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Please also note that during the process of writing this post, I employed ChatGPT and WordPress’ AI Assisstant for language improvement and proofreading.

Writing is often perceived as a straightforward task, but for those who delve deeper into the craft, it becomes clear that effective writing is far from simple. In this blog post, I will explain the actual writing process and discuss how we can actually develop our writing skills effectively. This exploration is based on the research in second language writing and my personal experience as a writer and as a writing teacher, highlighting the complexity and the non-linear nature of writing.

Good writing does not happen in a single step. An effective piece of writing is not the result of a perfect first draft but rather a product of meticulous and iterative efforts. The process of writing usually involves four main elements: planning, drafting, editing, and finalising (Harmer, 2004).

1. Planning: Setting the Stage

The planning stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire writing process. Planning can vary significantly among writers. Some prefer detailed notes, while others might start with a few keywords. Regardless of the approach, the goal is to create a roadmap that guides the writing process. 

Planning often involves several key considerations:

• Purpose: What is the goal of your writing? Are you informing, persuading, or entertaining?
• Audience: Who will be reading your work? Why will they read your work: to learn something new or to evaluate your performance?
• Content and Structure: What are you writing about? How will you organise your ideas? 

2. Drafting: Bringing Ideas to Life

Drafting is the stage where you start to translate your ideas into written form. The emphasis here is on content generation rather than perfection. Drafting lets you explore your ideas and see how they fit together. It’s an opportunity to experiment and let your creativity flow without constraints.

In your first draft, it’s essential to:

• Write Freely: Focus on getting your thoughts on paper without worrying about grammatical correctness, style or even your organisation of ideas.
• Embrace Imperfection: The first draft is just that—a draft. It’s a starting point that will undergo numerous changes.

3. Editing: Refining and Polishing

Editing is a critical phase where you refine your draft to improve clarity, coherence, and correctness. Editing is an iterative process. You might find yourself revisiting the drafting stage to make important changes. Taking breaks between edits can give fresh perspectives, helping you spot errors and improve your work.

This stage can be divided into two sub-processes to review:

• Content and Structure: Review the organisation of your essay. Make sure that each paragraph supports your thesis and that there’s a logical progression of ideas.
• Language and Mechanics: Focus on grammar, punctuation, and word choice. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise.

4. Finalising: Preparing the Final Version

The finalising stage involves preparing the polished version of your essay for submission or publication. Once you’ve been satisfied with your writing, it’s time to consider:

• Formatting: Ensure your work meets the required formatting guidelines.
• Citations and References: Properly cite all sources and include a bibliography if necessary.
• Final Checks: Review your work for any overlooked errors and make sure it presents a professional appearance.

Before continuing your reading, please reflect on your previous learning to write and writing experience.

Do you usually go through these four elements? If yes, how do you often go through them? If not yet, what have you been missing?

The Non-Linear Nature of Writing

While the writing process might seem linear, it is, in reality, a recursive process. As depicted by Jeremy Harmer’s “process wheel” (2004), writers often move back and forth between stages. For example, during editing, you might discover a need for more research, leading you back to the planning stage. This recursive nature allows for continual refinement and improvement, ensuring the final product is well-crafted. 

Writing is a skill that evolves with practice and reflection. Writing, after all, is a journey, not a destination.

Let’s go back to the question in my title “Have we learned how to write in an effective way?” I’m afraid I will not be able to answer that for you. However, what I hope to achieve is to emphasise that effective writing is not about producing a perfect piece in one go but about embracing a thoughtful and recursive approach. With this in mind, it’s now time to think about how we learn to write in our classrooms, in our free time and even in preparing for standardised tests. Share with me in the comment section! 

Have you ever found yourself struggling to produce a decent piece? Can you relate your difficulties with the elements of the writing process? If you are a teacher, (how) have you considered the process of writing in your instructions?

Reference: Harmer, J. (2006). How to teach writing. Pearson Education.