EWRT 101: The Writing Process

Study Notes

Definition: The steps taken by a writer to produce a piece of writing, such as an essay, article, assignment, research paper, or paragraph.
The writing process involves five crucial stages: Pre-Writing, Drafting, Editing/Proofreading, Revising, and Publishing.

The first stage of the writing process, where you plan and think about what you are going to write.
Generates ideas, collects information, and develops a plan through brainstorming, note-taking, and research.
Ways to generate ideas:
- Free writing or using a helping book or internet
- Brainstorming about things, people, places, and problems related to the topic
- Making an outline or diagram of your ideas
- Identifying your task, audience, and purpose

The second stage of the writing process, where you put your ideas into words, sentences, and paragraphs.
Focus on getting more ideas on paper, without worrying about mistakes.
Remember: Drafts are for the writer, and they can never be perfect.

The third stage of the writing process, where you read and revise your work from the reader's perspective.
Ask yourself:
- Is the level of detail appropriate for my audience?
- Are my ideas presented in logical order?
- Is my purpose clearly stated for the reader?

The final stage of the writing process, where you release your work to the public for others to read.
Ways to publish your writing include:
- Turning in a paper to your teacher
- Entering an essay contest
- Sending a letter to the editor
- Posting a piece of writing on the internet
- Writing for your college magazine, yearbook, or newspaper