I really related with Anne Lamott’s essay. When I write my first drafts, it is usually just to get my ideas on paper in whatever order my thoughts present themselves. Most of the time my first drafts are disorganized and lack grammar and mechanics, because I am mostly letting my thoughts just flow so my sentences can often be phrases or long run-ons. It is when I work on it the second time that I am able to put my ideas into actual sentences that make sense and organize my thoughts into paragraphs that begin to flow. When writing my rough draft, if I cannot think of a conclusion, or well written claim sentences, I typically will leave them out, and then go back in and add them when I am writing my second draft. When she talked about the idea people have regarding writers stating, “They take in a few deep breaths, push back their sleeves, roll their necks a few times to get all the cricks out, and dive in, typing fully formed passages.” I laughed. At times, I get so frustrated that writing comes so easy to others, and that they can just write one perfect draft. This is certainly not my reality.
For my revision plan strategy, there are a few things I need to do. I need to create a stronger thesis statement that better presents the key focus of my paper. I am going to reread my paragraphs create a thesis statement that sets up for the reader, what my essay is going to talk about. I am going to go through my paper and make sure my claim sentences are strong and interesting. I also need to write a better paragraph exploring both sides of the argument, and not just my opinion. Finally, I need to write a better conclusion that wraps up my papers and leaves the reader thinking. My biggest challenge will be coming up with the words to clearly explain my thoughts and articulating my thinking clearly. When I am not usually able to do this, I usually take a step back and do something else, then return to my paper when I have had time to mentally process.
When it comes to creating a better thesis I suggest thinking of what you really want the reader to get out of the paper and formulate it into words. Obviously easier said than done that’s what I do and it does help. Also, when it comes to a paragraph addressing both sides of the argument it will help to look at the argument with a different view. Try to understand positives and negatives for both sides and then put it all down on paper.
I agree with the writing process that you mentioned. You said that if you have trouble writing a conclusion or claim sentences, you leave them out. I have found myself doing this as well. Sometimes, as writers, we develop writer’s block and need to take time to let it marinate before we can continue writing. I am also frustrated when writers can write one perfect draft, but it doesn’t happen very often. So, if it makes you feel better, a lot of us are in the same boat! After reading your essay, I believe your revision strategy is putting you on the right track! I would suggest reading your essay out loud in order to achieve some of these goals. This will help you to notice things that you might not have noticed before. I think it is wise to take a step back if you end up not being able to write clearly; sometimes that is just what a writer needs!
I felt the same way after reading Anne Lamotts essay, I also just try to get my ideas down on the first draft and then expand on them as I do more drafts. I like how you are not afraid to make mistakes in your first draft and just let everything you are thinking out on the paper not worrying about grammar or other little mistakes. I agree with wanting to get a stronger thesis statement, I also want to improve my thesis statement in my essay. I also need to write more paragraphs that cover both sides of the argument, I think that it will really help your claim and the point that you are trying to make in the essay. I think that by fixing up your conclusion it will help tie the whole paper together.