The Process

Poets, like other writers, go through a process when they write. The thing to remember is that each writer is unique. So, while they may all go through the same steps, one writer may spend more time in one step than another.

Click on the questions below for information about each part of the writing process.

You will probably find, as you write, that you don't always do the steps exactly in order.

For example:

You may begin by taking a long walk in the woods (prewriting). When you get back from your walk, you may jot down some phrases (drafting). A day later you may find your draft and begin to make changes (revising). After lunch, you may write some new phrases (drafting). Once you have written your new phrases, you work on combining your words (revising). While you are revising, you find several spelling mistakes and fix them (editing). Finally, you read the poem aloud to your dog (publishing).

Remember, the steps are a guideline for writing. As you write, you will find the pattern that works best for you!

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