Reflecting on your writing

• Track your writing development by keeping a journal or blog. Use entries to ask questions about your writing habits and patterns as a writer. For instance, how do you begin each assignment? What types of comments do you usually receive?
• Document your progress. Keep a list of what you are working on, what you have command over, where you need to improve. Track your writing development.
• Keep copies of all your drafts, peer review and instructor comments, and revision notes. You can refer to these for subsequent assignments, and they will form the basis of a portfolio, if one is assigned. Taking the time to review your work—and especially the comments you receive—will provide direction for your next writing project.
• Write affirmations. Keep a file in which you record your accomplishments, your points of pride, your skills, and your growth. Written statements about yourself and your skills have strong effects on future success.