I am taking another writing course with Prof. Grier and he suggested a few tips to writing that has proven to be helpful for me. I thought I’d share them with the class in the hopes that it might help you all as well.

Tip 1: Always write no matter what – If you are stuck or feeling apprehensive, just start a paragraph even if it is with “I have to write a paper on blah blah blah but I feel stuck, I know I need to make this point but I do not know how to go about it…etc.” and it will come back to what it is that your are trying to do with your paper.

Tip 2: Do not attempt to write out an entire paper all in one night. Pace Yourself !

Tip 3: Set a Timer – Prof. Grier suggested a 15:30:15 rule. Think for 15 minutes gather your thoughts, write for 30 minutes to get all your thoughts out, and finally reflect for 15 minutes and go over your work.

Tip 4: This is your first draft, don’t be so harsh on yourself. It is not a judging exercise. If it does not match what you wanted to do it’s okay… ask yourself, “How does what I wrote relate to the thesis?” if not “do I want to revise my thesis?”

Tip 5: Take a break between writing!

These tips have helped me get through most of my work this semester… as well as putting away my phone and technology as it can prove to be distracting!

Best of luck classmates!