Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/writing-editing-drafting

Are you struggling to get started on your writing projects? Do you find yourself paralyzed by perfectionism or overwhelmed by the planning process? If so, Coursera’s ‘Writing and Editing: Drafting’ course might be just what you need to break through those barriers and unleash your creativity.

This course is the third installment in the ‘Good with Words: Writing and Editing’ series, and it focuses on providing you with practical strategies to tackle one of the most daunting aspects of writing: the initial draft. The course is designed to help you overcome the fear of starting and to encourage you to embrace the messy, imperfect nature of the writing process.

Throughout the course, you will explore concepts such as the ‘planning fallacy,’ which highlights the common tendency to underestimate the time required to complete tasks. Understanding this concept can help you set more realistic deadlines and manage your writing projects more effectively.

Another exciting aspect of the course is the introduction of ‘temptation bundling,’ a technique that pairs a pleasurable activity with a necessary task. This approach can help you create a more enjoyable writing routine, making it easier to sit down and write.

The course also encourages you to experiment with ‘freewriting’ and the idea of ‘writing before you are ready.’ These techniques can free you from the constraints of perfectionism and allow your ideas to flow more naturally. You’ll learn that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to exist.

Each week of the course is structured around engaging themes, such as:

  • The Fantasy of the Uninitiated: Understanding the cost of perfectionism.
  • The Planning Fallacy: Strategies to ensure you meet your deadlines.
  • Write Before You Are Ready: The interplay between drafting and researching.
  • To Name is To Know and Remember: The importance of naming concepts to enhance your writing and editing skills.

In addition to the core content, the course features ongoing segments like ‘Good Sentences’ and ‘Takeaways,’ which provide valuable models and advice to further enhance your writing skills.

Overall, ‘Writing and Editing: Drafting’ is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their writing process. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who enjoys writing as a hobby, this course offers practical tools and insights that can help you become a more confident and effective writer.

So, if you’re ready to conquer your writing fears and unlock your potential, I highly recommend enrolling in this course on Coursera. You’ll be glad you did!

Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/writing-editing-drafting