1. The Writing Process by
Sharon Cronk-Raby

2. Question
Who is
your
favorite
author?

3. Quote “We have discovered that writing allows even a stupid person
to seem halfway intelligent,
if only that person will write
the same thought over and over again,
improving it just a little bit each time.
It is a lot like inflating a blimp with a bicycle pump.
Anyone can do it.
All it takes is time.”
~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

4. A Process Remember, whatever you call the steps,
writing does happen in steps.
Writing is a process.

5. Why is writing done in steps?
We are not perfect,
so we get many chances
to make the work our best.
It helps keep
writer’s block away!

6. Overview Pre-Writing Drafting Revising Proofreading Publishing
Reflecting

7. Pre-Writing Pre = before Pre-writing is what you do before you write.
can be done in your head, or
it can be written down (or both!)
Step 1

8. Pre-Writing Consider: Assignment Guidelines Topic What do you know?
What do you need to know?
Audience
Purpose
Step 1

9. Pre-Writing Brainstorming (alone or with others) Questioning
Throughout the semester,
we will practice many pre-writing strategies,
including (but not limited to):
Brainstorming (alone or with others)
Questioning
Freewriting
Focused Freewriting
Listing
Mapping
Outlining
Step 1

10. Pre-Writing Now, fit the pieces together. Find commonalities of ideas.
How will you organize your information?
Step 1

11. Drafting Also called the Rough Draft stage Put your ideas on paper in
sentences and paragraphs.
If writing long-hand, skip lines.
If typing, double space.
Do not worry about the mechanics… yet!
Step 2

12. Revising Look over ideas:
Does each paragraph focus on a main idea?
Does each paragraph have a topic sentence?
Are ideas supported with specific details and examples?
This is the step to change, add, or remove ideas.
Are ideas organized clearly?
Are you saying what you mean to be saying? Double check your word choice.
This will require multiple read-throughs!
Can you have someone read your draft?
Step 3

13. Proofreading Now is the time to check the mechanics & conventions:
Spelling
Grammar
Punctuation
Capitalization
Sentence structure and variety
Any specifics to the guidelines of the writing (MLA) (APA)
This will require multiple read-throughs!
Can you have someone read your draft?
Step 4

14. Publishing Type your final copy with corrections made.
Follow the proper (MLA) (APA) guidelines:
Heading
Title
Margins
Font
Formatting
Works Cited / Reference Page
This is your chance to present your work!
Step 5

15. Reflecting Ask yourself, “How did I do?”
Take time to consider what went well (or not), and make adjustments for the next piece of writing you do.
When your paper is graded and returned:
Review all comments
Ask questions as needed
Make modifications so that mistakes are not repeated but the strong elements are!
Step 6

16. Quote “All of us who write, work out of a conviction
that we are participating
in some sort of communal activity.
Whether my role is writing,
or reading and responding,
might not be very important
By honoring one another’s creation
we honor something that deeply connects us all,
and goes beyond us.”
~Joyce Carol Oates
Phillips, Robert. “The Art of Fiction No. 72.” The Paris Review 74
(1978). 3 Mar < _OATES.pdf>.

17. Questions