Brainstorming means searching the mind and writing down anything relevant to the topic. By immediately writing down phrases, adjectives, nouns, verbs and ideas, writers can use them as reference points in the writing process. In works of fiction, character names, plot ideas and the places the writer will take the reader begin here. In non-fiction writing, brainstorming is the beginning point for research, resources and the names of people to interview. Sometimes the brainstorming (or pre-writing) process can change the topic and the focus of research. Brainstorming can be as short or as long the writer needs it to be to begin writing.
Observing human behavior at any level can be an eye-opening experience, but in the writing process it's a way to learn how to write details. A trip to a farmers market, shopping mall, grocery store or park can help the writer look for minute details to develop characters and their activities. Describing what people wear and how they wear it, what color it is, if it looks new or old, how people walk and talk and their facial features -- all give colorful detail to writing. Describing the the setting, its lighting, temperature and decor, adds rich detail. In a classroom, teachers can look for timeless photographs and have students describe the action in the picture. Students can practice their skills of observation, which might inspire others to become better writers.
Before beginning writing the assignment, an outline helps organize thoughts, plot, setting, topic, characters, interviews and the direction of the piece. A developed outline teaches structure and keeps a writer from scattered thinking, helping him to produce a paper that flows. Outlines take many forms; writers develop each heading with subheadings followed by lesser details. Much like brainstorming, an outline can be long or short, depending on the topic and the writer's need to flesh out details and ideas.
In peer editing, a writer's colleagues review their writing. Exchanging papers with someone doing a similar assignment allows the other person to look for grammar and spelling problems; she can also check for structure, content and overall style issues. In a classroom, students might feel uncomfortable asking questions of a teacher, but a friend often gets barraged with questions. Peer editing is a good practice for students and writers of any age to help develop critical thinking skills and give them the confidence to ask questions and help solve problems.