After reading Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts” I felt a lot better about the way I put together my first draft. I also just write down whatever my thoughts are with no specific order. I just get all my thoughts onto a page. The difference between my first drafts and Anne Lamotts is that mine aren’t usually long enough. I do not have a problem with overwriting, I struggle because I don’t write enough. I put my thoughts out and thats that. I can explain my opinion in a few sentences so thats what I do. But once I have all my thoughts written I then organize them in order and move around my paragraphs. Once they have a good flow I add more detail to them and more supporting evidence. It usually takes me until my second draft to finally reach my word or page goal.
Revision Plan Strategy:
My goal is to clearly support my thesis, I want to use more evidence from the reading so my thesis is made more valid. I would like at least one or two quotes in all my supporting paragraphs so I will go through the text and my paragraph and see what connects and where I can incorporate a good quote. My biggest challenge will probably be finding quotes that will flow into my paragraphs since this will take multiple times of re reading the text. If I struggle to do this on my own I would feel comfortable reaching out to Professor Emerson or classmates, and if they couldn’t help me either I would also feel comfortable going to SASC for some outside help.
I like your plan and I feel like it is a strong way to fully get what you want to say incorporated into your final draft. I like how your number one goal is to tie your writing to your thesis more to make a coherent essay. This is what I want to do to strengthen my essay. I was so relieved to read Lamott’s essay as well because I felt that it didn’t matter how bad my first draft was, because it’s intended to put down what you want to say. It also helps you develop a better essay with all your intended points and no run ons.
Erin,
It sounds like you have a good grasp on what you need to prioritize. I’m glad that you feel comfortable asking for help! Please don’t ever hesitate to do so!