Anna Marsden asked David Lowther:

I have heard people argue about writing a first draft longhand versus typing straight onto the computer. My questions are: whether your typing becomes a second draft as you go along? Or whether you stick with what you wrote and type a second draft: and, do you find you re draft a lot? I haven't read your book yet but I am about to- I saw your comment while looking up Margaret Forster.

David Lowther Hi Anna
With my three books I wrote the first draft in longhand (pencil and rubber) and then typed it up. I was advised that if my typing wasn't top class I should use longhand and concentrate on the narrative instead of the typing.
Once I've written then typed the first draft I send it to a friend for comments and proofreading. When this is returned I correct it and return the corrected MS to him. This goes on until he's totally satisfied and then I send the final MS to my editor. Two Families at War (my most recent novel) was read and commented on four times by my friend, had two edits and then two professional proof readers. I'm happy with the outcome. I hope this helps.

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