The Writing Process

Prewriting:

Begin by doing a free writing of a subject, any subject. Write as much as you can from what you already know of the subject, and if that is nothing, then start writing what you would like to know about your subject, and any questions that pop up. Research as much as you can, through books, the internet, interviews, movies, anything you can get your hands on pertaining to this subject, even if you’re not planning on using it in your writing. Here is the hard part. Closely examine your prewriting. Now ask yourself if you still have a solid interest in the subject. If not, throw it out and start over with something fresh. If it still tickles your fancy, then you need to think of an overall plan or design for organizing your writing, such as an outline or a list.

First draft:

Use your prewriting as a guideline for your first draft. Give your first paragraph something special to set the mood for your reader. Keep writing until you come to a natural stopping point. This isn’t the time to worry about provisions; work on developing your ideas. Keep in mind your first draft is your first of many of a developing idea—it isn’t set in stone.

Revising:

Now sit back with an open mind and read your first draft, but don’t be so quick to make changes yet. Just read it. Now re-read it: add, cut, swap, and rearrange your thoughts. Re-read it. Revise it. Now concentrate on your opening and closing paragraphs. Make sure the first tells your reader what they are getting into, and the last gives them a feeling of closure. Re-read it. Revise it.

Proofreading:

Now it is time to get your grammar books and dictionaries out. Review each sentence carefully for errors. Then read each sentence out loud. This will help you determine if your sentences are confusing or un- natural sounding.

Final copy:

Neatly type and print a few copies of your finished work according to the guidelines you are following, if any, or search for a market that is suitable for your writing.