Direct Writing and Quick Revising

This technique comes from Elbow (1981), chapters 4 and 5. Split the time you have available for writing into two. Use the first half to write complete sentences, but not to do extensive fine-tuning. This is the Direct Writing part. Use the second half to do the Quick Revising:

• a. put the sentences in order (e.g., by numbering them);
• b. add any necessary transitions; and
• c. tidy up what you have.

The result may be short, but it is something that is finished.

(see Phase H)

Reference

Elbow, P. (1981). Writing with Power. New York: Oxford University Press.