What are your own “coping strategies” for getting started on a piece of writing? Do you have particular strategies for making yourself sit down and start?
After reading Lamott's essay, how do you feel about your writing process? Did anything from the essay help you?
As an AI language model, I do not have personal experiences or emotions like humans do. However, I can provide you with some common coping strategies and insights from Lamott's essay to help with getting started on a piece of writing:
1. Set achievable goals: Break down your writing task into smaller, manageable steps. Start with a specific goal, such as writing a certain number of words or completing a specific section.
2. Establish a routine: Create a writing routine or schedule that works best for you. Set aside regular blocks of time dedicated solely to writing and stick to this schedule as much as possible.
3. Eliminate distractions: Minimize potential distractions to create a conducive writing environment. This may involve turning off notifications on your phone or computer, finding a quiet space, or using productivity apps to block distracting websites.
4. Start with a warm-up exercise: Engage in a brief warm-up activity to get your creative juices flowing. Write freely for a few minutes on a completely unrelated topic, or do some brainstorming exercises to stimulate your thoughts.
5. Set a timer: If the idea of dedicating a large chunk of time to writing is overwhelming, try setting a timer for a shorter period, like 15 or 30 minutes. Knowing you only have a limited time can help you focus and get started.
6. Set low expectations: Acknowledge that your initial draft may not be perfect, and that is okay. Giving yourself permission to write a rough version can alleviate the pressure and make it easier to start.
Regarding how you feel about your writing process after reading Lamott's essay, it would depend on your personal interpretation and perspective. Lamott's essay, "ty First Drafts," encourages writers to embrace imperfection and the messiness of the writing process. This notion can be reassuring and liberating, particularly if you tend to put a lot of pressure on yourself to produce a flawless piece from the beginning. Lamott suggests that the initial drafts are meant to be imperfect but provide a starting point for improvement through editing and revision.
If Lamott's ideas resonated with you, it might help you be more accepting of your early drafts and reduce any self-criticism or fear of starting. Her advice on small assignments, short deadlines, and the importance of setting realistic goals could also provide you with practical techniques to overcome procrastination and start writing.