"Once I've got the first draft down on paper then I do five or six more drafts, the last two of which will be polishing drafts. The ones in between will flesh out the characters and maybe I'll check my research"

Colleen McCullough's quote offers insight into her meticulous and layered composing procedure. At the heart of her approach is a commitment to revision and depth, making sure that each part of her story is completely realized before it reaches its last kind.

The first part of the quote, "Once I've got the first draft down on paper", acknowledges the basic step of production-- the initial draft. This phase is most likely driven by raw creativity and the need to equate concepts into words without the problem of perfection. It emphasizes the significance of start, of having something concrete to deal with, even if it's rough around the edges.

She then points out doing "5 or 6 more drafts", highlighting her dedication to refinement. This iterative process highlights her belief that composing is as much about rewriting as it has to do with the initial creation. Each draft serves a function, building upon the last and contributing to a more sleek end product.

The "last two of which will be polishing drafts" indicates the lasts where the focus shifts to tweak. Here, McCullough focuses on language, design, and total coherence, ensuring clarity and elegance in the prose. This stage is crucial for transforming an excellent story into an excellent one, as every sentence is thoroughly considered and refined.

In "the ones in between will flesh out the characters", she reveals her method for developing depth in her characters, making them more complex and believable. This stage allows authors to explore motivations, backgrounds, and nuances, creating characters that resonate with readers on a deeper level.

Finally, "maybe I'll check my research" reflects a dedication to authenticity and accuracy, especially crucial in historic or detailed settings. McCullough acknowledges that research study is not a one-time job however an ongoing procedure that supports the story throughout its advancement. Hence, her quote encapsulates a holistic view of writing, where preliminary motivation is changed through a disciplined and thoughtful approach into a sleek masterpiece.