Questions
Lamott says that the perceptions most people have of how writers work is different from the reality of the work itself. She refers to this in paragraph 1 as “the fantasy of the uninitiated.” What does she mean?
In paragraph 7 Lamott refers to a time when, through experience, she “eventually let [herself] trust the process – sort of, more or less.” She is referring to the writing process, of course, but why “more or less”? Do you think that her wariness is personal, or is she speaking for all writers in this regard? Explain.
From what Lamott has to say, is writing a first draft more about the product orthe process? Do you agree in regard to your own first drafts? Explain.
How has reading this piece changed or reinforced your own views about the writing process in particular about drafting or first drafts?