Post #5

Oh Great!  I gotta write a paper!  It is always such a pain in the butt.  it takes me sooooo long just to get started and it seems like I can never get around to finishing it because I can never say exactly what I want to say.  I wish there were an easier way to get this paper done.

Oh, wait, there is...

I merely need to realize that writing is a process.  It is NOT a one-stop shop.  Writing is much easier, well, just about anything is easier, if it is done in steps.  A monumental 30-page research paper seems like much less of a task if it is done bit by bit in an organized manner.

There are five steps to writing:
1.  Prewriting
2.  Drafting
3.  Revising
4.  Editing
5.  Publishing

Prewriting is where you brainstorm.  You think of a topic, if it has not been given to you.  And you throw anything donw on paper.  It needs not be organized yet, but you may want to use a graphical organizer if you want- say a web.  Or you can just jot down ideas on a piece of paper or note cards.  You can start on an outline.

Drafting is where you start actually putting your words on your paper so that they start to make sense.  This is your first draft.  Grammar and spelling are not the priority right now, just get the words into sentences.

Revising is where you may start elaborate on your ideas, and even changing them if it is necessary.  You can add or delete ideas where they need to be.  Here you can use colored pencils to make any changes, or if you have any questions, just jot them down on the paper.  You can start looking at the length of your sentences and paragraphs; you may want to make them larger or smaller here.

Editing is where you really start getting down to business, but most of the hard work is already done.  Here, you look at your grammar and spelling.  Remember: spellcheck is your friend, but it does not know what word you really wanted.  And please make sure you use the right word- their/they're/there, your/you're, and so on.  Make sure that it is in the format that you want it to be in, and be consistent with it.

Publishing is where you breathe easy.  Almost done, but not quite yet.  You must DO something with it.  Pring it out if you doing it on the computer.  If not, take your time and write it neatly; do not rush it, and work on it a bit at a time; take frequent breaks to give your hands and eyes  a break.  All done?  Nope.  Gotta turn it in!

Now pop in a movie or your favorite frosty beverage, time to celebrate.