PivotNarrative, Nuance, Nonsense, Pivot, these are the four pillar on witch this semester has been held up by. Each pillar essential to the overall process. Beginning with how to Show a story or event and not simply telling the story. The process of writing multiple drafts and researching and creating ideas, and eliminating the editor is the "bull shit" (C.G.Rothwell) that brings writing back to life. This then connects to the second pillar of nuance. The connections built and the progressive writing process. Last is the idea to remain flexible with ones' own writing. At what points do you choose to change direction, and Pivot,
I started this semester hesitant. The concept of just writing was alien to me in an academic setting. From day one there are always boundaries and specifics to the way I should process my writing. Or so I thought. I have grown exponentially this fall. I have been able to finally silence my internal editor and I have been able to brake the chains to witch my writing has been held down by. This semester has taught me that we truly are our own worst enemy. My experience with my own writing has always been unsure. I have consistently doubted my ability to write. Until now, I allowed my inner editor to make all of my literary decisions; however, by allowing myself to write without the thought of consequences, I have been able to better express myself. I have come to the conclusion that many of us view writing the same way we see mathematics, structured and with a single formula with no real process. Most of us have all been slaves to the five paragraph essay; however, by allowing ourselves to do so, we have limited ourselves. We have developed literary works that are not worth writing. I have thrived with this formula of writing, but I know see that this formula is what has been holding my writing back. This semester Mrs. Rothwell challenged me to leave my structured formula behind, and allow myself to develop a real writing process, where i am not limited by a formula or an internal editor. This simple challenge has brought my own literature back to life with more purpose then a simple grade. I have created a collection of works that have been developed from mindless chatter and has evolved into thought out and soul-full literary works.
NuanceThe Feasibility Study was more formal. I was no longer just telling a story, I was now shining light on a problem to witch many students face, and tried to not only understand the problem but also establish an solution. Even the format to witch I displayed my information set the mood and purpose. I was immersed in different assignments where I had to understand the traditions, rules, and forms of various genres. page Figure 3.
Below I will show how I analyzed, interpreted, and evaluated my writing after Mrs. Rothwell made her comments on my narrative
“I need to rearrange my paper. The introduction I made is not needed. I need to focus more on the actual story and employ more dialogue in my narrative. I can choose to keep the explination but it will work better at the end instead of the beginning” In this course we have focused on planning, questioning, reading, and responding. But we are not just questioning and responding to Mrs. Rothwell’s comments or our own internal writer; but to the actual writing we have done. I have included in figure two an excerpt of changes made after my first draft. This semester the Feasibility study and even my narrative engulfed me in research to witch I analyzed, interpreted, and evaluated different texts Figure 4.
I included the search grid I composed. I would have never thought that research would be a part of writing a personal narrative; however, I found that by doing simple research my story seamed more informed and more believable. This assignment and the double entry log made a significant impact on my narrative. These assignments made it easier to understand my center of gravity. I also very much enjoyed learning more about consignment stores and how they play a role in my community and in my life.
| OutcomesWith each assignment I have experienced five skill sets that has changed my writing for the better, not only has my thought process and flow better, but my overall process of writing has transformed.
With each assignment rhetorical knowledge was established, an understanding of the dynamic relation of audience, topic, purpose, and writer, has become more and more clear. When writing my narrative I was able to have more freedom in my writing. Dialogue was employed to set the scene, establish the mood, and even reveal my personality in writing like i have not done before. Figure 2. Figure 2. NarrativeThis semester I have also been able to learn how to better tell a narrative by showing detail, rather then just telling the reader. The example below in figure one will show you that I had a good idea of that concept but I struggled and needed more practice.
Figure 2a. “What are you smiling at?” I was confused I didn’t even notice Madison had walked over.” My first attempt I was still mainly telling the reader what was going on instead of showing them with more descriptions and dialog. I was still just narrating witch looking back can make any narrative turn dull quickly. Figure 2b. I eagerly walked into the fluorescent-light thrift store. “You know the store isn’t going anywhere!” I could hear Madison in the background; she is always letting me know when I’m being over the top about things. This is how I opened my narrative. The mood is set quickly and excitement is built. With this entry I have also established the kind of friendship I have with my friend Madison, I have even revealed my own personality and I have opened my story in a way that is more personal and intriguing to the reader. This is how I have been able to better understand the intertwined relationship of the audience, topic, and the writer, Figure 3.Above you can see that I did not choose to keep my writing layout plane. By working with spacing and colors and the layout of the columns itself, I was abel to give my study more personality. I was abel to practice using a different genre to deepen the understanding and expression of the audience.
Figure 4. Search Grid
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Goals |
A few months ago I decided to set three goals for this semester. My first goal was to keep a personal journal to continuously keep writing. My biggest problem as a writer was how little I wrote outside of school. I thought a daily journal could help this problem. I am glad to say that I was able to follow through on my goal. I have kept a private journal for a bout two months now, I am now more so able to establish my thoughts better because of this daily excursus.
My second goal was to read one book per month. This goal is not impossible and is achievable; however I have yet to get started. I hope that going into break I will have more time on my hands to focus on this goal.
My final goal will be the most challenging and will be taking place next semester, this will benefit my writing the most. I will be taking a writing intensive course, this will be very challenging because it will be writing intensive. I will need to make sure my writing is well prepared and well written because I will have the pressure of the course.
My second goal was to read one book per month. This goal is not impossible and is achievable; however I have yet to get started. I hope that going into break I will have more time on my hands to focus on this goal.
My final goal will be the most challenging and will be taking place next semester, this will benefit my writing the most. I will be taking a writing intensive course, this will be very challenging because it will be writing intensive. I will need to make sure my writing is well prepared and well written because I will have the pressure of the course.
Last is The purpose of this entire collection.
Every action has a definite reaction. I am here to analyze my writing to further learn and reflect from them. This portfolio has allowed me to create finished documents and hone my ability to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of those works. I Have further developed skills for competencies needed to further my writing as a whole to allow further success as a student.
Every action has a definite reaction. I am here to analyze my writing to further learn and reflect from them. This portfolio has allowed me to create finished documents and hone my ability to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of those works. I Have further developed skills for competencies needed to further my writing as a whole to allow further success as a student.