What is the writing process? The writing process begins in thinking about a subject and ends only after proofreading the final draft.
According to authors of Simon & Schuster: Handbook for Writers, Lynn Troyka and Douglas Hesse, “Writing is an ONGOING process of considering alternatives and making choices” They describe the following steps in the writing process:
Planning: Discover and compile ideas for writing.
Shaping: Organize material.
Drafting: Write material into sentences and paragraphs.
Revising: Evaluate and rewrite by adding, deleting, rewording, and rearranging.
Editing: Check for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics.
Proofreading: Read final copy to eliminate typing or handwriting errors.
Planning, the first step in the writing process begins with analysis. Choose a topic. Determine points and supporting details.
The following strategies may help generate topic ideas:
Idea log: Because good ideas can be forgotten as quickly as they come to mind, write down thoughts and observations. This means having a conversation with oneself in writing.
Journal: Record thoughts about reading material, observations, and even dreams. Include reactions to movies or plays, responses to quotations, and reflections. A journal can assist productivity, observation and discovery, and be an excellent source of ideas for assignments.
Freewritng: When freewriting, write without stopping for several minutes. Write down whatever comes to mind, allowing the subconscious to explore thoughts.
Brainstorming: List thoughts about the topic, using words, phrases, or sentence fragments. Ask questions and look for ways to group the ideas.
Mapping: Mapping is a visual form of brainstorming using lines or diagrams.
Incubation: Incubation allows ideas to grow and develop. Sometimes writers need to distance from assignment.
Come to the Writing Center as soon as you get your assignment so we can help you through these first steps.