Draft 1: "the SH*&^$% first draft"

JUST WRITE!!!  

Idea: Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and just write on that topic with out stoping until the timer goes off

Then - Write Many Drafts:

1. Give yourself time--- even a few days between drafts.

2. Always feel free to start the process over with a different question or a different angle if what you have is not working like you had hoped. 

3. All of these questions (See below) may also be asked of someone else at any point in your process, but hopefully starting a few drafts in. I have also included additional potential questions for readers below. When ever you do this allow them to comment, but not change! You know yourself and what you want to say, so listen to yourself first. Their comments are just suggestions. Trust your instincts and take the comments as advice. It is your choice if you follow them or not. 

4. Always reread previous draft, with a question in your head or an intent to your process. 

5. Once it is feeling good listen to it being read out loud (Have someone else read it to you).  If you are happy then work on the polish.  See bottom of page for polishing suggestions.

Some of the questions you can ask yourself (or another) might be: 

• • • • • Is this the question that you want to answer?  Is this the only story you can tell? (Refer to Lenses Spread sheet?)  Is it from the heart and is this your voice?  Why is this important to me? What did I learn from this? How did it shape my beliefs and values? What was the biggest stumble? What was it like before this was in my life? How did it change me or who I think I will become? What was I feeling? What was I experiencing in my life at that time? 

        • Look for structure and flow.  Does it build something? Do you like reading it?  Does it move from the general to the specific? Does the story come full circle? What evidence have you presented to back up your statements? 

        • What is my Voice? Get rid of the passive voice. Is it active?  How can I make it more active?  Is it first or second person voice? (First Person voice books from the TISA library to look at to get an idea of voice-- Catcher in the Rye, I know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Santaland Diaries and Dress your family in Corduroy and Denim, I was told there would be cake)

        • How am I using details?  Do I use details that make the story come alive so that the reader is with me. How do I "Show not tell!"--I like ice cream vs hand churned Salty Caramel ice cream from Full Tilt makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I walk into their street side store in White Center, South of Seattle, and push open the glass door to be cheerfully bombarded by the bings and bongs of pinball machines and the smell of freshly baked sugar cones. 

        • Did I answer the prompt? A MUST DO!

        • Did I say what I wanted? 

        • Can you hear my conviction, enthusiasm and passion?

        • Does the reader learn about me? 

        • What impression am I leaving/giving? 

        • Doe this sound like someone other than me? 

        • Is this story Vivid?

        • Is this who I really am? 

        • If someone who had never met me before what impression would they get?  

        • Check your word count-- how am I coming? 

        • Word by word analysis--is there a better word or way to say this?  NOT a fancier word but a better word--simple is most often better but one that creates a clearer and distinct image. (vivid image) 

        • Have you used all of the senses? 

        • Look for opportunities to make the writing richer more experiential. 

        • Add details and specifics

Possible additional questions to ask others when they are reading your essay: 

1. Does the introduction draw you in? 

2. What do you think I am trying to say? 

3. How do I come across as a person?

4. Is it clear why this story is important to me? 

5. Where do I need more detail? 

6. Which parts do you like the best? 

7. Could anyone have written this essay?

8. Is there any place where you were confused? 

Day ....... 3 to.......? -----     POLISH!

• Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling. ( Uk or American Spelling and do your best to not drop back and forth.)

• Do your sentences vary in length and structure. Are there any words that you re-use-- can you replace one or another of them with a better word. 

• Check and recheck

• No shorthand (lol) or text speak unless it is critical to the story.

• Note college specific requirements for headings or word count

• Look for spelling that the spell check will not catch like great, knot, and too. 

• Find someone who is good at finding the details that are your greatest challenge.  If you know you have a hard time seeing spelling--make sure that your reader is a strong speller, or if you tend to want to leave out details have someone read it who you know will comment on where details could be enriched.

(Note: If spelling is your challenge, please do not rely on Ms. Borgerding to assist you with this aspect because it is her challenge too! :-))  

Make the necessary final edits -- and you are done!