Typically, when you hear the words “writing process”, the definition that springs to mind involves the actual act of writing. While it is true that writing is a decently important aspect of the writing process (obviously), it is not the only aspect. Planning, editing, and revising are the stages more commonly associated with the concept of the writing process, but what may be less expected are the inclusions of writer’s block and failure as part of the process.
Let’s Start Simple
I didn’t single them out earlier as odd, but I did want to take a moment to elaborate on outlines in relation to the writing process. In his short article “Diversify Your Outlines”, Christopher Morales discusses the shortcomings of viewing the formal outline as the end all be all of planning. Some students may find the format restrictive, and it may actually inhibit their writing as a result. He presents a few alternatives to the formal outline, including a more visual option, Storyboarding, as well as the option of an informal outline. These alternatives may be more effective tools for certain students than a formal outline would be.
I know from personal experience that when I am writing for an assignment that doesn’t require a formal outline, I don’t make one. Sometimes I will write bullet points above my actual writing to give me a general idea of the points I want to include, but it’s nothing like the longform and segmented outlines I would turn in for grading in an academic setting. This would be considered an informal outline, and is what I find most comfortable and helpful.
Being Stuck is a Stage
Michaela Ramirez’s “Writer’s Block is Easily Preventable” focuses on, well, writer’s block, as well as asserting that it is a natural stage in the writing process. According to Ramirez, “…writer’s block should happen every time a student writes something. And if it doesn’t, it means what they’re writing isn’t challenging enough”. While having writer’s block certainly isn’t a fun experience, I can understand that it can be taken as a sign that you are being challenged by the work you are attempting to do, and that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Ramirez equates writer’s block with procrastination, and while I personally disagree with this(writer’s block being more the uncertainty of what to write and procrastination being the inability to begin — or continue— writing), I take little issue with the rest of her statements. For some people, the methods of combatting writer’s block that she presents may work wonders. However, I doubt that they are the solution for everyone. She suggests skimming the rubric as opposed to internalizing every word, which will reduce the writer’s stress, as they would not be hyper aware of every requirement. If a writer finds themself stuck, she then suggests that they either sleep on it, or doing a nerve calming activity. Both of these suggestions are meant to allow the writer a mental break from the task at hand, as well as the stress that goes with it. Coming back to an assignment after a break like this allows them to see their work from a new perspective.
What About When You Fail?
The good news is, everyone is going to fail at some point. You may think what you just wrote is a steaming pile of hot garbage, but you’re not the only one who has written a steaming pile of hot garbage. Failure is an inevitable part of life (and the writing process), but just as Alexus Yeakel writes in “Failure is Awesome”, it is a part of the writing process that you can learn from. When you delete portions of your work during proof-reading or revising, those can be considered failures, but ones that were necessary in order to create a better piece in the end.
The Prize at the End of the Gauntlet
Outlines, writer’s block, and even failure are all stages that contribute to a writer’s process. They may not seem as significant as other, more widely recognized parts, but they each have their own merit. Despite the difficulties they present the writer, they are important, and often necessary in some capacity. Once you make it through the gauntlet that is the writing process, you will find that you are left with work you can be satisfied with and proud of.
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