Writing and Editing: Drafting

This third course in the “Good with Words: Writing and Editing” series will give you a number of strategies to help with what is often the most intimidating, even paralyzing part of the writing process: getting started. You’ll learn about the “planning fallacy” and “temptation bundling.” You’ll get a chance to experiment with “freewriting” and “writing before you are ready.” And you’ll continue to benefit, through our ongoing “Good Sentences” and “Takeaways” segments, from the models and advice of a diverse set of writers. As with the other three courses in this series, you will also get access to a wide range of books and other resources you can use even after you finish the course. These include: (1) the readings and exercises provided to the students who have taken the in-person version of this course at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago; (2) two digital libraries of excellent writing from a diverse collection of journalists, scientists, novelists, poets, historians, and entrepreneurs; and (3) a monthly “Good Sentences” email.

• The Fantasy of the Uninitiated
• In this first week, we will focus on the cost of perfectionism.
• The Planning Fallacy
• This week, we'll focus on "the planning fallacy" and ways to make sure you hit your deadlines.
• Write Before You Are Ready
• This week, we will focus on how drafting and researching intertwine.
• To Name is To Know and Remember
• This week, we will focus on the benefits of naming things, especially when trying to improve skills like writing and editing.