advice to a virgin writer

I can still remember back when I was a virgin writer. I was in high school, and very unfamiliar with the process. The thought of all the work that went into it really overwhelmed me. I didn't have a plan and just kind of made it up as I went. Now that I am a little older and have a dozen or so papers under my belt, I feel like I control the paper and the paper no longer controls me. The advice I would give to someone writing their first paper is to pick a topic you are passionate about. If the topic is given to you, then put a spin on it that makes it unique for you. Next I would say make ample time for each step in the process. Don't try to cram all the research, drafting, and proofreading into a day or two. I believe the professor will know you have done that anyway, it's pretty obvious. Lastly, I would suggest reading as much about the topic as possible. Even though you may not use all of your research, just having a widespread knowledge of the subject will ensure you get that A you are striving for. Oh....and have someone proofread your paper, preferably a friend who isn't afraid to hurt your feelings :)