Writing Badly:

One of the grossest misconceptions is the idea that writers write brillant first drafts

In other words, many students think great ideas and great pieces of writing simply appear on the page, with little effort.

This lesson is intended to help you rethink the crazy idea that good writing is the result of a brilliant first draft.

This lesson, put differently, is meant to show you that it is important to let yourself write "badly."

Why is this important?

Have you ever tried too hard to make a sentence perfect the first time instead of writing "not so perfect" sentences?

What happened?

The best thing to do for writer's block is to turn "not so perfect" sentences into "better sentences" later.

To do this, keep the following advice in mind when you have writer's block:

1. Keep your hand moving (don't pause to reread what you just wrote)

2. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar

3. Don't think too much (Don't get caught up if something makes sense)

4. Write what comes to your mind (it's easier to erase than to add more).

No More Writer's Block

• Keep your hand moving.
• Don't worry about editing.
• Don't over think.
• Write what comes to mind.

Remembering

• Today we're going to practice writing badly using a memory.
• It can be any memory, just make sure you like it enough to re-tell.