The Writing Process

1. The Writing Process Planning, Writing, and Revising

2. Does it matter what process I use? I don’t have much time. How should I use it? What planning should I do before I begin writing or speaking? What is revision? How do I do it? Start by answering these questions: Planning, Writing, and Revising

3. Planning Gathering Writing Evaluating Getting feedback Revising Editing Proofreading Activities in the Writing Process Planning, Writing, and Revising

4. Planning: • Analyzing the problem • Defining your purposes • Analyzing the audience • Thinking of information, benefits, and objections • Choosing a pattern of organization • Gathering information Planning, Writing, and Revising

5. Writing: • Putting words on paper or on a screen • Lists • Notes • Formal drafts Planning, Writing, and Revising

6. Revising: • Evaluating your work re-seeing • Getting feedback from someone else • Making changes to deal with global/large issues to better suit audience/reader & purposes. Planning, Writing, and Revising

7. Revising(cont.) • Content • Adding • Deleting • Substituting Planning, Writing, and Revising

8. Revising cont. • Organization & Layout • Good design: headings, lists, etc. • Appropriate emphasis • Effective pattern of organization • Smooth flow of ideas Planning, Writing, and Revising

9. Revising cont. • Style & Tone • Easy to read • Friendly • Goodwill: you-attitude & positive emphasis Planning, Writing, and Revising

10. Editing • Checking for standard English & principles of business writing (Focuses on surface writing.) • Spelling • Word choice • Mechanical errors Planning, Writing, and Revising

11. How are your editing skills? Planning, Writing, and Revising

12. Proofreading: • Checking final copy for errors. • Use spellcheck • Proof by eye • Double-check names & numbers, first & last paragraphs • Read pages out of order; read one line at a time Planning, Writing, and Revising

13. Better proofreading, don’t you think? Planning, Writing, and Revising

14. Tips from Good Writers • Don’t expect a perfect first draft • Always think about the reader(s) • Keep in mind your purpose (goals) • Break large jobs into manageable chunks • Write often Planning, Writing, and Revising

15. Tips from Good Writers cont. • Have several strategies • Be flexible • Wait to edit & proofread • Spend 2/3 of time planning & revising • If possible, set document aside • Ask for feedback Planning, Writing, and Revising

16. One Third Analyzing, gathering, and organizing One Third Drafting/writing. One Third Evaluating, revising, editing, and proofreading Using your time effectively Planning, Writing, and Revising

17. Need Help? • Office hours : MWF 10-11 TH 1-2 by appointmentsbaack@msubillings.edu Planning, Writing, and Revising

18. Planning, Writing, and Revising