I think both Lamott and Dila have very different perspectives on a first draft and none of them are wrong. Writing is expressing yourself and if that means that you go by your very own preference then let it be that way. I do think that everyone has their own set of writing techniques and Dia is right, you cannot force it. Do what works best for you. Personally, my writing process may be very similar to Lamott’s thoughts. I’ve always had a hard time coming up with topics to write about and how to start off my writings. Of course, when I do find the right topic, I find it easier for myself to focus and express what I have to say. I also do believe that the same method will not work every time and I find myself using Dila’s method of writing sometimes as well. The hardest part for me when I write is finding the best hook and the best concluding sentence. I want my writing to start off and end strong, it gives me a better idea of how to critique the rest. I would say one of the techniques that I have used in the past is to find a hook that relates to my topic and a concluding sentence and working around that to create the key content of my writing. It gives me a starting point and an endpoint. Keeps me on track!