Have you ever wondered what goes into the process of writing a book? According to the best-selling author Anne Lamott, there is a stark difference between what people commonly perceive about presenting a finished work and the reality of a writer’s journey toward completion. In this regard, she asserts that writing the “shitty first drafts” are critical in the writing process as they provide clarity and inspiration that bring about the brilliance within the second and third drafts. Lamott is a seasoned writer with seven novels and even more articles on various topics. Her experience from writing articles for the WomenSports magazine to the food reviews in the California magazine and book reviews for the Mademoiselle indicates her dedication to the writing process. Lamott dived into her writing career and understood that it was through her experiences that she would improve day by day. In the essay “Shitty First Drafts,” from the book Anne Lammot from Bird by Bird, Lamott offers advice on the writing process, often by making fun at her own expense. She demonstrates that attitude and revision are key to good writing and achieving expert-level traits through humor.
Lamott explicitly notes in the brief essay that the first draft is imperfect and weak, which more often than not leads to a great final draft, a fact that even professional writers have to accept. From the beginning of the essay, the author points out that every writer has a fear of failure, and putting out an essay that the readers would not like must be the biggest challenge. However, Lamott reiterates that overcoming this fear is the key to achieving a great final draft. She points out that it is comical and unreasonable for a writer to expect a perfect first draft (Lamott). The most proficient writers who are financially stable and getting their books published have overcome the whining and procrastination stages to write a draft with half sentences and ideas that seem to be written by a child (Lamott). Lamott asserts that it is by trusting the process and coming up with a routine of writing that a great final draft is achievable.
Lamott relies on her long professional career as a writer and those of high-ranking authors as evidence of the writing process. The author points out that she and other professionals in the field do not feel like the “sentences pour out like ticker tape”; rather, they feel like they are “pulling teeth” (Lamott, par. 2). Such description shows the difficulty in the creative process and establishing what seems like natural and fluid prose. However, the biggest secret to Lamott to writing is starting with a “really, really shitty first draft” where the childlike sense of freedom pours out ideas without refraining (Lamott, 1994, par. 3 &4). Through this first draft that no one will see, it is possible to develop ideas and a direction for the story will take. Lamott’s tedious stint writing food reviews for the California magazine shows the difficulties that every writer endures.
From the beginning, the author captures my and other readers’ attention with the bold and daring title showing her direct, truthful and realistic position in the writing process. Lamott recognizes that although the title may put off some of the writers, it is the very thing that attracts the reader to read more. Lamott employs humor to make the writing process relatable, using self-deprecation and referencing other writers without appearing ignorant (Lamott). This is evidenced when she sarcastically shows that her food reviews and those of others at the California magazine probably led to the loss in subscriptions and its ultimate demise. Her love for wonderful words is evident as she describes the process as “stupefying,” hideous,” and “incoherent,” always catching the attention of the readers.
With a deep understanding of her subject matter, the author concedes that no convincing or compelling objections exist to her primary argument. However, she introduces that a handful or a single writer could provide the perfect draft on the first try. Lamott makes this indication by pointing to the works of Muriel Spark as the exception to her argument. Nevertheless, she mocks her writing by indicating that Muriel felt as though she “was taking dictation from God” (Lamott, par. 2). Lamott’s expertise is the logical argument that untangles the irrational fears around the writing process. Her humor and funny interpretations of herself as a procrastinating writer and dramatically fearful serves as an emotional appeal, which she uses to take down her fears. The author’s credibility and ability to relate to the readers establish the ethos appeal to keep them engaged.
Conclusion
The essay “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott acts as motivation for authors all over the world. She provides evidence of the importance of attitude and revision for effective writing and acquiring expert-level skills from her experiences and those of other working authors. The essay is a powerful tool for inspiring authors to overcome their fear of failing while realizing that the initial draft is flawed and inadequate. Readers like Lamott’s witty and self-deprecating tone as she uses examples from her own experiences and those of other authors to demonstrate the writing process. Ultimately, Lamott’s essay inspires and encourages writers to believe in their process and establish a writing schedule to produce a strong final manuscript.
Work Cited
Lamott, A. (1994). Shitty First Drafts. In Bird by Bird: Instructions on Life and Writing. Knopf Doubleday.
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