Below are 9 rules that I have constructed as important for the writing process. I made this list with my future students in mind and with the hope that I will one day display these rules in my classroom to guide my students in their writing.
- Bad first drafts are important! Your first draft will not be perfect and it shouldn’t be perfect.
- Write everyday. If you are having trouble with an assignment, don’t give up. Write something everyday, even if it is not relevant to the project. Just write.
- Free write. If you are having problems writing about a certain topic, just free write. Write down anything and everything that pops into your head. It will clear your mind and help you write. If free writing doesn’t help, see the next tip.
- Take a break. Sometimes writing is not easy and it does not come naturally to some people. Don’t force the process. If you are having trouble, take a break before you become too frustrated.
- Write what you know. Writing can be easy and fun when you write about something that you know and something that is familiar to you.
- Don’t take the above rule too seriously! It can be fun and easy to write about something that you know but don’t get stuck in a rut. It is still important to branch out and push the boundaries of your writing.
- Write the way you talk. It is important to not try too hard with your writing. Don’t worry so much about language and using big, important sounding words. Just write the way that you would talk with the language that you would use.
- Believe in your process. Not all people write the same way or have the same writing techniques. Some can sit down and write the whole thing while others need to work piece by piece. Write the way that is the most comfortable and productive for you.
- Always edit. Never submit an assignment without rereading and proofreading and making changes. Your work may be good but it can always be better.