Many students wonder how many drafts they can submit to the Liberty University online writing center before needing to submit their work. Is it possible to rewrite a paper several times before having to say “I’m sorry, but I need a new version?” The answer is “Yes,” but there are things you need to keep in mind. Here are some tips on how to maximize your productivity when reworking your papers for the writing center.
Create a Schedule
It is important to have a schedule when writing. Before starting on any project, be sure to make a list of all the tasks you need to complete and set aside some time to work on each one. Making a plan will help you stay organized and on track, avoiding any last-minute emergencies that might cause you to rush through a draft.
Setting aside specific times for each task will also allow you to get a sense of accomplishment from completing them. For example, you might decide that one week you will only work on your paper during morning hours. This will enable you to get a lot of writing done, but will also provide you with some time off to enjoy the rest of your life. Creating a rough draft ahead of time will also help you identify any problems that might surface later on when you’re editing your paper. This way you can correct those issues before presenting your final product to the writing center.
Use Several Devices
When writing, it is important to have several devices available so that you can take advantage of all that technology has to offer. Some people prefer to write on paper, but there are numerous benefits to using a tablet or laptop computer. You might find that using a different device allows you to work faster and more efficiently than when writing on paper. For example, if you’re writing an essay, you might find that typing it on a keyboard is much faster than putting it down on paper and then reviewing it. The same goes for taking notes during class or using a document camera to record yourself while listening to the lecture.
Create Complex Stories
Whether you’re an English major or a journalism major, you’ll likely be required to write several shorter papers throughout your college career. The good news is that a lot of what you learn in college can be applied to creative writing. In your own words, explain what a short story is and why you’d like to write one. In addition to learning how to craft a story, you’ll be learning about narrative structure and how to use details to create a more realistic impression of the events you’re describing. When writing a story, take your time and use details that will not be found easily online. Creating a story that is as complex as possible will help you stand out above the crowd when it comes time for you to apply for jobs after college. For example, the more complex the plot, the more exciting the story tends to be. Having a complex story is like having a puzzle piece that helps make the whole piece fit together better. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to tell stories that are much more exciting than your average essay.
Use An Outline
An outline is simply a roadmap of the text you plan to write. Outlining your paper will make sure that you stay on track and don’t get lost in the details. In addition, it will help you identify the different parts of your paper and make sure that you keep them in the correct order. Outlining does not need to be complex, just make sure that you make one for each piece of paper you write. Some students prefer to write out their outlines on a computer or notebook and then print them out later. If you find that writing out your outlines on paper is more convenient, go with that method. No matter what, make sure that you have an outline for each paper you write so that you can follow a clear path and not get distracted by the many details that come up along the way.
A good outline will not only make your paper much more organized, it will also serve as a road map for your writer’s brain. Your outline will be something that you can refer back to whenever you need it, helping you to keep your thoughts organized and on track while writing. In addition, having an outline will help you identify the different parts of your paper and how they fit together. Writing an outline first will also allow you to identify any parts that need additional explanation or detail. Going back and editing your outline as you write will also help you to keep your paper concise and compelling.
Start Small
When students first arrive at the writing center, they are often overwhelmed by the amount of work that awaits them. It’s a natural reaction, but starting small and simple is the key to being able to tackle the massive amount of assignments you’ll be given. You don’t need to start working on your paper immediately after you’ve registered. Instead, start by taking a small break and going through the motions of getting a notebook and pen ready. Once you have those items in front of you, take a few minutes to look over your shoulder to make sure that you’ve got everything you need and then get to work. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to start work on any paper and not have to worry about whether or not you’ve got everything you need to complete the assignment. The important thing is to get started, even if it’s just a few pages at first. Don’t be afraid to write a little bit of everything down, as long as you’ve got a notebook in front of you, you’ll be able to write something.
Organize Your Work
When you’ve finished drafting your paper, it’s time to take a step back and look at what you’ve written. Before submitting your paper, make sure that everything is in order and that the formatting is correct. Check for typos and errors, as well as the paper’s flow and structure. Correct any mistakes you find and then read the paper aloud to ensure that it sounds good and that the story makes sense. Remember, you’re always free to ask the writing center for help if you’re not sure whether or not you’ve written something that can be submitted to the center. Having a guide to help you out will prove invaluable during your time at liberty, as well as when you start applying to jobs after college.
Whether you go through the process a few times or a hundred times, the important thing is to get it right the first time. There is no better feeling than knowing that you’ve written something that is just right and that you can use without having to go back and edit. Having something that is well-written is a great credit to your ability to write. Keep doing what you’re doing and soon enough, you’ll be able to write an entire book and not have to worry about whether or not it’s any good because you’ve never written a book before. Instead, you’ll be able to look at your completed book and feel confident that you did something worthwhile with your life. Good luck out there.