Dialectical Notebook

Anne Lamott: Shitty First Drafts

Response	Quotation
I like this quote because I can easily relate to it. When I am writing a paper, I often change my mind and go back and get rid of things. I like how she says that you need to start somewhere. Sometimes when I am writing, I force myself to start, and then the ideas usually come to me.	“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere. Start by getting something-anything-down on paper.” (pg. 303)
This quote describes me when I am experiencing writers block. I also feel this way when I cannot get a good start on my writing.	“I’d try to write a lead, but instead I’d write a couple of dreadful sentences, xx them out, try again, xx everything out, and then feel despair and worry settle on my chest like an x-ray apron.” (pg. 303)

Stephen King: What Writing Is

Response	Quotation
Here, King is describing a place he goes mentally when he is writing. I like this quote because I also like to place myself in a better environment when I am writing.	“I’m in another place, a basement place where there are lots of bright lights and clear images. This is a place I’ve built for myself over the years. It’s a far-seeing place. I know it’s a little strange, a little bit of a contradiction, that a far-seeing place should also be a basement place, but that’s how it is with me.” (pg. 305)
In this quote, King is stressing the importance of taking writing seriously. He says that you must focus and take it seriously. I like his view on this statement.	“Come to it any way but lightly. Let me say it again: you must not come lightly to the blank page.” (pg. 307)

Allegra Goodman: Calming the Inner Critic and Getting to Work

Response	Quotation
I like this quote because it shows the importance of being confident in your work. I agree with Goodman when she talks about frightening the critic. I like how she encourages hard work and dedication to your work.	“Love your material. Nothing frightens the inner critic more than the writer who loves her work.” (pg: 309)
In this quote, Goodman tells us that if we use things from our past, our lives, or other things about us, we will have a better chance of being creative and coming up with ideas. I like this theory and will try it next time I am having trouble coming up with ideas.	“There are no guarantees, but if you go out where stories congregate, it’s far more likely that characters will come.” (pg: 310)
I like this quote because I believe that it is important to take risks in writing. If everyone played it safe, there would be no great writing, only boring ones.	“Ultimately every writer must chose between safety and invention;” (pg: 310)