Sometimes I still don't know

According to www.dailyliteraryquote.com, it was Faulkner who said, "I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written on it." I'd like to think I agree with this. There was a time when writing was the main sorting method for me, a kind of typed reasoning that still helps me, but I no longer find as necessary as I once did. In truth, I know I don't agree with Faulkner. As a writing teacher and much more prosaic writer than Faulkner, I prefer to know my opinion on a topic before I dive into writing about it. That doesn't mean I can't change my mind as the writing develops. And of course it does not preclude a stream of consciousness, preamble sort of writing that I give myself permission to do, (and later to cut) in order to get started on a topic when I'm having a hard time finding a way in. So, I'm wondering about my students as they write this week. Do they know how to begin? Will they give themselves permission to write a lousy first draft? Will they leave time to revise? Time will tell, but I hope so.