Communication Toolbox: Writing Process

Writing is a process, not merely a product. Even the best professional writers don't just sit down at a computer, write, and call it a day.

Ideally, you should follow the four suggestions presented here to create an effective outline.

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/reorganizing-drafts/
Many students who come to the Writing Center wonder whether their draft “flows”—that is, whether the ideas are connected in a logical order to make a compelling argument. If you’re worried about flow, chances are you’re sensing some problems with your organizational scheme. It’s time to reorganize!

During the revising process, put your writing aside at least twice—once during the first part of the process, when you are reorganizing your work, and once during the second part, when you are polishing and paying attention to details.

Though everyone has a unique proofreading process, there are some general strategies that can be helpful to most writers. Begin improving your proofreading skills by trying out the guidelines listed below.

http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ENGL000-3.2.4-Editing-and-Proofreading-The-Writing-Center.pdf
This handout provides some tips and strategies for revising your writing. To give you a chance to practice proofreading, we have left seven errors (three spelling errors, two punctuation errors, and two grammatical errors) in the text of this handout. See if you can spot them!

http://thewritepractice.com/how-to-give-and-receive-constructive-criticism/
Part of writing is asking for feedback. At some point you have to let go of the precious baby and let someone take a look at it. Pick someone you trust but also someone who will challenge you to do better.

https://www.themuse.com/advice/giving-constructive-criticismthat-wont-make-anyone-cringe
"I’ll go right ahead and start out by admitting that unless everything is going great, giving and receiving feedback can be pretty rough. The term “constructive criticism” was surely invented as a cruel joke to staff and managers alike."

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2012/11/07/taking-constructive-criticism-like-a-champ/
"I’ve always envied people who can graciously accept constructive criticism. It seems I was not born with that trait, and throughout my career I’ve struggled with receiving feedback, even when it was entirely accurate."

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/getting-feedback/
Asking for feedback at any stage helps you break out of the isolation of writing. When you ask for feedback, you are no longer working in a void, wondering whether or not you understand the assignment and/or are making yourself understood. By seeking feedback from others, you are taking positive, constructive steps to improve your own writing and develop as a writer.

(Writing Commons) Composing Processes, most generally, are the intellectual strategies and invention strategies writers, speakers, knowledge workers. . . employ in order to compose texts.

http://www.sophia.org/tutorials/the-writing-process
This tutorial shows the different steps of the writing process.

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-writing-process/
This article dissects the writing process with tips on overcoming each one of them.

"Effective Technical Writing in the Information Age. For students and others who read it, this style manual quickly becomes a favorite resource."

Films on Demand (57:59 min)
In this lively, far-ranging Bill Moyers interview, students receive a firsthand look at the creative mind and collaboration that gave birth to All in the Family, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, and other groundbreaking TV comedies.

Films on Demand (75 min)
An in-depth look at criticism as an art form, the social value of a critic’s work, the various ways that renowned critics began their careers, and the passion and intellect with which all professional critics must approach their work. Some language may be offensive.

Films on Demand (53:14 min)
This writer, scholar, and activist is revered as the grand old man of Canadian poetry. In this intimate profile, Birney speaks lovingly of his craft and explains the process of translating poetic inspiration into a successful work of art.

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