Writing Process

Many scholars and educators are fond of the term "best practices," the idea that we can find the best, most optimal systems for completing complex tasks.  Although this idea is noble, I find that there are no consistent "best practices" for writing.  Every writer is unique, and this makes it impossible to impose specific rules on how you "should" do your writing.  Whether you're a student writing a five-paragraph essay or a seasoned novelist drafting your next bestseller, you will have certain skills and habits that differ from the writers around you.

I believe it's important to embrace these differences.  Use your strengths to be the best writer you can be.  At the same time, you need to consider the ways your writing process will help you better reach your audiences:

1. Healthy writing habits develop your skills as a writer.  The more you read and write, the easier it will be to produce high-quality work in the future.  By understanding your genres and their conventions and then using an appropriate style to meet those conventions, you encourage readers to consider your message.

2. Consistent work habits give you more control over the quality of each project.  Taking time to conduct high-quality research, organize your thoughts, and revise your work helps ensure that your information is accurate and understandable.  This builds trust with your audiences by showing them that you are knowledgeable, thoughtful, and able to communicate.

3. Successful drafting takes time - and possibly multiple versions of your paper.  Writing, rewriting, reconsidering — it's rare that the "first draft" is best, but sometimes it's good enough.  How many rough drafts will you need?  From there, how do you get good feedback?