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Back in high school, I wrote a paper dealing with capital punishment and its effect on deterring crime. At the time, I thought that the paper was structurally sound and effectively written. I felt that I had got across the key points which I felt made my argument worthwhile. Now, looking back, I see that I made some errors when writing my essay; however, I succeeded in some aspects as well. Throughout this essay, I’m going to be referring to Ann Lamott’s Bird by Bird, dealing with the writing process, as well as Richard Marius’s book, A Writer’s Companion, which details eleven qualities which you should try to achieve when writing. These qualities as well as Lamott’s ideas should be considered every time an essay is being written; and can also be used when writing other things as well. I’m going to be applying these concepts to the paper I wrote in high school about capital punishment. Lamott explains that it is important to get down some sort of first draft, as it will help you out later on down the road as your paper begins to take shape. When I was writing my paper, I never even entertained the thought of “drafts.” I basically set out to write something, and did so in a matter of a few hours. I had a hard time getting motivated to actually perfect my work, as I knew this was only going to be read by my teacher. I know when I write for larger audiences, I take much more time and consideration when revising my works. Lamott states a first draft serves as sort of a frame for what is to come. Maybe it just an outline of what your paper could really be. I think I am just one of those people who like to stick with what comes out first. I like to go with my “gut instinct” on most of the things I write. I need to break this habit and start to employ some of Lamott’s ideas. I know that is the only way I am going to become a better writer. And I also know that I should take the time to perfect everything that I write, not just those that interest me. When it comes to things that I am writing for fun, or for my peers, I am a perfectionist. I want to make sure that everything I put down on paper is absolutely spotless. I want people to applaud my work and say nothing even remotely negative about it.
Approximate Word count = 1676
Approximate Pages = 6.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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