The Writing Process

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Writing as a process:

How we write

When we think of writers, we might imagine people who possess some magical talent that allows them to sit down and instantly put their thoughts down in writing. But after observing experienced writers working from start to finish through real writing projects, researchers have concluded that real writers work through a fairly complex series of steps to complete a piece of quality writing.
(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write
Writing as a process:

The five basic steps of the process are:

Prewriting Drafting Revising Consulting Publishing

(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write
Prewriting
Generating ideas Collecting information Identifying possible subjects Identifying possible angles Purpose, audience, form assigned
(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write
Drafting
Trying out ideas and approaches Zeroing in on a single focus Remember: an argument consists of reasons advanced toward a conclusion. In an academic paper your thesis is the argument and your evidence is your line of reasoning.
(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write
Revising
Considering additions and deletions Reshaping and refocusing existing material Editing for smoothness and mechanical correctness Evaluating the effect of your argument on the intended audience
(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write
Consulting
Talking with people about ideas plans and drafts Soliciting oral and written feedback from friends and colleagues Consulting with other writers allows for a more objective look at your work. To gain proper distance to edit your own work you often need a length of time that is unreasonable given the usual timelines of academic assignments, therefore consulting with peers is a necessity.
(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write
Publishing
Delivering the final product: paper, letter, proposal, report, article etc. Delivering the product to the audience: teacher, relative, client, committee, editor, boss etc. The product at the end of the process is the result of your diligence throughout the process. Weak products usually reflect a weak process. Good writers make the product look effortless, however no writer can write well without the process.
(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write
The Product: Content and Development
The product should: Offer a purpose that becomes evident early on Maintain a single focus throughout the entire paper Present ideas and descriptions with a college-level audience in mind. Present a focus that is developed with details, examples, and discussions.
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The Product: Organization

The product should: Establish an overall pattern for the paper to follow. Progress from one point, idea, or scene to another in a coherent, logical way. Demonstrate paragraphs that are generally well-organized within the overall pattern of the paper. Offer transitions to help the reader move from one part of your paper to another.
(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write

How we write
The Product: Style
The product should: Structure sentences in a variety of ways Appear to have carefully selected words and phrases. Maintain an overall tone in your paper that is appropriate to your purpose and audience.
(GVSU WRT 150)

How we write
The Product: Mechanics
The product should: Adopt a format that is generally acceptable and appropriate Make reference to outside sources that are introduced, integrated, and documented. Illustrate few problems with regard to grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage.
(GVSU WRT 150)

The Writing Process

You see the wave breaking on the beach, and you have to appreciate the time and distance that allowed that wave to happen fetch.