Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/writing-editing-drafting
**Course Review: Writing and Editing: Drafting** In the realm of online learning, Coursera offers a myriad of courses that cater to the budding writer and seasoned editor alike. Among these, "Writing and Editing: Drafting," the third course in the renowned "Good with Words: Writing and Editing" series, stands out as an essential tool for anyone facing the daunting task of beginning their writing journey. This course focuses on overcoming the initial hurdles that often accompany the writing process, particularly the challenging act of getting started. **Course Overview** From the outset, the course addresses the universal struggle of perfectionism. Many aspiring writers find themselves paralyzed by the fear of producing subpar drafts, leading to a cycle of procrastination and frustration. The course instructor expertly navigates these feelings, helping students to embrace the messy, imperfect nature of first drafts. By introducing concepts such as the “planning fallacy” and “temptation bundling,” learners begin to understand the pitfalls of overly ambitious planning and the importance of building habits that lead to consistent writing progress. **Syllabus Highlights** 1. **The Fantasy of the Uninitiated**: This module lays a solid groundwork by exploring the detrimental effects of perfectionism. It encourages students to accept that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, which is a liberating realization for many. 2. **The Planning Fallacy**: This week’s theme delves into common miscalculations that writers make concerning time and effort. By tackling the “planning fallacy,” students gain practical strategies to set realistic timelines and meet deadlines, arming them for future writing projects. 3. **Write Before You Are Ready**: Here, the focus shifts to the symbiotic relationship between drafting and researching. This section encourages writers to dive in before feeling completely prepared, highlighting that the writing process often involves discovery and inspiration that can only come from starting. 4. **To Name is To Know and Remember**: The final module offers insights into the cognitive benefits of naming concepts and ideas, which greatly aids in clarity and retention. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their writing and editing skills systematically. **Why You Should Take This Course** "Writing and Editing: Drafting" provides a comprehensive toolkit for writers struggling with inertia at the beginning of the writing process. The course combines theory with actionable strategies, allowing students to experiment with techniques like “freewriting” and drafting with a playful mindset. These opportunities create a safe space for exploration and creativity. What truly sets this course apart is its ongoing segments titled “Good Sentences” and “Takeaways,” which consistently provide supportive models and advice to foster growth throughout the writing journey. The encouragement to practice and iterate is invaluable, particularly in a world where immediate feedback can often be lacking. **Conclusion** In conclusion, if you find yourself hesitating at the starting line of your writing endeavors, “Writing and Editing: Drafting” is a must-enroll course. It equips you with the mindset and practical strategies necessary to cut through the paralysis of perfectionism and encourages a more radical approach to writing. Whether you’re a novice looking to kickstart your writing journey or an experienced writer seeking to refine your drafting skills, this course promises transformative results. Embrace the messiness of writing, and take the plunge with this engaging course on Coursera!
The Fantasy of the Uninitiated
In this first week, we will focus on the cost of perfectionism.
The Planning FallacyThis week, we'll focus on "the planning fallacy" and ways to make sure you hit your deadlines.
Write Before You Are ReadyThis week, we will focus on how drafting and researching intertwine.
To Name is To Know and RememberThis week, we will focus on the benefits of naming things, especially when trying to improve skills like writing and editing.
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
Patrick Barry has put together a terrific series of courses! Skills in the nuances of writing, organizing complex ideas, planning, how to get around 'blocks' and get started. Well worth it!
Thank you Professor Barry so many insightful references/ressources in every course. :)
Excellent course! Tons of great tips on writing and editing!\n\nThanks!
It is an inspiration learning from Prof Barry. He knows his stuff. He is very well-read and he actually motivates me to read wide too.
If you're trying to write better, draft better, or edit better - this course is definitely for you! Prof. Barry also provides a lot of great extra material that are useful and practical.