In this blog post I will be discussing my writing process during the creation of my Life-Choice Memoir. By looking over these questions and answering them honestly, I will have a better chance at composing a well written final piece. In order to enhance my knowledge regarding reflective writing, I viewed an informational video and took notes to really get a solid understanding of this type of writing.
1. Who did you work with to compose your life-choice memoir? Was this a good approach? I worked on this piece alone. Right now I do not need any help considering that these are situations that I have literally lived through. I feel as though the first rough draft is just getting thoughts down on paper, so there really is no need to ask for someone else's opinion at the moment. However, once I begin to revise I will definitely ask a friend, relative or my professor for assistance throughout the process. 2. What rhetorical mode and genre are you using? I am using a narrative mode and the genre is non-fiction. My Life-Choice Memoir is a true story that happened during my childhood. 3. When did you write this project? Good approach? I began writing this project only a few days ago. I feel as though I work best in the morning or afternoon, evenings are an absolute disaster for me. I drink a cup of coffee every morning and once that first sip hits my soul I’m ready to tackle anything that comes my way. I’m more lively and focused, my thinking is crisp, whereas in the evening, after about 8:00 p.m. I’m ready to curl up in bed and watch a movie. 4. Where did you write this project? Good approach? I wrote this project at my house, in my room. I find it a lot easier to concentrate in a quiet area that I am familiar with, rather than a public place such as a library or a coffee house. It is much easier for me to get lost in my writing in my room because I feel comfortable and relaxed. Usually I will light a candle and turn off my cell phone to completely diminish any distractions. I have noticed that when I am in a public area, my eyes wander. Any little sound or sudden movement grabs my attention which then leads to procrastination. 5. Why did you choose to write about your chosen topic? Good choice? I chose this topic because it didn’t only impact my life, but my fathers. I feel as though many others can relate to this topic and I wouldn’t be too surprised if someone else chose to write about a similar event that happened during their childhood. This topic also has a lot of informational background about school sports and drama, so I don’t think I’ll have any issues trying to incorporate details. 6. How did it feel to write this narrative ("during, after, and since")? Do you have any "if only" moments that can help you revise the draft? To be honest, it was heartbreaking at some moments. Every now and then I would have flashbacks, it was like I was a child again and I was completely immersed in fear. I kept getting angry at myself for not continuing my participation in softball and I continuously found myself wondering...wondering what life would be like right now if I hadn’t given it up. 7. How will you revise your narrative? I mentioned above that I would like to receive another person's opinion while revising my narrative. I believe that this is the best way to construct a writing piece because it helps the author get a better understanding of what the audience wants to hear. The more opinions a writer gets, the better.
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This blog post has been put together to portray what interested me while reading the following texts. I chose these quotes because they either really stood out from the rest of the text or I could compare it to my own writing habits.
Teach Writing as a Process Not a Product (Don Murray) “Instead of teaching finished writing, we should teach unfinished writing, and glory in its unfinishedness.”(Don Murray) “We have to respect the student, not for his product, not for the paper we call literature by giving it a grade, but for the search for truth in which he is engaged. We must listen carefully for those words that may reveal a truth, that may reveal a voice.”(Don Murray) “...we teach English to our students as if it were a foreign language. Actually, most of our students have learned a great deal of language before they come to us, and they are quite willing to exploit that language if they are allowed to embark on a serious search for their own truth.”(Don Murray) The Daily Routines of Great Writers (Maria Popova) “When I’m really working I don’t like to go out or have anybody to dinner, because then I lose the hour. If I don’t have the hour, and start the next day with just some bad pages and nowhere to go, I’m in low spirits. Another thing I need to do, when I’m near the end of the book, is sleep in the same room with it.”(Joan Didion) “ A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.”(E.B. White) “I write in spurts. I write when I have to because the pressure builds up and I feel enough confidence that something has matured in my head and I can write it down. But once something is really under way, I don’t want to do anything else.”(Susan Sontag) Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (Anne Lamott) “Now, practically even better news than that of short assignments is the idea of the shitty first drafts.”(Anne Lamott) “I always show my work to one of two people before sending a copy to my editor or agent.”(Anne Lamott) “But beginners are learning to play, and they need encouragement to keep their hands moving across the page.”(Anne Lamott) My Writing Process “It’s okay if you don’t get your paper written exactly how you would like. That’s what revising is for.” “If your body is telling you to take a break from writing a paper, do it. You will just stress yourself out in the long run.” “Learn to accept criticism. It’s only going to help your writing.” |
Brianna MageeI will use this blog to compose my thoughts and network with others. Archives
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