Many people think the Writing Center is only for good writers with a final draft on their hands. Thankfully, Writing Consultants are trained for far more! You might be surprised by who we serve and what we help with. Not sure the Writing Center is right for you? If you identify with any of the following statements, it’s time you scheduled an appointment to the Writing Center!
1. I'm struggling to get started.
One of the hardest parts of writing (even for the best of writers) is getting started. You have your assignment sheet; your computer is open to a blank page. Heck, you’re even starting ahead of time, and yet the words just won’t come. Even if the page on your screen is empty, we can help. Let’s get that introduction written!
3. I don't understand my assignment sheet!
Sometimes an assignment sheet isn’t worded well. Sometimes there are so many subtasks, you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know how to organize your paper (or your thoughts!). Sometimes the formatting guidelines are confusing or you’re not sure what kind of sources your teacher is looking for. Well, here’s the good news: the Writing Center can help! Even if you don’t have anything written, you can bring your assignment sheet into the WC, and we’ll help you decipher your assignment sheet and organize your thoughts.
4. I'm still in the brainstorming phase.
Maybe you’re great at starting papers, but you just don’t know what to write about yet. The Writing Center is a great place to go when you’re still in the brainstorming stage. We can talk with you about what interests you and help you narrow down topic ideas. We can suggest different methods of research. Sometimes the most helpful thing is having someone to bounce ideas off of. That’s why we’re here!
5. But I'm a great writer!
Sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? But even the best writers make mistakes! No matter how skilled you are at writing, it’s always, always best to have someone else look at your paper. When we’ve been writing for so long, we become blind to our own errors. Our brains skip over typos and grammar mistakes, even if we know every grammar rule there is to know! A second set of eyes is necessary if you wish to avoid as many mistakes as possible.
6. I'm not ready for other people to read my writing.
Are you nervous about letting other people read your writing? Maybe you’re not confident in your skills, yet. The good news is that the Writing Center is a judgment-free zone! Bring in your roughest draft, and we’ll work with you to take it to the next level.
7. My assignment isn't a paper–it's a PowerPoint or project.
Believe it or not, we can help with infographics, PowerPoints, and similar projects! Why? They’re all methods of communication. At the Writing Center, we don’t just help with writing–we help you communicate effectively. Bring in your PowerPoint or Infographic, and we can work with you to help create the impact you’re hoping for.
No matter what stage of writing you’re in or what your skill level is or what kind of project you have, the Writing Center can help. Schedule an appointment today or drop by one of our satellite locations! Not part of the OSU community? Search for a writing center near you! You don’t have to be a student to improve your writing.
