Welcome back! This is my second blog for my English Composition class. In this assignment, I had to read and annotate three articles discussing the writing process. After reading the articles, I had to create a scene where I discuss writing with the authors and use three quotes from each of them. I had a fun time tapping into my creative side where I was able to have a frozen yogurt date with Don Murray, Anne Lammott, and Mary Karr. I’m happy I was able to read these pieces because it really opened up my eyes to how writing is a constant process and you’ll have to push yourself through stages of writing and rewriting. I’ll provide links to the articles below and I encourage checking them out!
Teaching Writing as a Process Not Product (Don Murray) Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (Anne Lamott) Against Vanity: In Praise of Revision (Mary Karr) Ahh. It’s a lovely spring day, it’s about 60 degrees outside with a slight breeze and the sun is quietly peeking out behind the clouds that flow overhead. The perfect weather to take a stroll into the hustle and bustle of town to grab some delicious frozen yogurt. Mango mixed with a little bit of tart and topped with rainbow sprinkles, my favorite! As I walk on down to Yogurt City, I get overcome with anxiety about my blog I should be typing for my English class. How do I start writing? What should I even write about? Can I just push it off to the last minute and pray for a good grade? I’ve never been the best at writing, but I’m sure some frozen yogurt will clear my writer’s block. I finally make it in the shop after a 15 minute walk of second guessing my options for this assignment, when I overhear a rather intelligent point being made, “And once you can look at your composition program with the realization you are teaching a process, you may be able to design a curriculum which works.” I quickly turned my head to see three intuitive adults munching on froyo. I soon recognized the man who caught my attention with that fabulous point, it was Don Murray. He was discussing his idea on the writing process with two women who seemed to be very intrigued with his points, as with their tasty treats. I went into stalker mode while scooping my toppings so I could figure out who else was at this table I desperately needed to be at. After dumping the chocolate chips all over the topping station and being scolded by the teenage staff member for my carelessness, I realized it was Mary Karr and Anne Lamott! I need to find a way to weasel in this conversation, I need advice on my blog! I tried to come up with a casual way to approach this situation, but I soon swallowed my pride and made my way over to this table of winners. I was starstuck as all three looked up at me with quizzical looks on their faces and I realized I should probably speak. “Uh hi, I overheard your comment on the writing process and I thought it was brilliant. I’m stuck on a blog assignment I need to work on for class tomorrow and I figured you guys could help me,” I spat out with a small smile of hope. The three looked at each other and soon broke into huge smiles. I knew I was in. Anne grabbed a nearby chair and patted it, signalling me to sit down and start asking questions. “So I always thought of writing to be a one-way shot, you’re good or you’re not,” and I could tell I screwed up by the look of disgust on their faces. I quickly try to redeem myself by spitting out, “But there’s a lot more to it then writing one draft and having it be the one you’ll stick by.” Don let out a sigh of relief while taking a bite of his chocolate froyo and enlightened me, “The writing process itself can be divided into three stages: prewriting, writing, and rewriting.” I could tell Anne agreed as she leaned forward and whispered, “Now, practically even better news than that of short assignments is the idea of shitty first drafts. All good writers write them. This is how they end up with good second drafts and terrific third drafts.” I was in awe at her profanity, and she let out chuckle and followed up with, “The first draft is the child’s draft, where you let it all pour out and then let it romp all over the place, knowing that no one is going to see it and that you can shape it later.” I enjoyed her point of view on the first draft. Don chimed in, “Writing is the act of producing a first draft. It is the fastest part of the process, and the most frightening, for it is a commitment. When you complete a draft you know how much, and how little, you know.” I wish I had brought a notebook to write this stuff down! “Now I always thought revising your essay can be a lengthy process but a good one, is that true? Do all struggling authors need that stage?” I questioned the group. “Revision is the secret to their troubles - and yours. That, and a sense of quality that exceeds what you can do - that gives you something to strive for,” Mary Karr took the lead on that question. “Actually, every writer needs two selves - the generative self and the editor self.” Interesting. I never thought about having different selves. I had one more question I wanted to ask before I get going on my blog, “I’ve heard that having people look over your writing can be a risky choice. I always enjoyed getting feedback, I think it helps me see what I do and don’t need. Any thoughts on that?” I could tell that Anne and Mary had some ideas by the way their faces lit up with excitement. Anne took the floor first, “I always show my work to one of two people before sending a copy to my editor or agent. I feel more secure and connected this way, and these two people get a lot of good work out of me.” I was jealous of her, she had people she could turn to, I frowned and whispered, “What if you don’t have anyone to read your paper?” Mary leaned forward and touched my hand in a comforting way, “Even the smallest towns have coffee shop bulletin boards or community centers with a writer’s workshop now. Even the less good groups can help you by speaking for your potential reader - they’re way better than the echo chamber of your own head.” I felt a sudden burst of inspiration after discussing my options with this wonderful group! I thanked them for the help and finished up my frozen dessert and ran all the way home to finish my project! I felt so good about writing, it felt somewhat wrong.
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Julia PeabodyThis is my zone Archives
April 2019
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