How to write a paper

Here's a little advice for my kids on how to write a school paper:

1. Know your content

Read your book. Twice if needed. Take notes along the way. What are your thoughts? Write them down or they will be lost. If you learn to love a book, you will be motivated to write about what you love.

2. Pick a thesis

What is this paper going to be about? Say it concisely. If you have a choice, pick something interesting to you.

3. Write an outline

Write the skeleton of your paper before trying to write the paper itself. This is your tool to prevent writer's block and to help sort out your argument. Don't use complete sentences, but make complete thoughts. Include all of the supporting facts you need - quotes, stats, stories. Create as many points and subpoints that you need to get your thoughts out.

4. Write a first draft

Once the outline is done, you just need to write the darn thing. If you find yourself blocked, turn away from the computer, say what you think out loud, then turn back and write something down. If that still doesn't work, put a "..." in your paper and jump to the next section. Don't get blocked! Just write it.

After writing a thought, you often need to expand on it. Look at what you've written and ask questions about the key words. What do they mean? Why did you say them? Explain yourself. Use words like "because" or "for example".

5. Do your first edit

Simplify your words. We generally use more words when speaking than when writing. If you can say something simply, directly, it will have more impact. Do this before you do too much detailed editing. Many of your mistakes will disappear just by simplifying your words.

Read your words out loud. Do they make sense? Are they smooth?

Look back at your outline. Does your writing make the argument? Or does it skip around and wander off in other directions?

6. Ask someone else to edit

Every writer needs a good editor, but don't hand them junk. Edit your own writing first, then get his or her feedback. Listen to what your editor says. Eventually you should take the advice when writing the first draft of your next paper.

7. Final read

Once you've done all of this, you have a paper. Print it out. Read it on printed paper with a red pencil. You will see things there that you didn't see on the computer screen.

Check your formatting, title, name, and date.

Then post it! You are done. You are a writer.