My writing style tends to be put everything i know or think i know into the first draft. then step back and see how late into the action I can actually start and have it still make sense — or not make total sense but have the reader (audience-like) leaning into the action as they struggle to figure it out. I am hoping to engage them actively and am learning to cut and cut and cut that background exposition that seems sooooo helpful and necessary. It may take a few drafts till it’s all gone…so be it. I try not to sweat about the parts I cut — they’ve helped me understand my story and what i can get rid of…that’s valuable. I try to be gentle on myself…it takes what it takes. thank you, Shaunta for clarifying the mysterious beginning!