During the first draft most have no idea where they are going. Instead of just staring at the screen for hours and hours, all you need to do is just start typing. The first draft is where you get out the main ideas, but what some don’t realize is how sloppy it can actually be.

“The first draft is the child’s draft, where you let it all pour out and then let it romp all over the place, knowing that no one is going to see it and that you can shape it later.” (Lamott 528). No one is going to see the first draft, and another thing many forget (including myself) is to assure yourself that it’s just ideas, not your final draft.

“Very few writers really know what they are doing until they’ve done it. Nor do they go about their business feeling dewy and thrilled.” (Lamott 528). This is my favorite quote because it is very relatable for all writers. This even qualifies for academic and extracurricular use.

When it comes to exploring different ideas for stories it can be difficult because you don’t know where to start. Just write the ideas out and let it flow because I almost guarantee that it will become some of your best work.

But overall, to all of you college students out there, embrace yourself and your work. It may take many drafts to help you get there but it will all be worth it. It takes all that hard work and more to become the writer that you, college students, dream to be. Stay strong and write on.

Lamott, Anne. “Shitty First Drafts.” Bird by Bird: Some instructions on Writing and Life. New York: Anchor, 1994. 21-27. Print.