All writers go through a similar writing process. The five basic steps are examined below:
1. Coming up with an idea: Generating raw material freewriting Journal exercises Reading Experience Choosing the gem among the rocks (expanding and exploring the idea) Getting stuck and moving on
2. Writing the first draft: Composing and structuring Experiment with technique Decide on a genre Decide on the best structure to tell the story
3. Revising: developing meaning, Rereading your work to look for a deeper meaning, Sharing your work in a readers’ circle/workshop, Getting feedback and response, Revision: transforming, rearranging, expanding, cutting
4. Editing: Fine cutting (cutting unnecessary words and paragraphs), Line by line editing, Reviewing word choice, Proofreading for errors
5. Publication: Preparing the manuscript for public perusal, Sending your manuscript out to publishers, The rejection letter/the acceptance letter, working with an editor/agent/publisher, Publication
Think about your own process. What do you need to do to get your writing done? Do you skip a step or move around? In your journal, jot down your own experience writing your baseline first draft. How did it go for you?
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