Sometimes you have to do a complete overhaul. Maybe your thesis isn't supporting the body of your essay, maybe your web site isn't getting enough hits, maybe your house lacks major curb appeal. So, what to do? Put on your protective gloves, your hardhat and goggles, and get to work!
It can be daunting to start over, but maybe the foundation of your essay can be saved. You don't have to necessarily bulldoze what you've already written...work with it. If you like the quotes you've selected from a text, do some freewriting until you figure out what makes them important. Underline one sentence from each of your body paragraphs that you think sums up that paragraph's purpose. Voila! You've just constructed a new topic sentence.
So as you build your own writing, remember that the process will likely be labor intensive. As actress Lily Tomlin says, "The road to success is always under construction." Keep at it!
~Mary
