The Writing Process

THE WRITING PROCESS

By j.d. daniels

1/28/20101/28/2010

Photo by j.d. daniels (2010)The Writing Process…

Deciding on a Topic can be Hard…

So, read assignments carefully. Review model essay examples. Review introductions of appropriate

chapters in your textbook. Then,

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Write this question and freewrite from it: What is it I really want to write about?

Freewrite?

Freewriting is a method to explore, it’s writing without restriction. Practicing this writer’s tool can help you find a topic. How do you do it?

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Put a question on paper, then write without stopping for ten minutes, ignoring all rules.

Frustration: Celebrate it

Many writing experts claim without the element of frustration, learning or discovery in writing doesn’t take place. When this doesn’t happen, the final product won’t be as powerful.

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Think about it. This means you should “Trust in the Process”. Trust that if you are frustrated, you are learning. Cool, huh?

True Learning

Thus, when you find yourself frustrated, step back and say to yourself.

Why this must mean I’m having a new experience. Then, dig in and take the challenge to conquer it.

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That knowledge will filter back to your sub-conscious mind, creating Learning with a capitol L.

The Broken Mirror Metaphor Know what happens when you drop a

mirror and it breaks? Scattered pieces. That’s how the writing process works.

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Sometimes you move forward, sometimes you move backward, sometimes things seem too scattered (or frustrating)

The Feedback Process

As a writer attempts to accomplish a writing task, they need feedback from peers. Varied feedback, gives the writer more to think about.

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Sometimes the feedback seems less than helpful. Don’t believe it.

Even one small thing said can make a huge change in a draft, thus making the final product more powerful.

Me give feedback? Me? Use those critique sheets. Yes, you can.

You are giving and receiving valuable information

Revising

Revising is what writers do.

If anyone thinks they can write one draft of an assignment, hand it in and be successful, they think they can buy the Brooklyn Bridge.

All writers, professional or novice, need feedback and editorial help.

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Sometimes what you think you said on paper (or screen) is still in your head.

You need readers to help catch this.

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So freewrite, then write drafts, read models, write reader responses, then share them with your peers. Read your peers responses, freewrite, write drafts, give and receive information from your peers, and revise and

revise and revise.

That’s what writers do…

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Why do all students in all colleges and universities have to take a form of

Comp I?

Because it’s an important course. It may be the most important class you ever take.

Push yourself to discover and explore.

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Trusting in the Process is a way of life.

This course is about you. It will as successful as you wish to make it.

Take the challenge.

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