In her article titled "Shitty First Drafts," Anne Lamott emphasizes the importance of the revision process in writing and encourages writers not to be discouraged if their initial attempts are imperfect. She highlights that people often perceive successful writers as effortlessly producing flawless work, but the reality is that they understand the value of revising and refining their writing. Lamott states, "People tend to look at successful writers who are getting their books published and maybe even doing well financially and think that they sit down at their desks every morning feeling like a million dollars," emphasizing that success comes from embracing the idea that the first draft is often far from perfect. Lamott emphasizes that this messy and unorganized state is a normal part of the writing process and should not discourage writers from continuing or make them feel inadequate. It is through the subsequent revisions and refinement that the true essence of the work emerges. This serves as a comforting reminder that initial drafts can be messy, and the real progress comes from the commitment to revising and improving the work.
In the subsequent article, "Introduction to Primary Research" by Dana Driscoll, the author provides an overview of the fundamental concept of primary research. Driscoll delves into the essence of a research article, offering a comprehensive understanding of the necessary steps involved in its creation. The article emphasizes that the primary objective of research is to explore new information that can be corroborated by others, while also acknowledging the need to address and mitigate personal biases. This highlights the importance of individual perspectives and concerns in the writing process, ultimately contributing to the expansion of knowledge. The article then goes on to further suggest several primary research methods commonly employed in first-year writing classes, including observations, interviews, and surveys. By engaging with these resources, numerous peers and students, including myself, can integrate the insights and formatting techniques into our own research and papers. This allows us to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our work, benefiting from the knowledge and experiences shared by others.