Starting the writing process is the hardest part for me. Once I actually sit down and get the first few thoughts on paper, the rest seems to flow much more naturally. In order to get these initial words down on paper (or on the PC), I need a relatively quiet environment, although complete silence can be distracting. Sometimes, I'll listen to music, and I seem to do my best writing when I listen to Mozart. Playing classical music is something that my teacher did for us during 4th or 5th grade during our journal-writing period, and that's a habit that has stayed with me.
It is best, during the drafting process, to just let the thoughts and words flow freely, and this is something that I sometimes have to remind myself of. I have not always made a rough draft in the past; oftentimes I would just try to write a solid "final" paper the first time. After experiencing the revision process, though, I realize how important it is.
I do not have any hard and fast rules when I write a paper -- it all depends on the assignment. Outlines are often a helpful way for me to organize my thoughts. Developing an outline also ensures that I will cover the most important topics without leaving anything out.
Once I start a draft or the revision process, I like to complete it in one sitting if possible. I find it easier to get something done the first time as opposed to coming back mid-way through and having to get back in the writing frame of mind. Once complete, if I have the luxury of time, I like to put it away for a while and return to it a day or so later to see if I have any fresh thoughts or edits to add.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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3 comments:
I think its true that different writing assignments require a different game plan. Writing a rough draft seems to help you, maybe I should try it some time.
Although I agree that sometimes outlines may be a great way to plan a paper, it has never helped me...At all. In the past, my experience with outlines has been...well, hopeless, for a lack of a better word. I have done outlines as a requirement for an English class before, and it did not help at all. I actually wrote the paper first, then went back and changed the outline to fit my paper. There's only one thing I can say about outlines, and that's...ewwww...Sorry, I can think of nothing else to describe them.
I agree that starting is the hardest part! However, I find I get REALLY distracted in quiet places, so I do most of my thinking in either the shower or while im walking to class. I find that the environment around me helps me think somehow, I think because i'm not trying too hard.
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