CREATIVE WRITING ELECTIVE MS. BLACK The Writing Process

Step 1 - Prewriting Why is prewriting important? It helps you generate ideas You can be as creative as you want There is no need to worry about grammar or punctuation or spelling Write whatever is in your head

Step 1 - Prewriting How can we generate ideas? Brainstorm Draw Journal Use graphic organizers, lists, or charts Research Use the world around you – books, magazines, movies, television, even your surroundings (people, places, etc.)

Step 1 - Prewriting Lastly, use prewriting to determine the focus, audience, and purpose of your assignment Make sure you know whom you are writing for and why you are writing

Step 2 - Drafting The main idea of drafting is to write your thoughts down on paper Organize your thoughts and your brainstorming ideas and write it down When you write your rough draft, focus on the content Don’t worry about punctuation, grammar, spelling, or even neatness (though please make it readable)

Step 2 - Drafting This is also the time to decide your characters, plot, and setting You can use a story map worksheet to keep track of your main characters, any supporting characters, the setting, and the events of the story If you are writing an essay, this is when you should write your introductory and conclusion paragraphs You should write topic sentences, and be sure to include supporting facts and details

Step 3 – Editing The main idea of editing is to proofread your rough draft and check for errors This is when you will make your rough draft correct Check grammar Check spelling Check punctuation Use precise word choices. Be descriptive Review sentence structure. Keep the same verb tense throughout your rough draft

Step 3 – Editing Some helpful tips… Ask someone else to read your rough draft – they will spot errors that you may have missed from reading your own piece so often Ask the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions – Make sure they are answered

Step 4 - Revision The main idea of revision is make those last minute improvements to your writing This is the step where you take all your readers’ comments into consideration Improve meaning Check sequence of events Look for cause/effect Use vivid, descriptive words Add, delete, rearrange, and clarify

Step 4 – Revision This is the step where you take all your readers’ comments into consideration You should clarify details and make additions to your writing here Try looking at your writing from a different point of view to see what might be missing or unclear Your goal should be to make your writing more interesting, informative, and convincing Get input from others. Ask for advice

Step 5 - Publishing The main idea of publishing is to share your work with others Think of a title for your story if you haven’t already Type the final copy Add illustrations, if needed Invite others to read your work Smile! You finished!