Kick-Start Your Writing with Prewriting

For many writers, the hardest part of writing is just getting started! When you have a deadline, you can't afford to drag your feet, spin your wheels, or suffer from writer's block! When you are writing for your business, whether it is a home-based business or a large-scale business, you feel a sense of urgency to write effectively in an efficient manner. Writing is a process that is internalized for some, but for others, it is a learned process. The very first step of the writing process is prewriting, or what some have aptly nicknamed "draining your brain"!

Brainstorm!

Prewriting is also known as "brainstorming," a technique that good writers use to generate writing topics and to organize ideas. Many writers, young and old, are tempted to skip this step and dive write into drafting their writing piece to save time. However, by spending a few minutes brainstorming, writers can actually save time when drafting and revising! Why? You will save time because you already have writing topics , ideas, information, and an organizational plan!

How Can I Kick-Start My Brain?

Begin by brainstorming a list of topics and ideas. If you already know your topic, audience, and writing purpose, then start generating your information, facts, and ideas.

Prewriting can take many forms: lists, webs, charts, flow charts, outlines, and other graphic organizers. Listing and webbing are very quick and easy to create! With webs, you can also branch out into sub-categories to organize your thoughts.

Literally, drain your brain of any and all information you can think of. Once you get started with listing, webbing, and writing ideas, more will come to mind.

Look over your notes and ask yourself the following questions:

• Are all facts, examples, information relevant to my topic?
• Do I need categories, headings, sub-headings?
• In what order, will I present my information?
• Do I have enough information?

Graphic Organizers and More for Prewriting

Visit these websites to see a wide variety of organizers:

http://www.englishcompanion.com/Tools/notemaking.html
http://www.graphic.org/goindex.html

Graphic organizers are used by teachers at all levels for writing and reading instruction. They are invaluable for adult writers as well! Once you know your writing purpose, you can quickly select an organizer that will help you organize your information. For example, if you are writing a cause-effect article, choose a cause-effect organizer to structure your ideas and to aid you in drafting your writing project.

While it may seem to be more work, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much actual writing time this simple strategy of prewriting will save you.