Your favorite author may have a unique approach to getting work done as well as a unique style. Professional writers tend to refine their processes as they gain experience. They learn to approach each step of the writing process in the way that works best for them. As a student writer, you should start defining your own process now--throughout this course. First, use the video below to review the five basic steps that usually occur with any writing project.
The writing process is exactly that--it's a process. Finding inspiration isn't as easy as picking it up off the shelf at the grocery store. Elvis didn't just one day say, "Yeah, I'm going to run to the store and get some bread, peanut butter, bananas, and a box of inspiration." No, when you write something great, there are many steps that need to be taken.
Inspiration is anything that triggers a response in you to create. What inspires you is always personal to you. It can be found listening to music, going to the park, talking to your grandma, or just sitting in your bedroom while staring at the ceiling. Inspiration can be found in different places. There is no real process to find it--sometimes it just happens when you are least expecting it.
Once you have your idea, you can start the writing process. This consists of 5 basic steps:
- Prewriting / Brainstorming – This allows writers to just get their ideas down.
- Drafting – This is just your first draft, so don't worry about spelling or grammar.
- Revising – This is when you look for areas to improve the content.
- Editing – This is when you look for technical corrections like spelling and grammar.
- Publishing – This is when you share your writing with an audience.
Once you become more familiar with the process, you can manipulate it to fit your personal needs accordingly. Starting out though, it's good to follow each of the steps. The writing process allows writers to focus on one aspect of writing at a time.
What do the stages of the writing process look like when you're a student in middle school? How will you apply them in this class? See if you can match each stage to the activity that would help you complete that step.
