Michael E. Adelstein

The Writing Process

Worrying-15%
Let your subject simmer, don't block it out until you have to write. When you think freely about the subject, ideas will come to you, and when they do make sure to write them down. You could also discuss the subject with a friend or read about it; use anything you can as a source of ideas or suggestions.

Planning-10%
Planning is important because it forces you to examine all of your ideas, which allows you to eliminate any ideas that are not important. You will not have to think about ideas as you write, but can focus on formulating sentences,

Writing-25%
What interest me the most about this stage is that fact that only 25% of your time is focused on writing. I believe this to be mainly because if you plan an idea properly as the process calls for, then much less time is consumed in the act of writing.

Revising-45%
MOST writers cannot clearly put their thoughts into words on the first draft. You must put on the shoes of your reader and read your draft objectively. Be quick to find fault and be honest with yourself.

Proofreading-5%
Look for careless mistake that you could have missed during revisions. Focus on the words and not the ideas in order to proofread properly.

Which stage of the process do you struggle with the most? Did any of the tips Adelstein gave help you with that weakness?