Roy Hoffman said that he obtained his first notebook journal when he was a freshman in college. My first reaction to that was that it seemed a little late. I don't have a journal, but most people get them when they are really young.
His first entry said "Wild, crazy ecstasy wants to wrench my head from my body."
Okay so I know he was excited, but it kind of seemed morbid to me. I mean he does put it in a very descriptive way, but I would not have put it in those exact words. I wonder what exactly he was doing to be thinking like that? It's just really confusing to me.
He considered college notebooks as gold mines. I thought that it was a great way to think. It makes me wish I had one cept I would probably do it on the computer since I am much more efficient on the computer. I thought it was cool how he used those entries for his work later on in life. It's where he got alot of his ideas and they were more realistic.
Clouds. He said his friends, family, and everything in college were clouds. I was confused by this. Maybe he thought since none of them were the same, or maybe because they brightened the sky? I just really want to know why he considered people so close to him, clouds.
When reading his entries he said "like a wheel, home revolves, each turn regarded differently depending on the novel or political essay I'd been most influenced by the previous semester. I really liked how he put this. It was very interesting to me to read. It had so much truth behind it.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The writer of necessity
I am mostly a writer of necessity, usually to get something accomplished. Such as an argumentative letter, or to get a specific point across to someone. I write allot of notes and keep allot of records such as my sugar levels, blood test, and medical procedures. I keep written logs for vocational rehab, and work one. I am a very fictional writer, such as comical short stories for or about friends. I have started several songs that will probably never get finished, however I really hope they do. I enjoy writing the comical short stories for, and about my friends. It is fun for me, and my friends. Laughter is always a good way to lift everyone’s spirits.
I can see myself being a better writer the more I am subjected to the aspect of different types of writing. The fact that I have not been a writer of essays, poems, or any other artistic writing does not limit my writing by any means. I actually have a lot ideas that I would like to write about. Writing short stories about the things that are going on around me would definitely be possibilities for me to be a successful writer. Considering the fact that a successful writer can be some one who writes about anything, success is that the ready gets the point and can get into your mind and understand what you are trying to say.
This class is not really what I was expecting. It is actually very interesting, and I enjoy it a lot. It will definitely help me in my endeavors as a professional person. Although web management is my major, I will need to do a lot of writing for every class. It has already helped me with my public speaking class; it helps me get ideas, details and points of view in line with what I am actually trying to give my speeches about.
I can see myself being a better writer the more I am subjected to the aspect of different types of writing. The fact that I have not been a writer of essays, poems, or any other artistic writing does not limit my writing by any means. I actually have a lot ideas that I would like to write about. Writing short stories about the things that are going on around me would definitely be possibilities for me to be a successful writer. Considering the fact that a successful writer can be some one who writes about anything, success is that the ready gets the point and can get into your mind and understand what you are trying to say.
This class is not really what I was expecting. It is actually very interesting, and I enjoy it a lot. It will definitely help me in my endeavors as a professional person. Although web management is my major, I will need to do a lot of writing for every class. It has already helped me with my public speaking class; it helps me get ideas, details and points of view in line with what I am actually trying to give my speeches about.
1. Characterizing Yourself as a Writer
Most writing I do now is freewriting or journaling. I began journaling at a very young age of seven. I received a diary as a Christmas present from my Grandmother. She encouraged me to log thoughts, feelings, and events I had throughout the day. I have continued to keep a journal over the years.
I began freewriting a few years ago. It was suggested to me when I had a problem to write about it. If I didn't know what to write, or became blocked, to write anything. For example, names, places, short thoughts; it doesn't have to make sense, as long as I continue to write my mind will form thoughts, and my feelings will begin to be written on the problem at hand. I may not end with a solution, but I will have a better idea of what to do or how to handle the situation. After freewriting about a troublesome situation I do feel better. There are times that I do read over things that I have journaled. I usually do not edit anything that I have written in my journals or freewriting. The reason for this is I am the only one to see these entries.
I am beginning to do essays again. I have not written an essay in over a decade. I am somewhat intimidated by the thought of an essay. Our text tells us to keep a positive attitude. I do not want to have a self-fulfilled prophecy of failure. For the most part my thoughts are upbeat about the process involved in writing an essay. In the past, from what I can recall, I began with an outline. When creating the outline I would decide what would be written about and how to put it all together.
From the outline I would write a rough draft. When reading my completed rough draft I would edit my paper. Usually I would find grammar and spelling mistakes as well as a better way to link my ideas. After editing, I would revise my paper to the final draft and submit my work.
All of the writing I have done has been handwritten. I have not had an opportunity or a need to write anything on a computer, except a resume. I will be introduced to a new concept when typing my thoughts and having the advantage of spell check and grammar help from the computer program. I am looking forward to this.
I began freewriting a few years ago. It was suggested to me when I had a problem to write about it. If I didn't know what to write, or became blocked, to write anything. For example, names, places, short thoughts; it doesn't have to make sense, as long as I continue to write my mind will form thoughts, and my feelings will begin to be written on the problem at hand. I may not end with a solution, but I will have a better idea of what to do or how to handle the situation. After freewriting about a troublesome situation I do feel better. There are times that I do read over things that I have journaled. I usually do not edit anything that I have written in my journals or freewriting. The reason for this is I am the only one to see these entries.
I am beginning to do essays again. I have not written an essay in over a decade. I am somewhat intimidated by the thought of an essay. Our text tells us to keep a positive attitude. I do not want to have a self-fulfilled prophecy of failure. For the most part my thoughts are upbeat about the process involved in writing an essay. In the past, from what I can recall, I began with an outline. When creating the outline I would decide what would be written about and how to put it all together.
From the outline I would write a rough draft. When reading my completed rough draft I would edit my paper. Usually I would find grammar and spelling mistakes as well as a better way to link my ideas. After editing, I would revise my paper to the final draft and submit my work.
All of the writing I have done has been handwritten. I have not had an opportunity or a need to write anything on a computer, except a resume. I will be introduced to a new concept when typing my thoughts and having the advantage of spell check and grammar help from the computer program. I am looking forward to this.
Amber's view about Roy Hoffman's Journal Essay
This essay talks about the author and his experience of keeping a journal during college. He then goes on to reflect on the journal years later. He finds that he has forgotten a lot about his college years.
I found it almost strange that a person would walk around with a little notebook and watch people and then just scribble away. My comment seemed to not go over well with people who spent a lot of time on a college campus. Evidently, this is a common thing on campus. These people have obviously never had the delightful feeling of being stalked. So, I would suppose when they see someone with a little note pad scribbling away, they assume that wow this person is trying to better themselves by keeping a journal. My first thought is I hope this guy does not try to follow me home.
This essay also talks about what it was like for the author when he would use his journal as a canvas to paint pictures in his on to the paper. His words were describing everything from the way the campus looked to the way the place sounded. He was able to remember things he did not even remember he had forgotten.
Going back he realized how much he had grown as a person, so this younger college version seemed to be almost a child. He thought at the time he was so grown up and knew so much, but like most young he was very ignorant to the idea of being a true adult.
He also discussed the issue of how vulnerable a journal can make you, a journal, of course, are so many thoughts and feelings about yourself. You can become naked in a sense to anyone who would read it. Then if you reflect back to it, you might not have those same feelings at all, but since you wrote it, people will probably assume you have carried on the same feelings and ideas throughout your life. Though as you grow and experience more things in life, you tend to look at life completely or at least partially different.
I found it almost strange that a person would walk around with a little notebook and watch people and then just scribble away. My comment seemed to not go over well with people who spent a lot of time on a college campus. Evidently, this is a common thing on campus. These people have obviously never had the delightful feeling of being stalked. So, I would suppose when they see someone with a little note pad scribbling away, they assume that wow this person is trying to better themselves by keeping a journal. My first thought is I hope this guy does not try to follow me home.
This essay also talks about what it was like for the author when he would use his journal as a canvas to paint pictures in his on to the paper. His words were describing everything from the way the campus looked to the way the place sounded. He was able to remember things he did not even remember he had forgotten.
Going back he realized how much he had grown as a person, so this younger college version seemed to be almost a child. He thought at the time he was so grown up and knew so much, but like most young he was very ignorant to the idea of being a true adult.
He also discussed the issue of how vulnerable a journal can make you, a journal, of course, are so many thoughts and feelings about yourself. You can become naked in a sense to anyone who would read it. Then if you reflect back to it, you might not have those same feelings at all, but since you wrote it, people will probably assume you have carried on the same feelings and ideas throughout your life. Though as you grow and experience more things in life, you tend to look at life completely or at least partially different.
Characterizing myself as a writer
When I write I try to us my imagination as much as possible. I want to try and make sense out of whatever I am going to write, because if I don't understand it then I probably can't write it to where other people could. I like to go to the quietest place possible, so that I am not distracted. Probably my favorite place to study is at home at the kitchen table. A good cup of coffee never always helps to get things going.
Before I start writing I get together all of the tools I am going to need to write. I might need some reference books, or notes that I have wrote. I like to make an outline about what I am going to write. It helps me to stay on track if I have some guidelines to follow. Also an outline helps me to remember all of the main points, so I don't forget any information that I may want the reader to know.
Usually when I write I start off fairly good. I usually know what I am trying to say. Most of the time I lose my train of thought before I can finish everything. My mind sort of takes off in its own direction, so I take a break, and try to come up with something fresh to write.
Growing up I wrote a lot of short stories. Most of the stories that I wrote were fiction. They were based on some wild figure I had just thought up. I also like to write about the future, and what it might be like. I like to create crazy plots to try and keep the reader on edge, or always wondering what is going to happen next. When I was a child my mother made me keep a journal. I would write about what happened during the course of the day. In my journal I would also draw pictures about what I was writing about. As I got older, keeping a journal sort of got in the way of other things I was trying to do, so I stopped writing. I wish I would have kept up with it, because I know there is a lot of things I don’t remember that I wish I could.
Something that really frustrates me about writing is that sometimes I find it impossible to put my thoughts into words, and then transfer that onto a piece of paper. I also get frustrated when I think of something really good to write, and then forget it before I can get it down on paper. For the most part though writing is pretty fun, and I enjoy it.
Before I start writing I get together all of the tools I am going to need to write. I might need some reference books, or notes that I have wrote. I like to make an outline about what I am going to write. It helps me to stay on track if I have some guidelines to follow. Also an outline helps me to remember all of the main points, so I don't forget any information that I may want the reader to know.
Usually when I write I start off fairly good. I usually know what I am trying to say. Most of the time I lose my train of thought before I can finish everything. My mind sort of takes off in its own direction, so I take a break, and try to come up with something fresh to write.
Growing up I wrote a lot of short stories. Most of the stories that I wrote were fiction. They were based on some wild figure I had just thought up. I also like to write about the future, and what it might be like. I like to create crazy plots to try and keep the reader on edge, or always wondering what is going to happen next. When I was a child my mother made me keep a journal. I would write about what happened during the course of the day. In my journal I would also draw pictures about what I was writing about. As I got older, keeping a journal sort of got in the way of other things I was trying to do, so I stopped writing. I wish I would have kept up with it, because I know there is a lot of things I don’t remember that I wish I could.
Something that really frustrates me about writing is that sometimes I find it impossible to put my thoughts into words, and then transfer that onto a piece of paper. I also get frustrated when I think of something really good to write, and then forget it before I can get it down on paper. For the most part though writing is pretty fun, and I enjoy it.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
What kind of writer am I? Blog 1
What kind of writer am I? I have no idea, but hopefully I will come to that conclusion by the end of this writing session. I feel like I am the writer that most teachers should fear. My ideas have always been all over the place and I never really understand where I am trying to go with my thoughts. I have learned a few things just in the few days we have had this class. I have learned that if I get blocked that I should do free writing, or I should just go off and start somewhere else. I am also learning that I need to set a ritual for my writing technique. The ritual that I have now is not working out the best for me. I usually write when I am tired and starting to go to bed. This means that my mind is not as where I would like it to be when I am finally able to write. I have two little girls and finding time for anything is hard enough. I know that I need to relax and just let myself go so that my writing can improve. Every time I try to write I hear this little voice always telling me that something is wrong and that I shouldn't be writing this way; or that what I am writing is stupid. The voice also tells me that I am not going to complete what I am writing because it is stupid, but I am losing that annoying voice. I am learning that if I just let go and just write that I will come to find what I seek; and that all I need to do is practice my writing. Even writing this I am nervous and I don't know quite what I am doing. I am learning though and that is all that matters. I went to the library here in town to talk to one of my favorite authors, Tamora Pierce. She told all of us there that the best way to improve our writing is to just keep writing. I am also learning that in this class, so I guess I should take the advice of that she gave us. I am going to stop being so critical with myself and my writing. I am going to turn a new page and see where it takes me. So now I know what kind of writer I am from all of this. I am the beginner who has to learn to let go and just have fun with what she is doing. Hopefully everything will work out the way I want it to.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tara's Writing Style
My writing style for a blog is a lot better than on paper or on word. I don't know why it makes such a difference, but it really does. I think it might be because I feel like I'm writing in my own journal. Whatever it is, I feel like my writing is a lot better.
I've had a lot of practice on blogging because I used to have LiveJournal that I would write in everyday and I have a Myspace account where I occasionally write a blog when I have a lot of stuff on my mind.
I would have to characterize myself as a mood writer. I have a tendency to write about what is on my mind, whether I've had a good or bad day, or if I'm feeling happy or sad. I've always been told to write down my feelings, because afterwards, I'll never feel 100% better, but I will feel a little better. Ever since then, I've written down a lot of things that have come across my mind and it's helped me deal with a lot of things that I've had problems with. It's good just knowing that some weight that you might have had on your shoulders is now gone.
I've never followed along with anyone with trying to change my writing style. I don't think that you should look up to someone on how you should write. The way that you write should come from what you have learned and what you are used to. You should never have to change your writing for anyone.
I remember in my English class at Indiana State University, the papers I had to write, were supposed to be in APA format. In all the years that I was in school, I was always used to writing in MLA format, that I wasn't about to attempt to change my writing styles. I tried to do the whole APA format, but it just wasn't for me. I gave up, and just ended up writing my papers the same way, whether I got counted off for it or not. I wasn't worried about my grade on the style of writing that I did, I was more worried about the quality of my writing and how good it was.
But just being out of high school, my writing style hasn't changed, nor do I think it will change. I've written like this for a while, and I plan on sticking to my writing styles that I have right now.
I've had a lot of practice on blogging because I used to have LiveJournal that I would write in everyday and I have a Myspace account where I occasionally write a blog when I have a lot of stuff on my mind.
I would have to characterize myself as a mood writer. I have a tendency to write about what is on my mind, whether I've had a good or bad day, or if I'm feeling happy or sad. I've always been told to write down my feelings, because afterwards, I'll never feel 100% better, but I will feel a little better. Ever since then, I've written down a lot of things that have come across my mind and it's helped me deal with a lot of things that I've had problems with. It's good just knowing that some weight that you might have had on your shoulders is now gone.
I've never followed along with anyone with trying to change my writing style. I don't think that you should look up to someone on how you should write. The way that you write should come from what you have learned and what you are used to. You should never have to change your writing for anyone.
I remember in my English class at Indiana State University, the papers I had to write, were supposed to be in APA format. In all the years that I was in school, I was always used to writing in MLA format, that I wasn't about to attempt to change my writing styles. I tried to do the whole APA format, but it just wasn't for me. I gave up, and just ended up writing my papers the same way, whether I got counted off for it or not. I wasn't worried about my grade on the style of writing that I did, I was more worried about the quality of my writing and how good it was.
But just being out of high school, my writing style hasn't changed, nor do I think it will change. I've written like this for a while, and I plan on sticking to my writing styles that I have right now.
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