The writing process has always been a nerve-wracking journey for me, often leading to a downward spiral. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I tend to get caught up in my head, doubting whether the work I produce is ever good enough. Unfortunately, this leads to a vicious cycle of procrastination, escalating my anxiety and feelings of helplessness. However, my perspective underwent a transformation after I read Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts.”
In her article, Lamott emphasizes that sometimes we need to accept that our first draft is likely to be far from perfect. This revelation takes the pressure off the unrealistic expectation of creating groundbreaking work and allows us to simply get our ideas onto paper. For someone like me, who struggles with productivity and procrastination, adopting this more relaxed, laid-back approach to writing has completely changed the way I view not only writing but other aspects of my life.
However, we can also be our harshest critics, and self-concept and confidence in our writing are crucial. Renee Long, a writer, teacher, and founder of the blog “Write for Joy!” rejects the idea of “shitty first drafts” and instead introduces the concept of “seed drafts.” By thinking of our work as “fertile seeds that require time, energy, and nurturing to sprout into something remarkable,” Long offers a more positive and forgiving approach to the writing process. It’s important to recognize that what we write is not always terrible, and Long’s perspective has its merits.
In conclusion, both Lamott and Long present interesting and valuable viewpoints. So here’s my take: personally, the writing process varies for me each time. There are days when I struggle with severe writer’s block and need the tough-love ideology of a “shitty first draft” to make any progress. On other days, I can be more forgiving and embrace the “seed draft” mentality. The key takeaway is that the writer’s journey is not always linear, and failure is a part of the process. Learning not to be too hard on oneself is not only essential in writing but also in life, as it paves the way for growth and resilience.
I invite you to read more of my work such as, “Reclaiming Your Voice When Writing,” which delves into the use of first-person in academic writing.
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