Writing as a Recursive Process

Experienced writers understand that writing is a process. Even the most experienced and successful writer cannot sit down and write a text perfectly. Instead, experienced writers know that writing is a recursive process–that is, it is a process that requires the writer to go back again and again to improve.

The writing process includes

• Invention (understanding the assignment, gathering ideas, planning)
• Drafting
• Revision
• Editing
• Reflection

In the image above, notice that the green arrows point in two directions. Rather than a straight line, the writing process is more circular. Effective writers will be willing to double back and adjust earlier steps as many times as necessary. The changes they make to a draft or revision will strengthen their overall final product. Professional writers, for instance, spend most of their time on the planning and revision steps of the process. They often see the draft as the equivalent of unformed clay, and the revision process is what turns the text into art.

But there is no denying it: writing as a process takes time. Students who are unwilling to put in that time will often end up with weaker writing as a result.

Steps of the Writing Process

Invention

Invention is the part of the writing process where a writer begins to generate ideas and plan the text.

Invention might include brainstorming, free-writing, or clustering ideas. Invention also includes the planning stage of any piece of writing. Whether a writer has a loose set of points they plan to discuss or a complete outline, any work that is done before the text is written counts as invention.

For most academic writing, invention begins with reading and listening to the conversation already happening. While high school students can easily write a five-paragraph essay without necessarily reading much, college-level academic writing requires that students write from deep knowledge. Reading widely and deeply for a clear understanding of the various voices and stakeholders in a conversation is necessary. College-level academic writing will come from the analytical reading and the active questions students come up with as they read and learn.

Drafting

Drafting refers to the step in the writing process where a writer begins to compose the text. Drafting is where paragraphs begin to take shape.

Many writers will write “organically.” Rather than taking a lot of time to go through the steps of invention and planning, they’ll simply begin to write.

It is important to understand that you cannot skip parts of the process. If you simply begin to write your essay, the first draft you complete is the equivalent of the invention stage. It will take much more effort and work to revise it later.

Revision

Revision is not the same as editing. Revision is re-seeing. Re-Vision.

The revision step requires a writer to take a step back from their work and reconsider the large-scale issues of the text.

Revision is where experienced writers spend the majority of their time. This section is different from simply “editing” or “proof reading” because it requires a writer to look at larger context issues.

• check the topic sentences of each paragraph to make sure each claim matches the thesis statement
• check the transitions between paragraphs for coherence and clarity
• check the overall organization and logic of the argument being made
• check the rhetorical situation and evaluate the draft for the audience, context, and writer’s purpose

During the revision process, writers should return to Steps 1 and 2 as needed, to ensure they are on the right track and the draft is properly adhering to the guidelines of the assignment.

The revision portion of the writing process is also where writers make sure paragraphs are fully developed. If outside sources are present, are they all working properly together? If the assignment is a summary,double check all paraphrasing to make sure it correctly represents the ideas and information of the source text.

Most experienced writers–including professional writers–will solicit for feedback on the draft during the revision process. By allowing others to read and provide comments, they can see their writing through a reader’s eyes. For college writing courses, students will take part in draft workshops as part of the revision process.

Editing

Once the larger content issues have been resolved, the writer can begin the editing process by carefully working through the paper for grammar and style issues.  During the editing process, check that the tone is appropriate for the assignment, that sources are properly integrated, and that the essay is formatted appropriately.

When entering the final step, go back to the assignment sheet, read it over once more in full, and then conduct a close reading.  Doing this will help you to ensure you have completed all components of the assignment as per your instructor’s guidance.

Reflection

The writing process doesn’t end once a draft is finalized or even submitted. Instead, experienced writers will learn from each of their experiences with writing tasks. A professional writer may reflect on what went well, so they can apply those strategies to make their next writing task easier and more efficient.

A student writer will usually receive comments and feedback from their professor. The final step in the writing process is to read over and analyze the comments received. What went well with the assignment? What skills need improvement?

But students should also reflect on their process. Did you underestimate the time the assignment would take and find yourself rushed? What could you do for the next essay or the next class to avoid that situation?

A Note on Time Management

One of the biggest comments students make when reflecting on their projects time after time is that they need to focus on time management.

Often, First Year Composition courses are pushed to the bottom of a student’s list. They aren’t a major course, so they aren’t necessarily seen as “important.” But students often don’t realize that FYC is one of the basic requirements for graduation. Without passing FYC, you can’t get a degree.

The writing process takes time. It needs time. What can you do to plan ahead so that you give yourself enough time to do well on your assignments?