DR. SPITZER’S WRITING PROCESS

(F-09)

1. Interact with my sources (per “reading” lecture)

2. Start drafting ideas, possibilities, notes, insights, hypotheses, etc. on the computer

write complete sentences

keep track of sources in parentheses

arrange under headings

transcribe useful quotes (+ commentary, interpretation, questions)

comment, add, rewrite

3. Sketch stages of argument

handwritten (only thing I write by hand)

usually just topic words on the back of an envelope

rewrite this several times

4. Type very detailed outline

based on arranged notes + sketched argument

something like 5-6 pages for 20-page article

indicate sources (quotes, musical examples, etc)

includes complete sentences, prose passages

rearrange order or argument as necessary

5. Write!

don’t fret now over the lead

follow detailed outline . . . BUT when writing breaks down it’s usually time to rethink the outline

cut sections that bore me to write

skip over missing information, examples, citations, etc – just flag the spot with brackets or yellow highlight

don’t fret now over the conclusion

6. Rewrite and edit

still at the computer

write real lead

integrate new ideas, missing links

cut inneffective material

write real conclusion

7. Fine tune

take copy to library and fill in flagged items

spell-check, grammar check

rewrite intro and conclusion again

8. Get friends to read it – rewrite again . . .

9. Submit to editor – rewrite again . . .