Read and Remix Blog #1: Shitty First Drafts

Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts” expounds upon the creative process through which nearly every writer goes through. It is important to note, however, that Lamott’s method of creating a “shitty first draft,” to later edit and manipulate until it becomes a coherent piece, can be applied to many facets of life. Lamott touched upon the panic and anxiety writers go through when first beginning a piece, how or what they will fill their pages with in attempt to be as universally-liked as the most famous authors. None of these authors, however, created a perfect first draft that we have read in literature classes, book clubs, or for pleasure. They have been cut down, edited, reviewed, or even thrown out and started from scratch. This method of writing, which aims to lessen the stresses of striving for immediate perfection, should be incorporated into each of her readers’ daily life. Whether that be trying a new sport, starting a new career, or even going through their first week at FSU, it is important to first put yourself out there. Lamott expressed the importance of first putting all of your thoughts and effort into one blank canvas. That is the starting point: from there to be manipulated and consolidated time after time. Try new things, talk to new people, explore all possible options, and go from there. While some aspects of these adventures may not turn out well, at least they have been visited. These failures represent the pathway to success, by eliminating the things that are not your ultimate goal and making the attainment of that goal that much more valuable.