This stage of peer review taught me a lot. When I read through these essays and edited them it seemed easier, when I work with my own writings I become to attached and fear changing them to much. You have to read an essay like it’s never your owns because that’s how you will get your best work, being honest with yourself.
I can relate, Matthew! It’s difficult to let go of nearly anything we invest in, isn’t it? I think it helps to look at the first draft as an investment in a PROCESS versus an investment in a final PRODUCT. As you revise, you can begin to think along those “final draft” lines.