Yes, writing well is essential

Okay, so I was an English major and I love to write.  After teaching writing and literature part-time for 15 years, I’ve come to realize at a very intimate level, that many people do NOT love writing.

Writing is hard and it takes work, even for those who “love” it.  I procrastinate, too.  There are always so many things that seem more important, like my dogs that need attention, or friends who need calling.  When I sit down and try to write perfectly the first time around, my brain freezes.

I emphasize the writing process with my students.  That includes brainstorming, writing “shitty first drafts” (taken from Ann Lamott’s book Bird by Bird), getting feedback, revising, and editing and proofing.  This process is important, whether you’re writing an essay, a report, or a blog posting.  I even tell students to think things through when they write an email and to read over it before sending it.  (Texting is another universe with a different language, so I leave it alone.)  I want to train them, so when they’re out in the “real” world, they will carefully craft what they want to say.

I also tell them to keep their handbooks, you know, those books with sections on grammar, style, and research.  Do you have one?  We all need to refer to a handbook from time to time, even with spelling and grammar checking on our computers. 

If you want a book that is short and sweet and has stood the test of time, I recommend The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.  I love this little book and pick it up whenever my brain feels dull.  It’s written, well, almost perfectly.  But if you read the “Foreword,” you’ll find out that perfection comes after lots of work.  Enjoy!