Introduction

When students hear the word “writing”, they usually think of something lengthy, wordy, and “proper.” This is because they have been taught a very particular way of writing – The “cookie-cutter” essay – Five paragraphs, which include an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This is not necessarily a bad way to approach writing, however this structure is not suitable for all audiences and genres. Consider your favorite author, or even your favorite film; did these writers complete an entire draft or script in a short period of time? Probably not. They have developed their own writing process to help them refine their writing.

Writing is a process, which means it takes time and effort to revise your content, and this process is not always linear. Perhaps you get an idea that is suitable for the body portion of your writing, but you have yet to write the introduction – That is perfectly acceptable! Maybe you find a quote that works best in your conclusion but have yet to complete the writing – Go ahead and write it down! (Link to ACRL Framework)

As previously mentioned, writing is malleable and there is not “one” way to approach writing. Regardless of your individual process, here are the basic steps when composing any piece of writing:

• Prewriting
• Brainstorming
• Drafting
• Revision
• Review
• Editing
• Publication
• Reflection

Prewriting – This is the part of the process that happens before you even begin brainstorming. This may include things like highlighting important key terms on the assignment or writing out questions that you have about the assignment to ask you instructor or writing group about the next time you see them.

Brainstorming – This is the first part of the process and can be completed in various ways. Perhaps you are comfortable with lists, or outlines. Maybe you prefer to organize your ideas in a bubble map (will link or insert image of bubble map here). This is where you get all your current ideas on paper to see them together and then begin to draft your writing!

Drafting – Once you have ideas, the next step is drafting! While the “cookie-cutter” essay is not feasible for all genres, ALL types of writing have some form of introduction, body sections, and then a conclusion – How you arrive at these is dependent upon your individual writing process.

Revision – Now that your feedback from peers and/or instructors has been noted, it’s time to revise your writing. Here you will focus on global revision, which means you are reading through your ideas for tone, clarity, and content. Is your message clear? Is the tone appropriate for your audience? Do you need to rearrange your ideas and/or paragraphs to clarify a point? Revision, like writing, is a process, and something that should be completed more than once.

Editing – When you have completed revision of your draft, the next step is to review your writing for surface errors. You should read through the draft and identify any grammar or structural errors and revise accordingly. It doesn’t hurt to have a peer or instructor review the draft again to help you identify remaining grammar mistakes.

Publication – The final step – You made it! Now that you are here, it is very important to proofread your work before submitting to your instructor or uploading to an online platform. While authors and poets publish their work, in this instance we are using the word publication for submitting your assignment.