How Frameworking Takes the Stress Out of Writing

Utilizing a process in any large task is essential to success. This is certainly the case with all writing activities from grocery lists to poems to school papers and business letters to best-selling novels.

There are a variety of steps given from here to there regarding the writing. I always work with the following steps and in this order: gathering information, planning, drafting, revising and editing, and publishing.

So, what are the benefits of using some sort of consistent organization when writing?

Step #1: Improves efficiency

It goes without saying that having a structure makes the writing process more efficient and intentional. Time is a commodity we can all use more of, and nothing makes better use of time than a system of organized steps that take the guesswork out of a project and bring some calm into the approach.

Regardless of which system you use, whether mine or someone else's, the key is to use that system consistently each time you or your students write.

Step #2: Reduces errors

Nothing causes more frustration than having to start a project or assignment over because of lack of direction and/or errors and mistakes that are discovered in the middle of the project.

Following a set of pre-defined steps is one of the best insurances against having to stop, adjust, or even having to start all over again.

Step #3: Builds confidence.

Breaking down the writing process into manageable steps reduces anxiety and builds confidence in one's ability to produce high-quality work. While such may not be necessary for simple tasks like grocery lists and/or notes to family members, confidence can play a major role in both a student's performance and their stress level when it comes to writing assignments.

And a personal FYI - to be honest, I don't always have a high confidence in my grocery list if I haven't taken the time to research my cabinets and my stock of supplies and plan my meals for the next week or so.

Step #4 - Enhances clarity and conciseness

Writing is all about clarity. No one wants their written words and intent to be misunderstood. Having a framework for carrying through from ideas to publication means the writer can concentrate on the message they wish to convey.

Step #5 - Improves writing skills

Consistently using a writing process is one of the best ways to free a writer to concentrate and focus on those writing skills essential for long-term growth, such as critical thinking, organization, and self-editing. Nothing will further a writer's growth than writing with clarity and intentionality.

Make the magic happen . . .

It goes without saying that magic happens when writers use a framework for their writing. Students as young as kindergarten can begin to understand these steps and use them. For older students and adults, the benefits are incalculable.

Need more help?

If you have never worked with steps in the writing process, or you are lacking a consistent framework, then today is your day to step into greatness!

Sign up for my newsletter Duct Tape & Chocolate and download my currently FREE ebook The 5 Steps in the Writing Process (for writing everything from a grocery list to a best-selling novel). The book provides an in-depth look at the five steps, offers writing prompts, and provides posters of the 5 steps for you to print and use in your classroom, homeschool, or office.

Need a private tutor? Consultations are always FREE! Let's talk about how I can help you and yours take the stress out of writing!

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Donna Hechler Porter, a graduate of Texas A & M University, is a life-long educator, a published author, and an arm-chair historian. When not writing or teaching, she rescues old furniture from the side of the road, stops at all garage sales, and never meets a thrift store she doesn't fall in love with! Donna has created Donna Hechler Porter, Tutor, to expand her love of reading and writing to help more students, young and old alike, fall into the magic of words and pens and to launch themselves into the futures they were destined for! Contact Donna at dhportertutor@gmail.com 

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