Writing Strategy for Students: Why Every Student Needs One

"Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere." — Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

I used to watch students immediately after presenting them with an essay topic.

Some dove right in, happily hammering away on the keys, letting the words in their heads spill onto the screen. Some sat quietly, methodically sketching outlines to support their ideas. But the rest—the majority—sat bewildered, unsure where to begin. Convinced they weren’t “writers,” they froze, paralyzed by fear before they had even written a word.

This inability to begin is what stunts so many people when it comes to writing. They are so worried about getting it “right,” following all the rules, that they psych themselves out and give up before they’ve started. I’ve seen more students throw their hands up in defeat at the blank page than I can count—already convinced their words had no value.

But they are looking at it all wrong. Writing isn’t about perfection on the first try. In fact, most writers are never completely satisfied with their work. Writing is about developing a strategy: drafting, revising, reflecting. It’s about moving messy, half-formed ideas into clear, confident communication. And that doesn’t happen instantly. Students—especially those used to instant gratification—often expect success without the work. But writing is work.

When I saw frustration taking over, I reminded my students that, like anything else in life, writing needs a plan, a focus, a roadmap. That plan is what reduces the stress. By incorporating transferable skills like note-taking, organization, and critical thinking, students discovered that writing wasn’t just about grammar or word count—it was a skill set they could carry into college essays, timed writing tests, and professional communication.

And here’s the truth: writing strategy doesn’t stop in the classroom. It strengthens a person’s professional future too—boosting clarity in presentations, emails, even job applications. Recently, I worked with a student who has learning differences and had long doubted her abilities as a writer. After one in-depth session, she went downstairs and read her essay aloud to her parents—something she had never done before. Her mom told me it was amazing to see her daughter finally share her words with confidence. She gave me the credit, but it wasn’t me. It was her belief in herself, sparked by having the right strategies in place.

So, how does one build a writing strategy?

Here are a few starting points:

• Break big assignments into smaller, manageable steps.

  
  

• Use tools like graphic organizers, outlines, and checklists.

  
  

• Build in reflection at the end—what worked, what could improve?

  
  

• Stop expecting perfection from the start. Get the ideas down first; shaping them comes later.

  
  

• Talk your ideas through aloud before writing—they often sound clearer in your voice.

As I tell my students and clients over and over again, writing is not just an academic task—it is a lifelong skill. True writing ability takes years of practice to develop a voice and style, but every student deserves tools that make writing less intimidating and more empowering.

If your student could use support building a personalized writing strategy, reach out—I help students find their voice and build confidence in their process.