Tag: drafting
Generative AI and writing first drafts
Generative AI can can help get you started on your first drafts in a few seconds by putting words around your ideas.
Writing at four levels
Tackle writing in four stages: capture high-level concepts, develop a coherent structure, craft consistent paragraphs, and write concise sentences. This structured approach makes the writing process more manageable, allowing you to focus on one element at a time and produce polished, effective work.
John McPhee: Draft no. 4
In Draft No. 4, John McPhee offers a masterclass on nonfiction writing, weaving insights from decades at The New Yorker. His reflections on structure, drafting, and precision offer academics a transformative approach to writing with purpose and clarity, vital skills for producing compelling, research-driven narratives.
The first draft isn’t the final product
It’s worth noting that the first draft isn’t the final product. It’s the raw material you’ll shape into something better.
Writing generates writing
Writing generates writing. Even if most of the early drafts end up getting deleted, you probably needed to write them to stimulate the thinking that was necessary to get to the final version.
Writing by hand
When you write by hand your ideas spend more time in your short-term memory (because it takes longer to put the words onto the page). You may end up with a better first draft as a result.
Stephen King: On writing
On Writing, by Stephen King, blends memoir and practical advice, giving writers a glimpse into the creative process while offering valuable tools. From embracing authentic voice to developing a daily writing routine, King’s insights help writers—especially busy academics—cultivate a productive, disciplined approach to their craft.