In the article written by Doug Downs, “Revision is Central to Developing Writing”, he talks about how writers work in composing several different versions of their writing. Writers set aside extra time between each piece of writing specifically for reflections. Each version also gets time to receive reader feedback. Revision significantly develops the text’s ideas, structure, and design. Writing is not often right the first time. Writers who do not revise see fewer positive results, than those who make time for feedback and revision. It is important that each writer sets aside time to discover which method of revision works best with their writing process. Revision works because it shares a characteristic of language-based endeavors. Writing gives the writer something new to talk about that they have not said before. Revision also works by building the textual-production time giving space for more consideration for gaining additional perspectives from other readers. Revision is central to developing writing. Revising is a difficult process, and some may see revision as punishment or poor performance. Revising is not an indicator of poor writing, but a sign and function of skill, maturity, and professional writing.
The articles “Revision is Central to Developing Writing” and “Shitty First Drafts” are similar because they both talk about how everyone needs to take time for revisions to obtain the terrific final drafts that we all hope for the first time. Both articles talk about how no one can achieve a final piece of writing without revisions and be able to feel confident about their writing. These two articles are different because “Shitty First Drafts” goes into specific detail about a personal experience, while “Revision is Central to Developing Writing” is more of a general piece about revisions. In Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts” the first sentence stands out to me because it helps writers understand that no one is perfect. There is always going to be failure before there is growth. Being able to accept the fact that what you write is not always going to be perfect the first time, and being able to grow from that and move forward is important. Overall, I learned by comparing the two articles that it is extremely important to make time for revisions and not to feel put down when receiving feedback. Revisions and feedback matter because they only help you grow as a writer and it helps you to achieve the best writing that you can.
