Before reading this section on "Discovering Your Writing Process," I didn't think I even had a writing process. I would simply just write. But then again, that is a characteristic of one of the types listed in the section.
Each of the four categories describe habits and mannerisms that different writers could have.
The categories are as follows:
- Heavy Planner
- Heavy Reviser
- Sequential Composer
- Procrastinator
A "heavy planner" is a writer who spends a great amount of time on planning and preparation, resulting in a thorough and complete first draft. While this may sound beneficial, the writer may not revise as much or as sharp as other writers do.
A "heavy reviser" finds his or her voice while writing. This type of writer revises and plans as he or she works, but must be able to critique their own writing appropriately.
A "sequential composer" separates their time equally between planning, writing and revising. This is a very efficient writing method, as they refer to their notes and revise immediately after part of the work is produced.
A "procrastinator" is someone who claims to "work better under pressure." These types of writers save their work until the last minute, which tends to leave time only for a final draft. This is not a favorable method, as it does not allow time for any complete revision.
Thinking about Your Own Writing Process Questions
1. I consider myself to be primarily a "heavy reviser," because I do not plan ahead when I write, unless it is absolutely necessary. I am able to find my purpose or thesis after I have already started to write, so it is proven to be the best method for me personally.
2. If I had to choose another method that I occasionally fall back on in my writing process, it would be the "sequential composition" method. Sometimes I do write notes beforehand and reflect immediately after each paragraph, and revise if necessary, but usually not.
3. As I said, the reviser method has been proven to make me a more successful writer in the past. I have a more complete idea of what I am going to write after I have already started. However, revising my own work is somewhat difficult for me, which is why I might try new approaches in this class.
4. I think I could become a better writer if I became a "sequential composer." If I had a plan prior to my writing, then I would be able to develop my thesis clearer. Also, the revisions would be more complete.
This image below illustrates my writing process perfectly: messy, a bit chaotic, yet improved.
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| Julie Jordan Scott. "Revision in Process". 04/11/2011 via Flickr. Attribution 2.0 Generic License. |
REFLECTION:
After perusing around my fellow classmates' blogs, I uncovered a few truths about my writing process, and the writing process as a whole. Chloe's post made me realize that maybe the "ideal" writing method for me is a combination of the different types. I should learn how to plan more beforehand, revise more after the work is finished, and also complete my individual paragraphs as I write them, but completely disregard the "procrastination" method. Another one of my classmates, Tyler, said that he is trying to find a balance between the writing methods, which echoes my point of developing a combination. This class is a perfect setting for experimentation in writing, so I hope that I can explore various strategies to become a better writer.
After reading over some other blogs, I agree with your idea that the best way to write, moving forward, is a combination of planning and revising during the writing process. As much as I wish I could claim that I were capable of executing that plan perfectly, I can't. What I do believe, however, is that the balance between planning and revision, like you said, is crucial for developing an effective paper.
ReplyDeleteWhat is gucci Jenny!? I was just cruising around your blog posts and stumbled upon this one about your writing process. I have a few questions, though.
ReplyDelete1. How has heavy revising been beneficial/detrimental in your overall writing process?
2. Have you implemented more elements of sequential composition into your writing style? If so, how have they affected your writing as a whole?
3. Have you made any grand revelations about writing in general?
These are just a few questions that come to mind when I read your glorious post!