Weekly Writing Tip: Just Write!

When you get a new writing assignment or feel stuck on one you have had for a few days, just start writing. Do not worry about form. Get ideas down on paper or in a Word document. Some English instructors call this a zero draft.

• Include quotes that stood out to you from the story or articles you read (make sure to write down the author and page number so you don't have to look them up later).
• Using Word allows you to cut and paste and highlight when you are done with your writing session and you begin to organize your thoughts into a draft.
• When you are done writing, read through what you have and start looking for themes or main ideas. "Code" themes by highlighting ideas that go with one theme in the same color.

A zero draft can help you overcome the need to be perfect every time you write. Remember that writing is a process - you have many opportunities to make changes before you turn in a final draft. With that said, start your zero draft as soon as you get a new assignment.