The Writing Process: Drafting | Rhetoric & Composition | Study Hall

Summary

Learning a new language or writing can be challenging but rewarding. Drafting is a crucial step in the writing process, but it’s not the entire process. It’s about translating ideas into text while remaining open to change. Drafting often overlaps with other stages like planning, revising, and editing. Dr. Emily Zarka explains that drafts are provisional, allowing for multiple versions before reaching the final product. Through examples, she highlights how drafting is an evolving process that helps refine ideas and achieve writing goals, encouraging flexibility and persistence.

Takeaways

• 📝 Drafting is a key part of the writing process, but it’s just one step among others like invention, planning, revising, and editing.
• 🤔 Thinking of drafting as a separate phase from writing reduces pressure to make every word perfect from the start.
• 💡 Drafting brings ideas from planning into a text form, but it’s open to change and refinement as you progress.
• 📚 Writing happens in various environments, from word processors to specialized software, and even voice-to-text tools can assist.
• 🔄 The writing process is non-linear, with drafting intersecting invention, planning, revising, and editing at different stages.
• 🛠 Experimenting with different drafting strategies, like disconnecting from distractions or more thorough planning, can lead to better results.
• 🖋 Drafts are provisional, meaning they can and should be refined as new information or requirements come up.
• 🔍 Drafting can involve jumping around between different sections, not necessarily writing in a straight line from start to finish.
• 📏 Feedback and revisions may require going back to earlier stages of the process, but this is part of refining and improving the draft.
• ✅ The mindset of creating multiple drafts, rather than viewing each draft as a final product, fosters improvement and flexibility.

Q & A

What makes learning a new language challenging?

Learning a new language is challenging because it involves not only mastering new words and grammar, but also understanding slang and cultural nuances that may not translate directly.

Why do English speakers use metaphors like 'get down to business'?

English speakers use metaphors like 'get down to business' because the transition from thinking about doing something to actually taking action is considered a significant moment. These metaphors emphasize the importance of starting the task at hand.

What is the difference between drafting and the entire writing process?

Drafting is just one step in the writing process. It involves transforming ideas and planning into text, but it is not the final product. Other steps like invention, revising, and editing also contribute to the final piece.

How can reframing the writing process as 'drafting' help reduce pressure?

Reframing the writing process as 'drafting' reminds us that every word doesn't have to be perfect from the start. It allows writers to focus on progress rather than perfection, reducing the pressure of writing a flawless first draft.

What are some techniques that can make drafting more efficient?

Efficient drafting techniques include writing a draft quickly without second-guessing, jumping around in the text to work on the clearest parts first, and incorporating some light editing as you go.

How has technology improved accessibility in drafting?

Technology has made drafting more accessible through tools like voice-to-text software, which can help those who struggle with traditional typing. Drafting can also occur in various digital environments like word processors or even movie editing software.

Why is it important to see drafts as 'provisional'?

Drafts are provisional, meaning they are open to change. This mindset encourages experimentation and helps writers view their work as a process of continuous improvement rather than a one-shot effort.

What should a writer do when receiving feedback on a draft?

When receiving feedback, writers should retrace their steps to determine if minor tweaks are sufficient or if more significant revisions, including new plans or drafts, are needed to meet the goals of the project.

How can the drafting process be non-linear?

The drafting process is often non-linear because writers may switch between invention, planning, drafting, revising, and editing. Writers might go back to earlier stages when refining their drafts or responding to feedback.

How does Gemma's bio-writing process illustrate the flexibility of drafting?

Gemma's process of writing a bio shows the flexibility of drafting because, after receiving feedback, she had to revise her original draft to fit the new requirements. Her first draft wasn't wasted, as it provided the necessary information for her revised, shorter bio.