As I read Lamott’s piece on first drafts, I found myself really connecting with her process of writing. I usually start out with thinking my first draft is going to be amazing and I can’t fix anything because it should be perfect. I start writing and hate everything I write, backspace, and start again. I finally realize it is just a free draft and is not the end of the world if it is not written perfection. I basically “word-vomit” onto the page and then once I’ve finished a section or even the whole essay, I go back and read what I have and pick and choose what I want to keep or get rid of.  Overall, I know my first draft isn’t the greatest piece of writing and I still really dislike some things I have but it’s always good to have a starting point.

 

Revision Plan Strategy:

The overall strategy I have in mind for my free draft, is to make the content of my paper easier to understand by clarifying concepts, using better examples, or even doing general explanations of key concepts.

The steps I intend to use are:

  • write a paragraph under the introduction about how often military metaphors are used in the medical field
    • how they may be hard to notice but they have an impact
  • create a counter argument paragraph to show the positives of using these metaphors (how other people can interpret them)
  • figure out where I want to use the “dandelion and orchid” example since I used it twice
    • probably will take it out in the first body paragraph explaining interpretation
    • find another example to use there
  • clarify any portions of texts that are confusing to read through/hard for audience to follow
    • condense run on sentences
  • look for grammar mistakes and any other sentences missed the first time
    • read out loud

With these steps, I believe my paper will significantly improve because it will become easier to follow as an audience and the argument will more clear and give both sides as opposed to just one.