In this paper, I will discuss the article Reading to Write by Stephen King. I will examine the ideas he presents by citing the examples he uses. Additionally, I will give my own thoughts on his points and provide my own ideas of these topics. Lastly I will explain how I feel his logic not only effectively applies to the topic he is discussing, but how it is applicable to any chosen field a person may attempt to become successful in.…
In her article, “Shitty First Drafts”, Anne Lamott writes about how having “shitty first drafts” is one of the key components of the writing process. She believes that writing a “shitty” first draft will lead to writers writing “good second drafts” and “terrific third drafts.” Lamott illustrates through her experiences as a food critic that writing does not always come easily. In order for there to be a “terrific” final piece of work, the writer needs to first allow for the words and thoughts to come flowing out without restriction. Lamott explains that she would go to the restaurant to review them numerous amounts of times with her friends. She would then write down her friends’ opinionated words about the restaurant. Here she was writing…
In this child’s draft of just visions and impulsive thoughts, she lets it all gush out and let it slope all over the place, thinking that only yourself are going to see it and shape the draft later. After cutting out lines and phrases that she doesn’t need, she would continue on to rewriting a better second draft. She used to write food reviews for a California magazine; from there, the writer learned a lot that food reviewing was not only typing and commenting on the food but it also need a clear structure of explanation. Lastly, Lamott tells readers that this whole rough drafts process is just a persisting cycle, and it will soon happen again. If I use some of these techniques that Lamott mentioned in this paper, then maybe I can begin to have some comfort when writing my first draft and to create wonderful pieces of art that are out of my potential. No matter how “shitty” the first copy may be,…
In “Shitty First Drafts,” a selection from Bird by Bird (1994), Anne Lamott claims that in order to write effectively it is necessary to just get a first draft written down, no matter how crappy it may be. She does this by disproving the assumption that great authors just sit down and magically spit out an amazing piece of work and by sharing her own experience writing awful first drafts. Ms. Lamott, an accomplished author, shared her experiences in order to demonstrate how all readers need to write that abhorrent first draft. She is writing to other, less-experienced writers to reassure them, and to help them become better writers.…
Donald M. Murray’s 1973 essay titled “The Maker’s Eye: Revising Your Own Manuscripts”, closely analyzes writers and their meticulous attention to detail present in all their works. He invites the reader into the world of an accomplished author and the mindset behind someone who has had a piece of their writing published for millions to see. The intended audience for this article is the aspiring student or author who’s interested in learning more about the world he may soon step into. Knowing this, Murray starts off the essay without any of the traditional expected fluff and instead brashly informs the reader of the difference between an expert author and one such as the reader.…
Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts” is an argument and an admission from an industry veteran. A Herculean effort may be necessary for writing because life requires the same strain. Lamott’s personal conflicts and self-doubt have built an amazing opportunity to use her story to convince her audience that for some people, perfectionism and self-criticism can be the cause of failure. Through the prolific use of metaphor in the form of personification and interesting similes relating to her personal experiences, Lamott lays a foundation in her life story and aggressively finishes with a sound logical argument. For Lamott, it is okay to have shitty first drafts because those are just a step in the difficult process of writing.…
Joseph Harris’ essay “Revising” (2006 pg.452-69); serves as a guide in how to correctly revise any writing you have ever completed. Harris designates four points that must be taken under consideration while revising. Before getting to the core of his argument, Harris notes that revising is not the same as editing. The essay points out that students are trained too just polish and make their writing sleeker rather than making a difference or significant change to the original. From there Harris brings up his first point stating that the author must decide what exactly it is that they are trying to convey. Harris believes the problem stems from that fact that many writers focus too much on correcting mistakes without thinking of what it is they…
George knows all about the three reasons why authors write. He has been writing short stories and poems since he was in fourth grade.…
“Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott discusses her opinions on first drafts, how she believes others dislike first drafts as much as her, how she gets past getting through her first draft, and her own experiences with first drafts when she worked as a food critic for the magazine California.…
In this essay “How to Read Like a Writer” Mike Bunn, claims that college students should distinguish choices the writer made and decide whether they want to implement them in their writing; enhancing their level of writing. Bunn explains that reading like a writer is a strategy that questions, analyses and criticizes a text to make readers look at the structure, the style, the word choice in regards to several factors like: the purpose, the audience, and the genre. The author concludes that this strategy will also signal the writer’s argument. The essay ends by providing a step-by-step example to obtain structural analysis and familiarize students with this strategy.…
Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts” presents an argument to eliminate the understanding that writers create a masterpiece on their first drafts. The first draft is simply the first attempt that writers create to turn their thoughts into a final paper. Lamott tries to convince the “uninitiated” that everyone writes “shitty first drafts” and often times, positive outcomes come from those first attempts. One of the biggest obstacle in writing is the fear of creating terrible paper and many writers do not realize that this is actually the most important part to a good article. Lamott provided an effective rhetorical situation because of her persuasive appeals and structure.…
The five steps of the writing process are equally vital to the succession of any writing assignment, whether it is for work or school. The five stages include PREWRITING, PLANNING, DRAFTING, REVISING, and PROOFREADING. As our text (Arlov, 2014), explains, “Writing is not a single act, but a process composed of several steps,” (p. 3). Moreover, constructing a strong paper that is well-written (no matter how tedious it seems), requires efficaciously executing all five phases. It is crucial not to take shortcuts by eluding any step of the writing process.…
Included below are three essays, a summary and response, a visual analysis, and a rhetorical analysis. While working on these three pieces I have developed new strategies that have helped me to better understand and practice writing as a process. These strategies include summarizing, collaboration, brainstorming, editing, revision and discussion.…
Communication is a fundamental part of working in a professional environment. Without proper communication, nothing will get done. Outside the Lens is a very collaborative and communicative company as is the work the students the students do at Muirlands, so I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have good communication and understanding. It’s also important to self-advocate for yourself otherwise you won’t accomplish anything you want. My mentor has always left room for self-advocacy by telling me to let him know if there was anything specific I wanted to learn, or focus on. I’ve felt confident enough to speak up whenever there’s something I want and that’s helped me out while working on my project. While editing I decided I needed more…
As illustrated by Anne Lamott, author of Bird by Bird, first drafts are not meant to be perfect, but merely to begin the writing process and generate ideas that can later be perfected. Lamott attempts to eliminate the common perceptions of the writing process, emphasizing the need for accepting flaws of an initial draft.…