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Jeremy Cole

Dr. David DiSarro

ENG111

June 19, 2017

Assignment #2: Identifying Assumptions and Consequences

In Anne Lamotts essay, Shitty First Drafts, she provides an assumption right off the bat.

When referring to the need for a first draft, specifically a bad one, Lamott assumes that All

good writers write them (Lamott, p.1). This assumption implies that all writers, regardless of

skill level, write first drafts. When I write, I hardly, if ever write a first draft. I just sit down and

go, usually because of a time crunch. Lamott assumes that people look at successful writers,

ones who are frequently published, and they think those writers just sit down on a daily basis and

produce a masterpiece on the first try.

Another assumption could be Lamott stating that almost all good writing begins with

terrible first drafts (Lamott, p.2). This may be true for writers of novels and screenplays, but

not necessarily the case for a college student that is under pressure to meet a time deadline with a

bunch of other classes and everything due at the same time. Perhaps an assumption that Lamott

makes that is accurate is when she says you need to start somewhere (Lamott, p.2). This is a

valid point for whatever is being written.

If we look at potential consequences of Lamotts essay, we might find that her

assumptions are also consequences. When writing, there needs to be a starting point. Also, a
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draft is designed to continue the flow of ideas and provide a foundation. If a first draft is not

written, how can this be possible? So, if Lamotts idea about all good writing beginning with

terrible first drafts is accurate, then everyone should write first drafts for everything. Let us also

presume that if Lamotts statement that all good writers write shitty first drafts is valid and

everyone begins writing them, then everyone can become a good writer.

While Lamott points out and provides examples that it may be necessary to clear ones

head, the methods she describes may not work for everyone. Each person is different. Some

need a clear head and quiet while others need some background noise. Lamott does

acknowledge the fact that the methods she describes are her methods and eludes to the fact that

they may not be appropriate for everyone.

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Works Cited

Lamott, Anne. Shitty First Drafts, canvas.endicott,edu/courses/13639/files/716842/download.

Accessed June 19, 2017