Vanessa Espin

In “Shitty First Drafts” the author Anne Lamott argues about the importance of letting go when writing your first draft. The first draft helps the writer have an idea of what the finishing piece can come together like, and it can lead to better second and brilliant third draft’s. She explains the process that she, as a writer, and some well known writer’s, go through before they finish a book, or any written piece. Everyone needs to express themselves freely and let every thought in ones mind get written on a piece of paper because the best ideas can be hiding in the most simplest thoughts. Anne calls this process a “Child’s draft.” Where everything is poured out and romped all over the place. Which at first might feel absurd and the writing might be incoherent, but everyone needs to start somewhere, and her advice is that this is the best way.

I found it interesting when she said “ but this is just the fantasy of the uninitiated.” Those who have no knowledge of the process assume that since writers compose brilliant books, the ideas come instantly and the writing might flow perfectly. When in reality they all write “shitty first drafts”

I also found interesting when she said “but because by then I had been writing for so long, I would eventually let myself trust the process – sort of, more or less.” Even though she’s been writing for a long time and knows that the process of the “child’s draft” is needed to get started, she still gets nervous about a new piece. Sometimes even feels like giving up. Every new piece she starts makes her feel like if it was a first one.

Who is Muriel Sparks? She refers to her as “we do not think she has a rich inner life or that God likes her or can even stand her” I would have liked to hear more about who this person is and why she’s mentioned here.

The purpose of the author is to inform the reader that even their writing takes time and work. Nothing brilliant is instantly written. She supports her ideas by giving examples of other writers like herself who have written many times, but still start with  what she calls a “shitty first draft” that leads to a better second draft and an excellent third one.