Blog Prompt #10

 Tools. So many tools have been invented, all for different purposes. Some have only one very specific purpose, while others have multiple uses that a person can 'justify' the high cost they paid to buy it. When it comes to writing, the same principle can be followed. Some people use a lot of different writing techniques to gradually work their way through the process, while others may simply prefer one or two tried and true tools to get the job done. I prefer the second route. While writing was never my forte, I did find by my senior year I had developed a small enjoyment in the process, which came as quite a surprise. I usually follow a random route for each paper I write, which is not very helpful, but unfortunately has become a fact of life. I always incorporate an outline, and a web chart at minimum, followed by a rough-final draft. I like to use the outline and web diagram as a reference when I edit my final draft, as it gives me a good overview of what my focus is in the paper. Often, I find myself side-tracking when I write, especially during the initial draft of my paper. Having the out line to go off helps me focus on when to transition to the next topic, as well as to make sure I have included all the main points I need in my paper. An outline is essentially a bullet point list of the main topics and their supporting details that the paper needs to include within it. I use the web diagram as a brainstorming tool, as it lets me just brainstorm random points as I come up with them, and then can draw lines to connect and organize the thoughts. I can also turn this web into a flowchart by simply drawing arrows in between them and numbering them in order. Whatever tools a person chooses to use, the key is to use them effectively and repetitively so they can become masters of their trade.