Study Notes on "Shitty First Drafts" by Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott – "Shitty First Drafts"

Author Background

  • Anne Lamott

    • Born in San Francisco in 1954

    • Graduate of Goucher College in Baltimore

    • Author of six novels:

    • Rosie (1983)

    • Crooked Little Heart (1997)

    • All New People (2000)

    • Blue Shoes (2002)

    • Former roles:

    • Food reviewer for California magazine

    • Book reviewer for Mademoiselle

    • Contributor to Salon’s "Mothers Who Think"

    • Notable nonfiction works include:

    • Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year (1993) – Chronicles her experiences as a single parent.

    • Tender Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith (1999) – Discusses her journey toward faith in God.

Main Thesis (from "Bird by Bird")

  • Concept of Shitty First Drafts:

    • Essential for good writing.

    • Allows writers to produce clarity and brilliance in later drafts.

Writer’s Reality vs. Perception

  • Common misconception that successful writers write effortlessly.

  • Majority of writers do not feel confident or enthusiastic.

  • Writers do not usually produce elegant first drafts.

    • Exception noted: A singular writer who does produce elegant drafts is viewed unfavorably by Lamott.

  • Quote from Lamott:

    • "…you can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."

Writing Challenges

  • Writers often do not know what they are doing until they begin the process.

  • They experience fears and challenges when starting to write:

    • Writing can feel like pulling teeth.

    • Muriel Spark metaphorically described her writing journey as dictation from God, highlighting a clash with the common writer's experience.

The Process of Writing First Drafts

  • Characterization of First Drafts:

    • Described as the "child's draft."

    • Emphasis on freedom in expression during this phase:

    • Letting thoughts flow without restraint.

    • Allowing characters to express whatever comes to mind.

  • Importance of exploring irrational and emotional territory in early drafts.

  • Quote from Lamott:

    • "…in the very last line of the very last paragraph…there may be something great…"

Personal Experience with Writing

  • Lamott shares her history as a food reviewer for California magazine.

    • Each review process involved multiple visits to restaurants with friends for inspiration.

    • Subsequent panic when trying to write the review:

    • Struggle with creating the lead paragraph.

    • Feelings of despair when drafts did not meet expectations.

  • Lamott would eventually acknowledge:

    • Importance of writing a "shitty first draft" to overcome writer's block.

The Writing Drafting Process

  • **Stages of Drafting:

    1. Down draft:** Get all ideas down on paper without concern for quality.

    2. Up draft:** Fix and improve what has been written.

    3. Dental draft:** Detailed editing to refine and polish the piece.

Reflections on the Writing Process

  • Writers often begin with fears about their first drafts being exposed.

  • Lamott’s reflections emphasize:

    • Authenticity in writing and personal style.

    • Writers must acknowledge their insecurities.

  • Query questions:

    1. What reality does Lamott suggest about perceptions of writers?

    • Response: She indicates that the view of effortless writing is a misconception.

    1. Trusting the writing process is challenging:

    • Lamott's "more or less" indicates some writer's skepticism; her wariness may reflect broader writer apprehensions.

    1. Value of process vs. product in first drafts:

    • Lamott prioritizes process; students may resonate or differ based on personal experiences with first drafts.