Page 84 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Prewriting Methods

2 Use various prewriting strategies.

The aim of all prewriting methods is the same: to get ideas on paper.
At this point in the writing process, it is not the quality of ideas that

counts, but the quantity.

When you are ready to prewrite, sit at the computer or in a

comfortable spot with pen and paper. Relax your mind and body, and

remind yourself that prewriting is a playful exercise of imagination and
that it is okay to write down anything that comes to mind. As for the

part of your mind that automatically jumps in to criticize what you think

and say, give it some time off. Your purpose in prewriting is to put

down every thought on your topic, no matter how ridiculous it seems.

Later, you can discard what is not usable. But while you are

prewriting, there is no good or bad, no right or wrong.

Some of the methods may feel awkward at first, but try them all. One

will be right for you.