Writing Process

                Writing has typically been an uphill battle; I do not know how to start. I usually face “writer’s block” several times.  Towards the end, I have troubles with editing as well. And in order to avoid that dreaded downward spiral, I have devised a couple steps for the writing process.

                First off, I brainstorm all the possible ideas. If I am attempting to write a paper on a topic that I do not have enough supporting details for, I abandon it. I have found that this is a great way to prevent writer’s block and an easy way to come up with supporting details. At this stage, it is also easier to reject your idea, since you have not put that much thought into it yet. Therefore, you do not feel that all your efforts have been a waste. You should start researching, (if your paper needs more information).

                After brainstorming and research, I recommend creating an outline with all your supporting details. I typically create my outline immediately after brainstorming. Then, I have all my ideas fresh in my head. So, when I come back to look at my paper later I know what I have done and where I am headed.

                If I have not completed a basic outline, this is where my writer’s block usually kicks in. I want to start with a witty introduction, but my brain is incapable of doing so. I stare at a blank page for five minutes, then fifteen minutes, and before I know it an hour has past. I absolutely detest this feeling of being so unproductive. To avoid being mocked by a blank page, I suggest starting with the first body paragraph, instead of an introduction.  You can always come back at the end and create a great introduction. This is much better than settling down for some scribbles on a page, which sound like gibberish.  

                Now that a basic draft is completed, revise your paper AT LEAST 5 MORE TIMES. In each edit, pay attention to the individual phrases to see if they help support your thesis. See if you convey your ideas in a concise statement and refrain from flamboyant word choice.  If the phrase or word choice does not help you, cut it out of the paper. This is where I become slightly hypocritical. I always have trouble cutting out huge chunks of writing that I slaved over for hours.  I feel as though all my efforts were wasteful. But in reality, this was required. By cutting out a piece of my writing, I became a better writer because I became concise.

                So after all these steps, hopefully you will have a spectacular polished paper. But if the finished product is not what you desire, you should go back to the passages that need a lot of revision. If you see that an additional step is required in your process, use that. The writing process should be personalized, so each individual can get the best pieces of writing possible. Once you have found a method that works for you do not make it concrete. Thus, you should evolve throughout your writing years.  But most important thing to keep in mind is to enjoy yourself while you write.  Because, that is what creates the masterpiece.