The Writing Process
As I sit here and try to figure out what my writing process looks like I struggle to find one technique or set of rules I follow for every piece of writing I do. My writing process very much depends on what I am writing but typically follows a goal-driven process similar to the one outlined in “A Cognitive Process Theory of Writing” by Linda Flower and John R. Hayes. Flower’s and Hayes’ mention writers working under a “high-level goal or plan to explore: that is, to think the topic over, to jot ideas down, or just start writing to see what they have to say,” (382). This is certainly something I do but it takes many different forms, usually resulting from the question, “What am I going to say about this?”
Depending on the topic or the type of genre being written,
the first step in my process likely involves note taking, which I consider as
part of “exploring”. I start by researching the topic with the hope to really
narrow the scope of my topic. Once I’ve taken notes from several sources, I
begin to develop my thesis statement, if needed, which may change several times
by the end of the writing process. From this point it’s deciding which
information will best help me support my thesis, or main idea, then organize,
and start writing.
Once I’ve started writing I’m always rewriting. Sometimes I’ll
write little placeholders in a paragraph where I want to add something or I know
something is needed but I’m not quite sure what. Occasionally I’ll rewrite a
paragraph three or four times before I settle back on the original. I’ve found
that if I start by just writing my thoughts based on the notes I’ve taken, it
becomes easier to refine those thoughts rather than try to write a first draft
that makes a lot of sense or is really well written. I think Vicki Spandel’s “The
9 Rights of Every Writer” sums up my initial drafting process perfectly, “I am
far more interested in encouraging thinking than error-free sentences,” (76).
(This picture gets it)As I mentioned earlier, my writing process will change based on what I’m writing. Note-taking is generally my first step unless I’m doing creative writing and then I just jot down some random thoughts or ideas on the topic. I don’t always revise and rewrite; this blog, for example, will have very limited revision and will not be rewritten. I have no good reason for this, it’s just the way it is. I did spend a bit of time thinking about what I wanted to say and how to say it, though. I also took time away from this blog post while writing it to do other things.
My process differs from novice writers because I think they have
not yet developed a process that works for them. I don’t enjoy writing but I do
it well, or so I’ve been told, and I try not to focus on anything but ideas and
thoughts to start. New writers might be interested in hurrying through that
process which impedes them from really taking the time to understand and organize
their thoughts on the topic they’re trying to write about. The writing process is
different for everyone, I think it’s important for people to try different
things and find out what really suits them because there isn’t a one size fits
all approach to writing.
I love Purdue Owl, I can't count how many times I've used it for SO MANY different things...
Stages of the Writing Process // Purdue Writing Lab
This is just a fun video from a children's books author and is part of the "Writers Speak to Kids" series. Also, this is slightly off topic but I just wanted to add... Never underestimate the power of a good children's book!
Kelly, I'm so glad that you do the placeholder thing because I do it, too! I don't know where I first picked up the practice, but it's been indispensable for when I need to type an essay... which is often. Your point about not revising is an interesting one. I wonder why it is that we blaze through writing once, leave it, and never come back to it? Spandel implies that this is due to the nature of school. We don't necessarily have the time to do "good" writing, a.k.a going through all of the different modalities needed to make a truly finished work. I wonder if we had more time to complete a single, very personal project if we might go through those steps naturally?
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ReplyDeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteWhen you said that you use a placeholder for your thoughts while writing, I was like yes! I like how you discuss the ways in which your writing process differs depending on what you're writing. Sometimes I worry that I am not giving enough attention or sticking enough to the process when working through certain assignments, but it makes sense that not every piece requires a full process of editing and revision. Great post! - Casey
Oh my! I feel that I have found the "placeholders" club. Like you all, I too am a big use of using words or symbols to mark that I want to come back to this as a way to bookmark a thought without disrupting the overall flow of the pre-articulated idea or argument. So so grateful to know that others do this and that we have Kelly to help us name our practice :)
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