I had never put much thought into what process I go through when I write up until now.  To me, it just feels like the effort of writing, not a strategic multistep process.  However, no that I think seriously about it, I’m doing many of the steps described in the article subconsciously.

When I consider what is described as the planning stage; I feel that this is often the most difficult step in the writing process for me.  When given a very open-ended writing assignment I find it difficult to find a topic of focus.  However, what I end up doing during my planning stage is very close to what is described.  I sort of mentally focus on a target topic that I want to discuss and mentally outline what my general goals are for the piece of writing.

I found it very interesting that the author described how difficult it can be to start writing from nothing.  I find that I have this problem myself.  Similar to what he stated, I usually simply start with an idea and write as much as I can before I lose focus; not revising as I go. 

The idea of aligning is very interesting and not something that I have consciously considered before.  I must admit that I generally think from only a writer’s standpoint when writing and don’t particularly consider potential viewpoints of the reader as I go.  This is a very interesting idea that is presented and being more conscious of this could definitely make one a more effective writer.

I’m a big proponent of revision.  Given that I like to write down every idea that I can think of in my initial draft, revision is an important step for me.  In addition, I also feel that it is very important to get outside criticism of your work from another reader’s perspective. 

Additionally, the idea of the monitor that reflects on the effectiveness of their work is important.  When I finish writing and am reviewing my work, I do often consider how exactly it will be read by another.  However, I mostly only do this at the very end of my writing process.