Allen and Lamott

The articles, “ The inspired Writer vs. The Real Writer” written by Sarah Allen and “Shitty First Drafts” written by Anne Lamott, both worked hand in hand explaining the controversies with writers. Both writers explain how the “Inspired Writer” doesn’t actually exist. It is rare to find a person to wake up every morning inspired to write a rich piece that is flawless that flows perfectly. Before writing, people tend to get stressed and feel like their paper is going to fail write off the bat without even writing down a single word. Allen and Lamott both found ways to help us relieve this stress and sense of guilt that our work won’t succeed. Lamott simply states to write a shitty first draft. To write like a child and let everything spill out onto the paper. She says to not worry if it doesn’t make sense or if there tremendous amounts of mistakes. No one will ever see this shitty first draft so there shouldn’t be any worries or embarrassment.  Lamott stresses the fact that if you write on numerous pages random thoughts, that at least one sentence on one of those pages is bound to inspire you and give you direction on where to go next. Allen has a similar approach of the writing process. She says to write a first draft that may seem like a “train wreck”, but let a select few people read it. She clearly states to not let a mother or a friend read the paper, but someone who is educated in the field of writing.  Both authors state to not let the voices in your head stress you out. They give the advice to just relax and let the words pour out onto the paper not worrying about who may see it. In the end it is just a draft that will hopefully turn into a wonderful piece of work.

I thought both articles were very helpful. I feel the same anxiety when beginning to write a paper. It is refreshing to know that I am not the only one who feels like they are “sinking or spinning” when trying to come up with a well-written paper, as Allen states. In high school, I would always freak out when assigned with a paper. I would never know how to begin writing or what to even write about. My teacher would always suggest writing rough drafts but I never felt like they would help and were time consuming. I would even freak out about writing a rough draft. I would never know were to start. I think it will be very beneficial for me to take Lamont’s approach at writing. If I just pour out everything that’s on my mind about the topic assigned I will be sure to have something worth writing about. If my draft isn’t to horrific, maybe I will take Allen’s approach as well and hopefully get some positive feedback. I think it is important that both authors stated to not worry about the people in your head telling you that the paper wont be thought provoking and interesting. I would always limit my writing ability because I was nervous of being judged. In the end it is my paper and as long as it is well thought out and creates good conversation, I will be satisfied whether or not my grade is h