by Abby Ponder
The other night, I sat down at my computer to start writing. I write everyday--it's one of the hazards of studying English and journalism--but I rarely take into consideration the routine behind the word count.
People write in different ways; it is a fact of life. Sometimes the routines are consistent--"every night at 5:30 I must write three pages of whatever research paper is due first"--and sometimes they're more adaptable to meet deadlines and other commitments.
Additionally, sometimes people procrastinate one assignment while working ahead on another.
Life is full of variables and writing is no different.
For me, I tend to write at odd hours. Sometimes it depends on when I get the chance or have the motivation. If I've learned anything, though, it's that writing something every day makes all the difference in the world--even if you only are able to write for ten minutes.
Eventually I'll sit down and force myself to write. I'll typically draw up an outline on paper first, and then start writing with my first body paragraph. (I almost always skip the introduction and save it for last. If, for some reason, I go on ahead with it, nine times out of 10 I'll end up deleting it at the end.)
From there, I just write. I split the screen between my outline and the actual assignment, and just go until I have to stop. (With occasional five minute breaks every now and then.)
I also like writing in a familiar place. I can write at home when I need to. In fact, I do so on several occasions. It's easy and convenient; it is also extremely comfortable. But while I can work at home, it doesn't necessarily mean I always do. Over my time at WKU, I've found that I do some of my most productive writing in a library or a coffee shop. Home means comfort, more often than not, and so I can rationalize procrastination; however, when I'm in an official setting my productivity goggles immediately fall into place and those fifteen minute Facebook breaks (because, let's be honest, five minutes doesn't always cut) are immediately downsized.
The moral of the story is, write where you think you can write. If you're more productive at home, then go for it. But if you're struggling with churning out a couple pages from the sofa or dining room table, I would suggest trying out a new environment. There are tons of great coffee shops on and around campus that allow for a comfortable, but professional setting. Or, if the noise bothers you, the library is an excellent place to get work done. (We also, as it so happens, have a Writing Center location in the Commons at Cravens that you can stop by at any stage in your writing.)
Find what works best for you and go from there. You might not find that magical writing zone on the first try, but keep looking--it's there somewhere.
In the meantime, enjoy your snow day(s), Hilltoppers! And be sure to let us know about your writing process. Inquiring minds want to know!
Happy Writing!
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Monday, February 16, 2015
Monday, November 24, 2014
The Final(s) Countdown: Getting Your Paper Started
by Abby Ponder
We've reached that time of year, folks: finals week. Or, better yet, crunch time.
It's been a grande ole' semester filled with football games and friends, festivities and fun times. But, like all good things, this semester has to come to a close, and with that conclusion, final projects and papers must come to an end, too.
So how are you coping with the stress of finals week?
Well, step one: don't panic. I know that is much easier said than done (trust me, I definitely know that), but it's doable. Compartmentalizing is key. I have four or five papers due in the upcoming weeks, and compartmentalizing them is the only way I'm going to be able to remain a fully functioning human being by the end of this.
So, let's walk through the process. Bear in mind that, as we go, what works for me may or may not work for you. Everyone has a different approach to paper writing, but it is my hope that even if this isn't the exact path you wind up taking, that this post might help you figure out for yourself what works and doesn't work, and then provide you the support to build your own foundation from there.
First, look at the assignment and deconstruct what it is asking you. Are there multiple questions being asked in the prompt? In that case, I've found that it can be helpful to separate them into different questions. Suppose that the prompt it asking you the following question: "How does The Scarlet Letter reflect the mentalities of Puritan New England? How is this mindset still reflected in a contemporary setting? How do the symbols from the novel reflect the way symbols are used today in regards to shame?" When planning to write this paper, you might break it down like this:
Admittedly, the questions your professors assign will be more eloquent than my attempts, and your answers will certainly be more elaborate, but you get the general idea. Breaking down these long questions can help you figure out what direction you want to take your paper in. I'm a very visual learner, and so having this clearly laid out in front of me helps tremendously.
We've reached that time of year, folks: finals week. Or, better yet, crunch time.
It's been a grande ole' semester filled with football games and friends, festivities and fun times. But, like all good things, this semester has to come to a close, and with that conclusion, final projects and papers must come to an end, too.
So how are you coping with the stress of finals week?
Well, step one: don't panic. I know that is much easier said than done (trust me, I definitely know that), but it's doable. Compartmentalizing is key. I have four or five papers due in the upcoming weeks, and compartmentalizing them is the only way I'm going to be able to remain a fully functioning human being by the end of this.
So, let's walk through the process. Bear in mind that, as we go, what works for me may or may not work for you. Everyone has a different approach to paper writing, but it is my hope that even if this isn't the exact path you wind up taking, that this post might help you figure out for yourself what works and doesn't work, and then provide you the support to build your own foundation from there.
First, look at the assignment and deconstruct what it is asking you. Are there multiple questions being asked in the prompt? In that case, I've found that it can be helpful to separate them into different questions. Suppose that the prompt it asking you the following question: "How does The Scarlet Letter reflect the mentalities of Puritan New England? How is this mindset still reflected in a contemporary setting? How do the symbols from the novel reflect the way symbols are used today in regards to shame?" When planning to write this paper, you might break it down like this:
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However, while some assignments may be long and elaborate, there are others that are completely open-ended. In some cases, these assignments can be even more overwhelming. You know you're supposed to write about something, but with no specific guidelines or instructions, where on Earth are you supposed to begin? In that case, find a topic that is both interesting to you and is relevant to the class. Making a list can be helpful, and taking a look back at the syllabus can also give you an idea of everything you might've forgotten from earlier in the semester. (But you wouldn't forget any of the material, right?)
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| Photo Credit |
Once you have a general idea as to what you're going to be writing about, I've found that writing up an outline can be particularly helpful. Outlines, in my experience, can go in a couple of different directions.
One option is the bare-bones skeleton. This is the idea of just putting words on paper to have some sense of direction as to where the project should go. I typically write this outline on paper, because drawing arrows and crossing things out can sometimes be especially satisfying, and it definitely lends itself towards making you feel as if you're making progress--because you are!
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The above picture is from the beginning of an outline I was working on for a class earlier this semester. It's nothing terribly elaborate, but more of an idea as to where the paper will eventually go. Even if the paper deviates from this path, it's a nice way of gathering your thoughts and saving them for later. You never know what epiphanies will happen!
Once I have finished my bare-bones outline, then I start a quote-based outline. In most of your academic research papers, secondary sources are crucial. Instead of flipping back and forth while writing the paper, I like to have a good idea of what quotes I'll be using and where I will be using them before I even get started.
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| Following the bare-bones outline, I created this one to plug in resources that, if the paper presented an opportunity for them, I could cite. |
While you may still need to pull out some other quotes as you go along (because, hey, papers develop in different ways sometimes), this way you already have the central ones at your disposal. If you follow this outline (ha!), though, make sure you continue to mark where you're pulling the quotes from. Citations are critical, and you're not saving time in the long run if you have to go back and find the author and page number after the fact. Do it all upfront and you'll be golden!
From there, the next thing to do is just start writing. And remember, the first draft doesn't have to be perfect--that's why it's called a first draft. If you have the time, check out one of our recent post about the editing process for some extra assurance and advice.
Also, don't forget that the Writing Center is here to assist you with any stage of the writing process. We are not an editing service, but we will gladly help walk you through any bumps in the road you may stumble across, whether you're on the preliminary outline or looking at a final draft. Sometimes it's just nice to have a second opinion on things, too.
Like always, you can schedule an appointment by clicking here and selecting a time that works well for you. If you're struggling with the system, we also offer a step-by-step tutorial for how to make an appointment. We are also available for drop-in appointments, but please remember that those function under a first come, first serve basis. Because of that, we strongly encourage students to go ahead and schedule an appointment in advance to secure their spot.
Good luck in the upcoming couple of weeks, my friends, and have a wonderful break!
Happy Writing!
Monday, September 22, 2014
Finding that elusive starting point.
by Abby Ponder
You sit down with your pen and pencil (or with your fingers hovering over their respective keys on your keyboard), and you brace yourself: it's time to write. Whether you've waited until the last minute and are working against a clock, or are starting a month in advance, there's no easy place to start. The words don't always flow automatically and sometimes you're just stuck.
First, take a deep breath.
It can be overwhelming when you're staring at a blank screen, cursor blinking ominously at you. You feel like you have to put something on the page, and the longer that screen stays blank, the worse you begin to feel.
Sometimes writing a paper is the easiest thing in the world to do. The words are coming, the ideas are flowing, and just like that you're finished and awaiting your well-deserved A. When it works out like that? It's great! But it doesn't always. So what do you do when you don't know where to start and you've already wasted enough time on Facebook or Netflix, procrastinating the inevitable?
Over the course of the past few years, I've found that outlining is my actual best friend. Yeah, I know, all your professors tell you to make an outline. You'll sigh, sometimes, because who really wants to take the time to write something that won't even become the final product? I understand your way of thinking, my friend--I do. But try it.
To start your outline, read your assignment carefully and make sure you fully understand the question. I know that I'm prone to skimming things, especially when I'm in a hurry, but experience has taught me that it's a surefire way to miss something important. Sometimes it helps to make a list of the tasks the professor is looking for in the assignment: Write them down in a nice bulleted list, and then take notes on those objectives. The professor wants you to talk about the differences between Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Celestial Railroad?" You can do that. It doesn't have to look perfect at this stage; you're just putting ideas on paper.
If your assignment requires outside sources, once you finish your list start looking for those resources. Pull out the information you think will be valuable, and begin placing the quotes in the areas you think they will be most applicable.
When you feel like you have a clear direction, then get started! Remember, your first draft doesn't have to be perfect--that's why it's called a first draft. And don't forget to pay us a visit in the Writing Center! We're here to help talk you through your outline or answer any questions you may have along the way.
Happy Writing!
You sit down with your pen and pencil (or with your fingers hovering over their respective keys on your keyboard), and you brace yourself: it's time to write. Whether you've waited until the last minute and are working against a clock, or are starting a month in advance, there's no easy place to start. The words don't always flow automatically and sometimes you're just stuck.
First, take a deep breath.
It can be overwhelming when you're staring at a blank screen, cursor blinking ominously at you. You feel like you have to put something on the page, and the longer that screen stays blank, the worse you begin to feel.
Sometimes writing a paper is the easiest thing in the world to do. The words are coming, the ideas are flowing, and just like that you're finished and awaiting your well-deserved A. When it works out like that? It's great! But it doesn't always. So what do you do when you don't know where to start and you've already wasted enough time on Facebook or Netflix, procrastinating the inevitable?
Over the course of the past few years, I've found that outlining is my actual best friend. Yeah, I know, all your professors tell you to make an outline. You'll sigh, sometimes, because who really wants to take the time to write something that won't even become the final product? I understand your way of thinking, my friend--I do. But try it.
To start your outline, read your assignment carefully and make sure you fully understand the question. I know that I'm prone to skimming things, especially when I'm in a hurry, but experience has taught me that it's a surefire way to miss something important. Sometimes it helps to make a list of the tasks the professor is looking for in the assignment: Write them down in a nice bulleted list, and then take notes on those objectives. The professor wants you to talk about the differences between Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Celestial Railroad?" You can do that. It doesn't have to look perfect at this stage; you're just putting ideas on paper.
If your assignment requires outside sources, once you finish your list start looking for those resources. Pull out the information you think will be valuable, and begin placing the quotes in the areas you think they will be most applicable.
When you feel like you have a clear direction, then get started! Remember, your first draft doesn't have to be perfect--that's why it's called a first draft. And don't forget to pay us a visit in the Writing Center! We're here to help talk you through your outline or answer any questions you may have along the way.
Happy Writing!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Welcome back! Now let's get started.
Welcome back to the hill, folks! New semesters always bring
a lot of new things: there are new people, new living arrangements, new
classes, and, inevitably, new papers. Today marks the beginning of Week Four,
and the newness of the semester is gradually beginning to evolve into something
resembling a routine. And those papers that initially seemed so far away? Their
due dates are starting to creep a little closer.
So, what do you do now?
Well, starting to write is typically a step in the right
direction, and the Writing Center is here to help. Our writing tutors work with students at any stage in the writing process, to help boost your confidence in that final product.
Scheduling an appointment with the WKU Writing Center is
easy to do: First, visit our website and
click “Appointment Scheduler." You’ll then be prompted to either log in or create
account if it is your first visit. From there, you’ll select a time and date, and then you’re
all set! Simple as that. Alternatively, you can also give us a call at (270)
745-5719 or email us at writingcenter@wku.edu
if you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any additional questions.
For the fall of 2014, our hours are as follows:
Cherry
Hall
Monday
- Thursday: 9am - 4pm
Friday:
9am - 1pm
Cravens
Monday
- Tuesday: 4pm - 9pm
Wednesday:
4pm - 6:30pm
Thursday:
4pm - 9pm
Friday:
CLOSED
The
Writing Center at WKU is more than happy to assist you at any stage in the
writing process, so schedule an appointment and come see us!
--Abby
Monday, April 14, 2014
Announcing: Stop Procrastinating and Write! Developing Effective Writing Habits
The Writing Center is pleased to announce "Stop Procrastinating and Write! Developing Effective Write Habits" to be presented by the Writing Center Director, Dr. Jane Fife. The even will take place in Cherry Hall 125 on Wednesday, April 16 from 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
This presentation will explain typical attitudes and behaviors that prevent writers from getting started (and getting finished) as well as attitudes and practices that promote productivity.
For those who are interested bu unable to attend, the presentation will be recorded (courtesy of DELO) and a video will be added to the Writing Center website.
We hope to see you all there!
--Sarah
This presentation will explain typical attitudes and behaviors that prevent writers from getting started (and getting finished) as well as attitudes and practices that promote productivity.
For those who are interested bu unable to attend, the presentation will be recorded (courtesy of DELO) and a video will be added to the Writing Center website.
We hope to see you all there!
--Sarah
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