Topics of Discussion


TOPICS OF DISCUSSION DURING THE APPOINTMENT

Many of the techniques discussed during the appointment are based on the work of professor Peter Elbow, a theoretician of the writing process, and a professor of English at M.I.T. and The University of Massachusetts at Amherst (now retired).

Causes of writing problems

  • Procrastination
  • Work habits and attitudes
  • Perfectionism

Mechanics of professional writing

  • Effective sentence and paragraph construction
  • Structuring your writing pieces
  • Difference between editing and revising
  • Cultivating voice in writing

Evaluating your written work

  • Strategies for receiving and providing feedback
  • Collaboration (creating writing groups)
  • Assessing your own writing

Creating new writing paradigms

  • Writing as thinking
  • Generative writing
  • Strategies for getting "unstuck"

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