I always write with the routine of brainstorming, outlining, researching, writing and revising. However, my writing process in this quarter changed because the deadline and the type of writing were different.
Sometimes, I write on my bed, but generally,
I like and work the best while sitting on a chair.
Since deadlines this quarter were on Tuesdays and Thursdays, having late class at 7-9:30pm the day before, I could not write after dinner at 8-11pm as I normally do. My writing routine always includes activities that make me comfortable and relaxed, yet energetic. Therefore, eating and showering are what I do before I sit down and write.
However, as I moved out this year and live off-campus, instead of going to the dinning common for a meal, I cook my own meal, so cooking is a new activity I do before I write to put myself into condition.
After a day of class, I shower to refresh myself. After I shower, I put on cozy clothes and wear slippers to prepare myself for writing.
As I mentioned, I had class till 9:30pm the day before the deadline. Arriving home around 10pm, it would be nearly 12am after cooking, eating and showering, so I could only start at midnight and write in the middle of the night or sleep and write early in the morning.
now I read beforehand.
My writing routine changed this quarter because we were writing blogs instead of the argumentative essays I used to write. Because it is important to respond to what others said about the topic, to adapt to connective writing, I chose to do research before I brainstorm, outline, write and revise.
Usually, I turn on grammarly on chrome to do instant check of typos as I write. I would immediately correct the typos once I found them and I would read each paragraph with the previous paragraphs once before writing the next one to make sure they connect. Before submitting, I would also read the writing out, once in heart and once loud to my roommate.
and you know it’s time to work in the dinning room instead to avoid distractions.
Although my writing steps change, the environment I typically write remains the same. Quietness and relaxation are always important to me. I think sounds will distract me from planning the next sentences or paragraph as I write. Therefore, I usually avoid listening to music when I write.
However, there are exceptions to listening to music. If there is not an option of writing in a quiet place, I would put on my headphones and listen to music when I write. I prefer music over large chatting in a crowded place. Some other things that vary each time are water and snacks. Sometimes I write with a cup of water besides me while sometimes I write with a bottle of a water, but no matter in what form, I always stay hydrated when I write. Snack is also important because it fuels my brain in the middle of the night!
I think this writing process works for me as it get my stuff done on time. I am satisfied that I reduced the chance to procrastinate by writing last minute, yet having an organized structure because I did research, brainstorming and outlining more than a day before the deadline. However, if I could change my typical writing process, I would start writing earlier so I can have more time to revise my writing.
Christy's Journey 