" The Writing Process" and " The relationship between the Writing Process and 6+ 1 Traits" - Jahirah Archibald

Hey there! Today, I want to chat about something we all hold: The Art of Putting Pen To Paper (or fingers to keyboard). Writing, for me, is like embarking on a journey with no map. It's both thrilling and challenging. 

The Writing Process

Let's talk about the wild ride that is the writing process. It's a journey filled with excitement, frustration, and everything in between. From the initial spark of an idea to the final period, each step has its own unique flavor. Sometimes it's smooth sailing, and other times it feels like wrestling with words.

Oh, the writing process! It can feel like a jumbled mess of ideas at first, but then it turns into a beautiful music of words. I recently had the pleasure of going to a class that taught me how to write a creative gem. In this piece, I think about what I learned and how the 6+1 traits helped me along my artistic path.

During the pre-writing part, I learned how important it is to let my thoughts wander and let my ideas run wild and play without being limited by structure. It felt freeing to accept the chaos, knowing that things would become clear in due course. As I thought about it, this is what gives writing its soul, the ideas trait's beating heart. The goal is to make the message clear, define the story, and build a strong base.

The thrill of making something from scratch got stronger as I worked on the draft. The workshop's advice kept playing in my head as I wrote an interesting beginning, like the first notes of a catchy tune. When I was writing, I realized that the Organization trait was most important. It was like a plan that helped people stay on track as they went through my words.

As I wrote, I focused on my voice, which is what makes each piece of writing special. I learned at the class that I shouldn't be afraid to let my attitude show. Without a doubt, my style, like a unique tune, could make my work stand out in a sea of words.

Watch out when you pick words—this became my mantra during the Word Choice stage. Each word had the power to paint a detailed picture and make people feel something, like an artist choosing tones. The class taught me how to paint with words and told me to pick my words carefully to make a beauty.

I learned that the beat that keeps the reader interested is sentence fluency. By using both short and long lines together, you can make a tune that runs through the whole piece, making it into a creative work. The workshop's advice on how to organize sentences helped me write this beautiful string of words.

During the editing process, conventions, which are often the silent stars, became the most important parts of my work. The workshop stressed how important it is to use correct language and phrasing to make sure things are clear. As suggested, reading my work out loud turned into a secret quest to find hidden language bugs, which I did with the accuracy of a spy.

The last trait in the 6+1 set is Presentation, which is the +1. The workshop helped me remember how important it is to show my work well. Formatting, font, and space all help draw readers into the world I've made. That one last thing that turns a well-written piece into a beautiful work of art.

I felt so proud when I hit the "Publish" button. With the 6+1 traits I learned at the class, I was ready to start my own unique writing journey. Like every word I wrote, it was a step toward my literary work, and I loved every step of the messy, beautiful process of writing. Cheers to enjoying the dance of ideas and making great use of the 6+1 traits! Have fun writing, my fellow writers!

Now, let's dive into the connection between the writing process and the 6+1 traits. Think of these traits as your trusty tools, each serving a specific purpose in crafting your literary masterpiece.

The 6+1 Traits

Ideas: This is the heart of your work. What's your message? What story are you telling? Nail down those ideas, and your writing will have a solid foundation.

Organization: Imagine your writing is a road trip. The organization is the road map. It keeps your readers on track and ensures your ideas flow seamlessly.

Voice: Your unique voice is what makes your writing stand out. It's the personality behind the words. Don't be afraid to let your voice shine through.

Word Choice: Like a painter selecting colors, choose your words carefully. The right word can paint a vivid picture and evoke powerful emotions.

Sentence Fluency: Think of this as the rhythm of your writing. Mix up short and long sentences to create a melody that keeps readers engaged.

Conventions: Grammar and punctuation may not be the rock stars of writing, but they're the backbone. Proper conventions ensure your message is clear and easy to understand.

Presentation (The +1): How you present your work matters. This includes the formatting, the font, and even the spacing. A well-presented piece is more inviting to readers.

So, fellow writers, enjoy how messy the writing process can be and use the 6+1 traits like a pro. Everyone writes, so remember that every word you put down is a step toward your own unique journey. Everyone have fun writing.