1. Writing Process Notes
8J English

2. Introduction The writing process is complex and very personal
Some writers have use different processes depending on what the purpose of their writing is
There are, however, some basics that apply to all writing
The best writers spend years developing a strong process that works for them
They experiment, move, evaluate, and repeat until they know what works

3. Setting Up Be Comfortable Reduce Other Distractions
Wears clothes that help you relax
Give yourself water and a light snack if you plan to be there for a while
Find a quiet place that inspires you to work
Remember: You are there to WRITE
Reduce Other Distractions
TURN OFF YOUR PHONE
Even vibration will interrupt the writing process
Do not play visual distractions (TV, Youtube)

4. Planning/Brainstorming
Create a timeline for your work
For the most part, your teachers will do this for you with deadlines
Set up a calendar so you can SEE when the work needs to be finished
Setting goals for long assignments helps ensure that the words get written with ample time for revision

5. Planning/Brainstorming
Selecting a Subject
Choose something that in interesting AND meets the goals of the assignment
Find something current
If nothing has been discovered/written about the subject in a decade, finding new and interesting information may be difficult

6. Planning/Brainstorming
Create an outline
Your outline will show you what information you need to collect and structure your work
IMPORTANT: Your outline is not the final authority on your work; it is changeable
Check back to your outline regularly to avoid missing sections of your writing

7. Research Avoid using Wikipedia as a primary source
However, it can be an amazing way to get to primary sources
Check all sources for bias/credibility before using them
Keep records of your sources to make your bibliography later
Create an Easybib record as you go, if possible, for research papers

8. Drafting
For research writing, it may be easier to write the body of your work BEFORE the introduction and conclusion
JUST WRITE
The hardest part of writing for many is just getting the initial works down, worry about editing during the revision step
Stay motivated; do not get discouraged if you are struggling
Take breaks as needed

9. Revise Start with major structure changes Proofreading Peer-Editing
Moving/deleting entire sections happens; don’t let it discourage you from finishing the work
Proofreading
Read through your work, aloud if possible, to check the wording of each sentence
Peer-Editing
Find an editor that you can work with to polish your writing
Repeat as needed