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Shitty First Drafts Reader Response

Syvannah Boland

     After reading Anne Lamott's article, it made me feel a lot better about upcoming essays and the process of writing them. I have always tried to make sure that my first drafts were well put together and cohesive (almost well enough to turn in on my first try), and this has only caused me panic and stress. I found relief in reading that everyone, including professional authors, struggle in the beginning of their writings. I now know that I can throw all of my ideas and thoughts on paper, even if it is unorganized and doesn't make sense, and submit it as a first draft. I had always thought that there was a higher standard to be held to, which only caused me to spend way too much time on a draft that isn't even graded for it's quality. Reading this has completely changed my mindset about this class and any writing classes I am going to take, because it has caused my fear and intimidation of pieces of writing to disappear. I am excited to write with a new mindset in how I can begin my writing, and knowing that I will not be judged based off of what my mind comes up with at the beginning.

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 14, 2018 at 3:28 PM

    I agree with you in every aspect. Similarly, I struggled with turning in first drafts that I knew weren't my best. However, as you said, after reading the article I no longer will second guess my initial ideas and their validity.

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  2. UnknownJanuary 15, 2018 at 2:17 PM

    Like you, I always tried to make my first drafts very well put together. This always stressed me out as well, trying to perfect my writing in a short period of time. This reading also changed my mindset and has made me feel a lot better.

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