Many struggling writers are convinced there is a secret to the
success of more confident writers. There is a secret, but
it’s one that you too can embrace to improve your writing. The
simple truth is that refining your own personal writing process
to your unique strengths and weaknesses can not only make writing
easier but also can improve writing. Every writer’s
writing process includes the same basic five elements: inventing,
organizing, drafting, revising, and editing; however, in order
for the writing process to improve, the process must be
tailored to fit the individual writer’s strengths and
weaknesses.

Invention is one area that many beginning and struggling writers
simply do not spend enough time on. Many beginning writers
believe any time not spent writing is a waste of time. However,
experienced writers know that the more time spent thinking about
and preparing for the writing task, the less time
needed on actual writing. Invention might
be simply thinking about the topic or can also include methods such as
brainstorming, free writing, or clustering. Experiment with many
types of brainstorming and invention to determine which methods
work best for you.

Organization is also essential to writing preparation that many
novice writers do not give proper attention. Depending on the
length and complexity of the writing task, this can take a lot of
time or very little time, but do not overlook this important
element.

Writing is the obvious part of the writing process, but
many struggling writers simply overlook the fact that multiple
drafts can make a big difference in the quality of the work
produced. The more time a writer allows between drafts, the
more effective the drafting process can be.

Many poor writers believe that proofreading is the same as
revising and editing, however experienced writers understand that
revision is the reworking of content so that all ideas are fully
expressed, transitions are clear between topics, and organization
is effective. Experienced writers know that proofreading is more
closely associated with editing, but even then editing is more
than simply proofreading for the simple surface errors of
spelling and punctuation. Editing is looking at the structure of
sentences and paragraphs as well as looking at grammar and word
choice. Revision and editing should include at least two more
drafts but may require more depending on the writer’s weaknesses.

It is quite simple. Creating an individual writing process can
improve writing and make writing easier as well. Scratch the
surface of any successful writer’s work and you will find an individual
writing process.

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