Why It Matters: The Writing Process Workshop

Why think about writing as a process?

The writing process refers to a series of steps to follow in order to produce a completed piece of writing. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to approach a writing assignment, especially something like an essay. But, have no fear! By following the writing process, you can produce a polished finished project.

The writing process is broken down into steps, starting with prewriting (often referred to as brainstorming), finding evidence, outlining and organizing your ideas, drafting, editing/proofreading, and publishing the final piece of finished writing.

"The Writing Process": Topic, Prewrite, Evidence, Organize, Draft, Revise, Proofread.

If you follow the steps of the writing process, then your end result should be a logical and well-written essay. While you may not follow every step of the writing process for every writing assignment you have, being familiar with the steps or consolidating them when needed, will make you a more effective writer.

Writing Workshop: Your Working Document

Every component of the working document will be introduced throughout this module in a blue box such as this one. Open your working document now and keep it open as you progress through the module.

  1. Go to the assignment for this module in your LMS. Click on the link to open the Working Document for this module as a Google Document.
  2. Choose “file” then “make a copy” to make your own version of the document. If you prefer to download it as a word or other file, you may.Screenshot of the file, make a copy, button inside of google docs
  3. Rename it as “YOUR NAME: Working Doc – Writing Essentials” and move it to a folder where you can easily find it.screenshot of copy document and renaming settings inside of google docs
  4. Next, go to the sharing settings and change it so that “Anyone with the link can comment.” This will enable your instructor to make comments on the document.Screenshot of GoogleDocs sharing settings set to "Anyone with the link can comment"
  5. Now hold onto this document—we’ll need it soon! (You’ll submit the link to your instructor once you’ve completed the Writing Workshop activities).