“writing joy” by Julie Jordan Scott via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Before class on Wednesday (remember, we don’t have class on Monday)…

  • Read “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott.
  • There may be a quiz at the beginning of class! 🙂

During class, we will…

Discuss/Write:

  • We’ll discuss the ideas presented in Lamott’s work both individually and in pairs, using the questions at the end of the essay:
    • Lamott says that the perceptions most people have of how writers work is different from the reality of the work itself. She refers to this in paragraph 1 as “the fantasy of the uninitiated.” What does she mean?
    • In paragraph 7 Lamott refers to a time when, through experience, she
      “eventually let [herself] trust the process – sort of, more or less.” She is
      referring to the writing process, of course, but why “more or less”? Do you think that her wariness is personal, or is she speaking for all writers in this regard? Explain.
    • From what Lamott has to say, is writing a first draft more about the product or the process? Do you agree in regard to your own first drafts? Explain.
  • Work on your own “shitty first drafts.” I will be asking to see your progress at the end of class, so spend the time wisely!
    • Brainstorm topics for Unit 1. As you prepare to write your own educational narrative, spend 10 minutes brainstorming a quick list of stories, ideas, questions, and moments that are important to your experience. If you’ve done this already, spend the time adding to your original brainstorm!
    • Next, select one of the texts we’ve read so far (Jiang, Douglass, Malcolm X) as a model for your own narrative. The story in the model text does not need to be like yours, but there is something about the way the story is told that you would like to emulate. Identify which text you have chosen as your model and what it is about the way the author composes their narrative (their techniques, strategies, and style) that appeals to you. If you’ve done this already, follow Lamott’s advice and start really writing your shitty first draft!

Looking ahead to next week…

  • We’re off again on Monday, but we will be meeting TWICE (on Wednesday and Thursday). All of City Tech will follow this schedule!
  • Read “The Fourth of July” by Audre Lorde.
  • Review â€œNarrative Basic Features” Power Point by Laura Westengard.
  • Work on your U1 Major Assignment!