May 22

For writing into the day, we answered questions about writing process (see slide 16 on the PowerPoint).

Then we got had a whole group discussion during what we discussed the writing into the day and the question below

What do you think about this writing process:  Cluster web -> Outline -> Draft -> Revise -> Edit -> DONE!

Then, we had the following discussion:

• Writing process is who you are when you write and what steps you take when you write.
• Writing process is unique to each person.
• The writing process above is a guideline but not everyone will use it.
• There is more than one process.  For example, there is more than one way to brainstorm.
• There are many styles of writing, but a single person shouldn't use multiple processes because it will confuse the reader.  You can't start singing rock and then sing country.  You will lose your audience.
• The process always starts with brainstorming.  It's circular.
• Everyone has to go through some process.
• People can use different processes at different times.
• You can't not brainstorm and write a great paper.
• Everyone brainstorms, but it looks different for everyone.
• Ever with in the individual;s process, the process will change with the type of thing the person is writing.
• Academic processes might look different than personal processes.
• Even if you are told to brainstorm a certain way, your brainstorming is personal.  You'll brainstorm your way and then go back and make it look like the instructor told you to.
• Not everyone should have the same process.  It stops creativity.
• What do you do when you get stuck in writing?
• Put music on
• Stop
• Take a break/ step away

Next, as a class, we wrote a list of prewriting strategies.

• Cluster Web
• Research
• Rough draft
• Meditating
• Defining subject matter
• KWL chart
• Reading models
• Venn diagrams
• Flashcards
• Outline
• Interview
• Bulleted list
• Cornell notes
• Talking/Discussion
• Flow chart
• Free write
• Peer editing
• 5 Ws and H
• Process of elimination
• Grouping

We discussed the questions about prewriting (see slide 19 on PowerPoint).

• You have to brainstorm
• Writing can be creative, which doesn't always involve prewriting.
• You do it anyway.  It happens naturally.
• It depends on the topic.  if you are familiar with it, you don't need to prewrite.
• Prewriting sets up the foundation for writing.
• You can get to a "good" paper in more ways than just with prewriting.
• The prewriting strategies you are taught in school are just skills.  You can use them wisely.

When does prewriting end?

• Prewriting ends when you're done writing.
• It ends when you are doing your final draft.
• Prewriting ends once you have your ideas and when you can organize your ideas.
• The process is linear.  You can go back to different parts of the process throughout.
• In high school, prewriting was required and very structured.
• In high school, it's about following directions, not about creativity.  
• They were preparing you for college, where you can do more individually.
• They gave you an opportunity to learn the process.
• They established the generic guidelines
• You have to elarn the process before you can veer off of it.

Homework:

• Read "Shitty First Drafts" and "Assumption Two" (on Moodle).
• Print and bring to class the two revision handouts (on Moodle.)