#3 - My writing process is certainly...a process!

    Writing is embedded in various areas of my life. I've written in diaries, constructed numerous scripts, drafted various poems in my notes app, and of course, written hundreds of academic pieces throughout my educational career. Writing has taken over my life, and has often been done without thinking. Or so I thought. After reading, "A Cognitive Process Theory of Writing" by Flower and Hayes (1981), I've come to realize that I do have my own writing process. A particular one at that. 

   My writing process is a continuous work in progress. In highschool, I was introduced to the Pre-Write/Write/Re-Write model as referenced by Flower and Hayes. To this day, I still utilize that model to begin my process. The pre-write portion is typically the longest as, for me, it is an incredibly strenuous process filled with failed ideas, organization of writing, and a long procrastination period before I actually begin writing. 

    Once I have my writing outlined, or at least a solid structure, then my writing can finally begin. As I begin to write, no matter what the assignment, genre, medium, of writing, I typically fall into this mindset that can be best described as my "writing flow." Once I find that flow, 5 words quickly turns into 5,000. However, in times when I don't find that flow, it's hard for me to focus and structure my thoughts in a way that is effective or interesting. This lack of flow typically occurs while I write for say an assignment that I don't find value or purpose in. However, through outside forces like deadlines and academic pressure, I always get these assignments done. Usually not my best work, but will certainly fulfill requirements. 

    As I mentioned, I have written numerous scripts throughout my life. They usually weren't too good, especially the ones made when I was 12. One that I can recall was a play (and one women show starring yours truly)that featured a british prince, a pretty princess, and el chupacabra. However, I found my script writing skills to be beneficial as I explored multimodal projects in school. In my freshman year of college, I created a podcast as my final project rather than an essay. 

My project discussed minority-owned businesses in the 90s, racial discrimination, and the importance of small businesses and how they have prospered today. I also took a chance to highlight some minority-owned businesses. I had to first outline my ideas, then create a script that followed the flow of a podcast (aka text that would translate well when read aloud). Additionally, I included music and pauses throughout to enhance the effect and message that I was relaying. Therefore, for that particular project, I found that I had to slightly revise my writing process to best support the podcast structure and project assignment. 

  As mentioned, writing has become a regular practice in my day to day life. When I am able to outline and fall into a writing flow, I find my writing to be my best. But, when disinterested in my writing, or what I'm supposed to be writing about, it's difficult for me to find motivation. Therefore, my writing process is not perfect and requires revision, but continues to improve.