Shitty First Drafts

Everyone has trouble writing. I have trouble writing all the time especially introduction paragraphs. After reading Anne Lamott's article, "Shitty First Drafts", I realized that I am not the only one who has trouble writing. Even best selling authors have trouble writing! Reading Lamott's advice on how to write is very smart and well thought out. Her three step process consists of writing, rereading what you wrote, and perfecting it. After reading her process, I realized that my process of writing and hers is quite similar. When I have an assigned essay, I just want to get it over with. Writing essays is what I dread the most so I usually get it out of the way. I read the prompt over and over again and think of topics that I could write about. When I have my topic down, I just begin to write (just like Anne does). However, introduction paragraphs have always been my weak spot because I can never think of a sentence that will hook the reader on reading my essay. So I usually skip the first paragraph and continue on through the body paragraphs and conclusion. After finishing the body paragraphs and conclusion, I go back to the beginning of my paper and start thinking and typing my introduction. After my introduction, I go back and reread my whole essay and make corrections. Sometimes at this point I usually ask a friend or go the reading and writing center at FSU to read my paper and see what more corrections I can make. This leads me to perfecting it (another step Anne and I do). To me, I think my writing process is successful. However, my process might not be good for some students. What I do like about my process and what I think is unique about it, is that I have someone else read my paper so I can get a second opinion (which I think everyone needs). I always want to take advantage of the reading and writing center because they know what they are talking about and their opinions always help me with corrections and perfecting it.

#blog #prompt4 #drafts