By Suzann Connell
Keywords: writing process, how to write
The majority of writers do not follow a writing process. When considering how to write, however, what process should a writer follow? Taken from the concept of Information Mapping developed by Dr. Horn of Stanford University, I've developed a modified writing process for which to write efficient procedures, principles and processes that your audience will appreciate.
Write a procedure. Begin with an active verb immediately followed by a brief and specific action that changes behavior. For example, three brief procedures are "press Enter," "place the pan on the fire," an "lift your left hand." When writing a procedure, you list a specific action that a person must perform to accomplish a task.
State the principle. Principles guide behavior and help your reader understand why something is important. For example, start with the following procedure: "Soften the butter. Add the sugar. Whip until creamy." Add a principle to help explain why the procedure is important. "When you whip butter and sugar together first in any recipe, the sugar crystals create air pockets in the softened butter. The result is a delicious, creamy base for which to add your remaining ingredients." The principle clarifies the procedure.
The writing process of stating the principle helps your audience grasp concepts of why or how something happens.
Define where your procedure and principle occur in the process. Think of the process as a flow chart. Each box in the flow chart represents smaller procedures or individual steps. A process flow chart moves the audience through an ordered sequence of events.
Add a process statement. Consider, for example, the process of decay. This process involves movement in specific, smaller steps or stages of decomposition. A brief but overarching process statement helps the reader visualize the process and transitions them to the next procedure step.
Examine the following example. This step contains all elements of procedure, principle and process. Can you distinguish each part of the example?
"Smile as you approach her. No one wants to talk to someone who looks gloomy. To help you get the right expression on your face, think of a pleasant subject. If you interest her, she might appear to blush or look shyly at the ground."
Let's break it down.
- "Smile as you approach her." (The Procedure)
- "No one wants to talk to someone who looks gloomy." (The Principle)
- "To help you get the right expression on your face, think of a pleasant subject. If you interest her, she might appear to blush or look shyly at the ground." (The Process).
Segregate procedures from processes. Some writers place a verb at the beginning of a process statement, erroneously assuming that this transforms a process into a procedure.
The following is a procedure: press F5.
The following is not a procedure: Recognize that when you press F5, you will refresh your computer.
Use a procedure to direct the reader. Use process statements to orient or explain to the reader additional information.
Write the procedure first. Writing a principle does not have to directly follow the procedure. There are times when you may want to clarify the process before the principle. The bottom line is to use a writing process concisely and efficiently when learning how to write, using the elements of principle and process as needed to support the procedure.
Suzann Connell is a freelance curriculum developer, writer and editor. She resides in Southern California where she earned her Master's Degree in Education and Technology from Pepperdine University.
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