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Shitty First Drafts

Julie Thayer

Shitty First Drafts


I have never been okay with the idea to just “let go and write.” I have always thought to create a great first draft so there will be less work in the following revisions. I took ENC 1101 over this past summer where I also had to read the excerpt “Shitty First Drafts.” Although it was hard, I took the suggestions of this article and because of it became a stronger writer. This excerpt humanized published authors to me. I had always believed that these people could just sit down and write a publishable work on their first try. To my surprise this is untrue, to find out that these authors also struggle with writing from time to time made me feel as if creating a great piece of writing isn’t as hard as I make it out to be. What really helped to improve my writing was just sitting down and writing without stopping to really think about what I was putting on paper. This helps get all my ideas out in front of me, and even if the majority of them are awful, I can always find one or two great ones to build off of. I have also learned to be okay with completely taking out/changing paragraphs of my first draft. Although it is more work, it helps me create a more cohesive piece and it, therefore, made me a better writer. 

Comments

  1. Sophia FundoraJanuary 16, 2018 at 9:05 AM

    Julie,
    I as well have never been cool with the idea of just writing endlessly with the expectation of either having a natural talent for it or not. I agree that drafting your pieces really does make you a stronger writer and helps you organize your ideas in a better fashion.

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  2. Haley KetchumJanuary 16, 2018 at 9:11 AM

    I am looking forward to writing my own "shitty first draft," so it's nice to know the technique worked for you! I also agree that this excerpt humanized authors. I never realized they had the same stuggles as regular writers.

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  3. UnknownJanuary 16, 2018 at 9:45 AM

    Julie, I've always been reluctant to just start typing without brainstorming ideas, and having a clear idea on where my writing is going. Although the suggestions in this article are helpful and informative, it is going to be difficult to adapt to this way of writing. It is great to know you already have profited as a writer from these suggestions, and I look forward to using them.

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  4. UnknownJanuary 16, 2018 at 10:45 AM

    I also thought good writing to professionals just came natural to them. People either are good at something or their not. The word you used to describe them was perfect. This essay 'humanized' good writers. Just getting the ideas that come to mind down is a great way to start an essay.

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