Undergraduate

Getting Started: Invention Strategies

Beginning Your Research Paper (Purdue University)

"When you sit down to write... Does your mind turn blank? Are you sure you have nothing to say? I f so, you're not alone! Everyone experiences this at some time or other, but some people have strategies or techniques to get them started. When you are planning to write something, try some of the following suggestions..." (from handout)

This site also has several other useful handouts on invention.

Getting Started & Finding a Topic (Princeton)

"The short, hard truth is that coming up with a good paper topic rarely happens in an instant." (from handout)

Many other handouts on the writing process are also available at the Princeton Writing Program site; see a list in Anatomizing an Essay.