Ask the Center Staff

How am I ever going to get this project done if I keep changing my mind???   A couple of weeks ago, I finally figured out a claim for my sustained writing project.  But after reading more and talking to people, I’m not sure I think about this issue the same way I did when I started.  NOW what do I do?    – A worried ITW student 

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Dear ITW student,

What you describe sounds like you are digging into your own education by thinking, writing, talking, and rethinking.   Believe it or not, this is a good thing.   It may seem like you are losing focus when you are learning so much, but the tutors say that rethinking and rewriting is entirely normal, and an important learning process.  Here’s their advice:

 
“Come up with a thesis early, but be prepared to edit and change it later, sometimes multiple times.”  — Jenn Kant

“Research will help lead to a claim.”  — John Vespa

“When it comes to formulating a claim, don’t force it; it may change many times throughout your writing and it may not even come to you until the end of the process.”  — Ellen Estabrook

“Take your claim and re-write it three or four times in different ways.  Keep what you like and get rid of what you don’t.”  — Alex Candee

“Explore and develop your ideas through discussion with peers, teachers, and anyone willing to give you their thoughts.   Through discussion, your ideas will develop which will add depth to your writing.” –- Josh Starkey

“Do not be afraid of revision.  Think of your first draft as a tabletop of puzzle pieces that you will toy with, rearranging and finding new shapes and forms through your own exploration.”  – Erin Stewart

Outlining is often used to plan a draft, but it is perhaps an even more valuable tool for revision of an existing draft.  Reverse outlining a first draft can help you clarify the claim, think through the logical structure, and organize the sequence of evidence for a next draft.

 The Duke University Writing Studio has a good reverse outline handout demonstrating how and why to map out what you’ve already written before you plunge into revision. You’ll discover what’s working well already and what needs rearranging or rethinking.

Reverse outlining can also work well as:

 Switch drafts with a friend and reverse outline each other’s work before you talk about your drafts together.

Try reverse outlining a sample of an unfamiliar writing genre to deconstruct how another writer organizes such a piece.

Keene State faculty,

Tutors now offer a range of in-class workshops to help whole classes move forward in their writing process.   Here’s the workshop request form. 

A sample of recent offerings:

• Peer Response - How to Give and Get Good Feedback
• Managing a Sustained Writing Project
• Creative, Effective Research Strategies 
• Revision Strategies
  • Focusing
  • Reorganizing
  • Crafting transitions
• Responsible Documentation
• Moving from Topics to Claims
• Playing Devil’s Advocate to Develop Strong Arguments
• Integrating Your Voice into Academic Writing
• Proofreading Tips for the Final Polish 

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for?  Our staff can work with you to develop workshop content tailored to your class.  Contact Jahleh Ghanbari, jghanbari@keene.edu or 603 358 2408, at least several weeks before your desired workshop to discuss options.