Writing Strategies -- Issues to Remember

• Writing is the most complicated skill.
• Writing is a process, not a product!
• Writing quality can be limited by time and content.
• Writing is emotional: you are exposing yourself to criticism of others.
• The reader is not always right.
• Learn editorial marks/symbols.
• Use a word processor if at all possible (for all stages of the process).
• Double space your work to allow for editing.
• Every piece of writing has a purpose and an audience.
• Fit the writing to the assignment.
• Keep a writing folder/notebook with:
• list of transition words
• samples of your writing in different phases
• samples of exemplary writing
• vocabulary list of your misspelled words
• list of your mechanical errors and rules
• Give yourself time to proofread.
• Use aids in writing: thesaurus, grammar handbook, dictionary.
• Focus on the dual process approach: process and mechanics.

Six Stages in the Writing Process

1. Topic Selection - ability to narrow or broaden

2. Brainstorming

3. Organization - using mapping, outline, or index cards

4. Rough draft - emphasis on flow of ideas

5. Editing and rewriting - paying attention to diction and transitional words/phrases

6. Proofreading - asking an outsider to read the paper

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