Write a short outline and then do lots of research.
Using the outline and your research have a long conversation about the topic with a person that you’re used to having long conversations with. If it helps you can record the conversation or take notes.
Write the essay the morning or night after the conversation. With essays I find it’s better to work in small bursts (20-60 minutes) and go back to it periodically but that may just be a personal preference.
Have someone read it.
Edit.
For narratives:
Write it either in bursts or one sitting and don’t think about it too much. You can do it by hand or typed but don’t be afraid to jump around, write in the margins or write footnotes to use later or articulate what you’re trying to say or effect you want to achieve without including in the actual narrative. Just keep going until you feel satisfied or feel like you’re not making progress.
Put it away and don’t look at it or think about it for a period of time (2 weeks to 6 months).
For essays:
Write a short outline and then do lots of research.
Using the outline and your research have a long conversation about the topic with a person that you’re used to having long conversations with. If it helps you can record the conversation or take notes.
Write the essay the morning or night after the conversation. With essays I find it’s better to work in small bursts (20-60 minutes) and go back to it periodically but that may just be a personal preference.
Have someone read it.
Edit.
For narratives:
Write it either in bursts or one sitting and don’t think about it too much. You can do it by hand or typed but don’t be afraid to jump around, write in the margins or write footnotes to use later or articulate what you’re trying to say or effect you want to achieve without including in the actual narrative. Just keep going until you feel satisfied or feel like you’re not making progress.
Put it away and don’t look at it or think about it for a period of time (2 weeks to 6 months).
Reread and edit.
Have someone read it.
Edit.