: 0 to 2 times
(1); 1 time (3); 1 to 2 (1); 1 to 4 (2); 1 to 5 (1); 2 times (1); 2 or
more (2); 2 to 3 (1); 2 to 4 (1); 2 to 8 (11); 3 times (1); 3 to 4 (2);
3 to 15 (1); 4 to 5 (1); 4 to 20 (1); 5 to 6 (1); 6 to 8 (1); up to 12
times (1).
All the way from none to much, from 0 to 20 or possibly more. There can
be no rule. There are some who ruin their work if they give it more than
a revision for details; some whose first draft is too crude to serve as
more than foundation for the completed structure. There is only one
sound teacher in each case--experience.