The writing process part 1

Writing Class Popularity and Misconceptions

• Writing classes are often not popular at the college level and this trend is observed universally across universities.

• The lack of popularity might stem from the misconception that writing is a skill only accessible to those who are inherently talented or geniuses.

Misconception of Genius in Writing

• Many believe that to be a good writer, innate talent is required.

• Great authors like Gabriel García Márquez, William Faulkner, Emily Dickinson, and Franz Kafka are often viewed as geniuses.

• These writers are credited with producing literary masterpieces that inspire others, but there is a misconception about the ease of their writing process.

Reality of the Writing Process

• The notion that masterpieces are created in a single session or "writing spell" is misleading.

• Examining the lives of famous writers reveals that their works involved extensive hard work and multiple revisions.

  • Example: Kafka’s writings were discovered posthumously and underwent numerous drafts.

  • Emily Dickinson had a meticulous approach to her writing process.

  • William Faulkner had notes and outlines visible throughout his house, highlighting his planning.

Writing as a Process

• Writing is a structured process rather than a sudden stroke of genius.

• A quote attributed to Thomas Edison states: "Genius is 1% inspiration and 90% perspiration."

Three Important Stages of the Writing Process

1. Prewriting Stage

   • Involves generating and organizing ideas; considered the foundation of good writing.

   • Key Techniques:

     • Generating Ideas: This covers how to brainstorm and come up with various ideas.

     • Annotated critical reading is emphasized:

       • Definition: Actively engaging with a text by highlighting, taking notes, and squeezing the text for meaning.

       • This interaction represents a private conversation with the author.

     • Additional techniques include brainstorming, listing, and clustering.

       • Clustering: Starting with a main idea and branching out into related ideas.

   • Organizing Ideas: Memorialized through specific techniques such as:

     • Creating an outline, which maps out ideas visually. This can take the form of lists or mind maps.

2. Writing Stage

   • The actual act of writing occurs here where the text is composed according to established guidelines, including:

     • Structure of the Essay:

     • Introduction: Should include a hook, a transitional sentence, and a thesis statement (the main claim).

     • Body Paragraphs: Designed to defend and elaborate on the thesis statement presented.

     • Conclusion: Similar in function to an introduction but serves as a summary and reflection of the content discussed—akin to the introduction in reverse.

3. Editing and Revising Stage

   • After completing the initial draft, this stage entails:

     • Proofreading: Checking for mistakes and improving diction.

     • Engaging in peer review, which allows another set of eyes to provide feedback on elements the writer may not notice.

   • Finalizing the essay involves revising based on feedback and ensuring all errors are corrected.

Conclusion of Writing Process

• Completing the writing process allows individuals to consider their work as a finished product.

• To underline the idea that writing is accessible to everyone, a quote from author Andrea Longford emphasizes: "Everyone is a writer."