Prompt:
How do you write? What kind of process do you use when you write? Do you wait for inspiration? Doodle around? Make an outline?
Spend some moments and reflect in writing about the processes you use when writing. When finished commenting, please read others' posts and write at least two follow-up comments.
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46 comments:
I need inspiration -- an emotion, a thought, a word. Outlines never work for me -- I get lost somewhere between section I and section III. The orange in me rears its head....
My writing is "fractionized." That means I do not write in complete sentence---otherwise "doodling". Lots of my writing is reflective writing to comments I have just heard. My inspiration is things that go through my brain connected to the thoughts that I hear or see. Outlining---what's that?
does this work?
I write professionally with some type of organizer. I structure it to hit my main points and then begin writing by elaborating on each one.
I write personally with no organization at all. I let it all swoosh down onto the paper and then go back and scribble out or scrunch in as needed.
A special student gifted me with a leather writing journal. I like to sketch and jot down interesting tidbits of stuff and things. Every day in 7th and 8th we have a Writing into the Day at th beginning of each class. So, I get an opportunity to write 6 times every day. Some days I extend what I started in an earlier class. It gives me this great space of time to write for myself. It is a quiet, inviolate time of writing for us all.
Sometimes I can churn out an entire piece of poetry between the three periods of 7th or three periods of 8th grade. Other times I take a different tact with each writing into the day.
I always provide a scaffolding for these - song, image, video clip, poetry, chunk of narrative. I use those as inspiration.
Writing marathons provide the chance to find inspiration in place. I like that opportunity to connect personally with space and write in some genre or another.
Outlining drives me up the wall. I write, and scribble, and move chunks around all over the place.
I usualy write and outline and develop the outline randomly and organize it and set in research and opinions of mine. then formalize it in a readable work. There are many revisions to that process at many different steps.
I write as fast as a can on a piece of paper for ten to fifteen minutes. Then I go to the computer and type as fast as I can for the same period. Then I usually start cutting and pasting - trying to find ideas that can be expanded into paragraphs. If I get stuck I go back to the paper. Finally I print and edit with pen - often fastwriting new paragraphs on the back of the printed page. Then back to the computer with corrections. I probably do this two or three times before I am ready to submit.
I write at different times in different ways. I'm a pretty random thinker, so I usually just let it flow for a while, then re-read and reorganize. I often revise at the level of the word or sentence as I write. When a draft is coming together, then I reorganize--often more than once.
I am far too often inhibited from writing by a feeling/need to have a very concrete outline before I begin. Througout my early school carreer, I did well with formal, almost "formulaic" essays. While I feel this process can still be useful, I want to get better about free-writing, and free-writing for a purpose, even if that seems like an oxy-moron. I have journaled in "diary style" throughout different points of my life, but have not tried writing daily from various prompts or other writings. I look forward to seeing how this blogging process and the writer's notebook helps me find more appreciation in daily writing just to write.
Writing is a pretty painful process for me. I guess this isn't entirely true--the writing itself goes quickly, and is actually kind of thrilling. My pre-writing process, though, is infuriating. Mostly I just procrastinate--I'll run, type different titles, and play minesweeper. Slowly, my thoughts about what I'm trying to write reach a kind of critical mass, and I just start typing. Once that happens, I write really quickly, and usually without much drafting at all.
Once I start writing, I usually try NOT to stop and break the flow. I find that it's easy for me to get derailed (looking at kayaking websites on the internet is the culprit, here), so I'll usually go to the basement of a library, or work in my office late at night. Sometimes, I'll practice different types of invention, but usually I just think about what I'm writing for a while (depending on the length of the assignment) and then write it.
It all depends on the topic. If I'm interested by the topic I will jot something down right away, hopefully, remembering my grammar and convention rules. However, if I don't like/understand the topic, then I may doodle or "goof" around a bit before getting to the meat of the idea.
My writing these days is mostly done on an "emergency" basis: I write model pieces for my students, focusing on the skill or writing strategy I am teaching. These pieces are mostly done late on the night before I am going to teach the lesson. I rarely write for my own processing or pleasure, although I take a journal along on trips and I use writing to work through questions that arise when I am in classes as a student.
Dave yours is too long of a comment. Jeezzzzz
I like what John N said about filling in his outline with research. I often try to find quotes that help to support my ideas. Though another trick I use is to list all the quotes I like and then see if I can fill the paper around them.
i usually write the "old-fashioned" way, that is, i cant just sit down and type it. I need to have an original draft, on paper, where i first let all my emotion out (if i'm trying to write the facts and just the facts), then revise several times before 'publishing.' I don't really do any writing unless I have a purpose. When forced to write, like right now or when journaling with the kids, i usually just start anywhere so you or the kids can see that I am doing it!
It takes me lots of time to finish even a written rough draft. I list anything that comes to mind and then I go back to revise. I don't start out writing in sequence. I write anything that comes to mind at that particular moment.
I do need some kind of inspiration to write. I find that writing is much easier for me if I can attach some kind of meaning to it.
I like what Wendy wrote about adapting her writing style to the writing task. I wish that I could break out of my writing technique--sometimes it would be nice to just play around, instead of feeling pressue to put out a whole draft on my first try.
For better for worse, when I write I simply sit down at a computer and begin writing. I write one pagragraph, go back and pour over it, until I am satisfied with it. I then move on to my next paragraph and repeat the the same process. At this point I will reread each paragraph and continue to edit. I will work through an entire piece of writing this way. I can get so involved in this process that 2, 4,6 hours will go by, and I don't notice it.
I write best with some sort of an inspiration as a motivator. Sometimes when I'm not in the mood to write I ramble and maybe later transform the writing into something.
Elliot,
We are curious about your types of invention process. What does that mean?
Brenna and Donna
Donna's with Brenna for today.
It really depends on the type of writing. For creative writing, i almost always start with a phrase or a line or even a word that pops into my mind. Then, I try to write with my censor off for a while until I get some things down. I then follow up with more careful revision.
For expository writing, I most always make a rough outline of my main ideas/points. Initially, that might look pretty random and doodle-like, but I try to shape into something more organized.
Lorrie, I feel your angst. I abhore outlines - I just don't think in a linear fashion.
Wendy, excellent comment. I see where you are coming from. And, yes, often teh revision is the most difficult part of writing.
Wendy,
I so value the summer institute for the opportunites to write every day in a variety of ways. The writing marathons are so cool. In your folder there is an article about it from the New Orleans writing project. We will do one on the first day in the afternoon segueing (is that word?) into the evening dinner at Heather's house.
"Writing develops through thinking, considering our positions as human beings and hopefully knowing that other people are necessary to the process of survival; ergo, we need to communicate. Writing for Native Americans is crucial today to offset the stereotypes that have developed over the past 150 years in the American west. Shit happens. Writing doesn't. It must be thought out carefully if it's going to make a difference to the reader.
Hey Donna and Brenda,
I think that I am a believer (whether this is true or not) in subconscious invention practices. I think this sounds wacky, but usually I'll read, research, and then just let it sit. Sometime (coincidentally towards the deadline) I'll get some inspiration, sit down, and just start typing. Thanks for asking!
E
Elliot: I too have used the term critical mass to describe my writing process. I think it is an internal fom of pre-writing. I've also called it percolating. And execise, especially something repetitive like biking is often helpful.
Hey Eliot, i got a chuckle out of your 'why do now what i can put off till later.' Boy can i relate!
Wendy M:
I don't have much time to spend writing during the school year, so most of the writing I do is for the same purpose you described, and in much the same fashion.
Research is what can make or break you thought process and theme of your writing project. you can then synthensis it in with your ideas or quote it. Students often forget to notice the diffence and then end up plagerizing!!!!!!
Woody:
I think a lot of us buy into the Romantic notions of a spontaneous overflow of emotions, where writing just pours out of us in completed form.
Of course, it sometimes does, but it is mostly a myth that makes us all feel frustrated when it doesn't happen.
I usually do my most honest work if under extreme stress (maybe not extreme... laundry not done, papers to grade, not a crumb of food in the house. It seems that my brain fires thoughts which don't care about a critic (too late to worry about that). This could just be procrastination due to ineffective time management...sad but true.
I agree with Woody who mentioned "It (writing) must be thought out carefully if it's going to make a difference to the reader."...the only person I recall who mentioned the reader. I think I spend too much time thinking about the reader thus making the writing process difficult for me. But to me the reader is the important thing in my writing process.
Given our first topic for blogging and then reading the articles is a nice complement. Research seems to indicate we need a purpose for writing. Thus, as a teacher, I need to remember to authenicate the work I have designed for my students, to provide agency, as Tom Fox stated in his keynote. If I create conditions for self-investment, students will find their way more readily.
I also liked what Joseph Check had to say about myths. He gave me some language to talk back to reticent writers: "Your standards for writing shouldn't inhibit you from writing. . . , so do you 'lower your standards' to produce an imperfect something or do you maintain them and produce a perfect nothing?"
In addition, Check sparks an inquiry question for me. I have always valued peer response as part of the writing process, but it usually only happens once in the process before the papers are returned for revision. Given the zig-zag pattern Check describes, I'm wondering if before the paper comes to me, the peer pairs shouldn't remeet to discuss changes. Maybe greater investment will occur if I validate the peer response process more, value it more, and utilize it to encourage revision. Something to think about and try out.
I handwrite as I begin drafting. I have not yet developed the ability to initially draft on a computer. The first thing I do is bring a vision into my mind, and then I write in response to that vision. My writing often begins with a "scene" no matter what type of writing it is.
I personally have always enjoyed to write, but I find when I take too much time off from writing that I have difficulty "getting back into the swing of things." That's one reason I've found it beneficial to give myself the time every day. When I first went through summer institute, I wondered how I was ever going to find the time to write as a teacher with all the other things on my plate, but I've come to see that if writing is important for my students, it's important for me too--and it's important for my students to see that it's important for me.
I guess that means, for me, the more I write the easier it is for me to get into it; the more comfort I have in letting my mind wander on the page. If I let myself make excuses to not write, I won't write, so I find it important to schedule it in with my students because I have control of how often then.
Once I'm into that mode of writing frequently, I tend to write much like Woody did to the "Write As If Your Life Depended On It" piece. I find something I've heard or read or seen lately and I respond to it.
There's several of you who've mentioned organization or outlines as a hindrance--I agree entirely. I have to have that freedom to pick my topic from that bank of things heard/seen/read in order to be completely there whole-heartedly in the piece.
My second follow-up refers to Wendy Morical's (April 12, 2008 2:53 PM)comment about writing on an "emergency" basis. Most all of my writing is a "have to" situation and is more reporting, responding, or technical writing. It has been a long time since I have written just for the pleasure of writing.
Brent:
I sometimes get into that "Writing State of Mind" with physical activity or even driving. I find that if I'm writing often, I begin to write in my mind describing what I see, almost subconsciously. I worked on a ranch outside of Columbus the last few summers, and I found myself describing deer and the like while harrowing on a John Deere.
I have discovered that I spend an extraordinary amount of time THINKING about writing.
I usually write with a purpose in mind. I don't outline but do jot down what my main objective is for writing. I tend to write and rewrite until I am satisfied with the final result or just get tired of the revision process. I usually asked another person to read and suggest possible changes before I consider my writing finished. I find that most of my writing is used to communicate in a less formal atmosphere. With that said, I usually don't worry too much about whether my writing is done well.
In reading other people's posts many people talk of inspiration to write. I am most inspired to write the closer the deadline is to having it finished. I tend not to be motivated by exercise or meditation yet have to force myself to be more productive in able to finish.
I suppose it's rather late to respond again, but I got on to do my other posting and read all of our comments here first. (I wish I could put a face with more names...)
It will be a reach for me to come to the point where I remember that writing is fun, necessary, or both. My mom wrote as a job, and I write in my job, and I help my students (my "real kids" and my "fake kids" as we call them here at home) write so that they can get a job done.
I can just hear the sharp intake of breath from lots of you, and feel the challenge being taken up! Please, just let me get through three field trips, end-of-year assessments, 15th birthday party (daughter), graduation (son), baby (stepdaughter), 50th birthday (self), and the general madhouse that is the end of school and check back with me - I promise I am a different person in June!
I write best when I'm feeling emotional about something. I can really churn out the work when I'm upset about something!
Comment to Jamie
I had an English professor who said we should never sit down and write after gettng our writing topic. We should let the subject matter "stew" in our subconscience for a day or two and the paper/essay would "write itself." It worked for me!
Comment to Beth
I like how your professional writing is organized, but your personal writing is a much looser format. Two different writing purposes should allow for different approaches to find our muse.
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