This time, write 300 words on how the revising/writing process works for you; in other words, “how I write,” rather than “why I write.” Post your finished essays here. Give your revision number, identify your techniques. Good luck!
Edit of Stacey's second paragraph
Brad's edited third draft
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
29 comments:
A Ray of Light in the Gem: How I Write
Like Wislawa Szymborska, I have looked through “the microscope lens,” searching for a “ray of light in the gem.” What I have found: how I write depends on what it is I’m writing and is always aided by my computer.
I write my best poetry to music. Loud, insistent, the music helps me focus on the words. I write longhand, usually, influenced by the rhythms of a good songwriter, someone like Patti Smith, lamenting her husband’s death at 47, or Van Morrison, singing “slim slow slider” on Astral Weeks. The words come quickly—I freely cross out and insert. Music affects my poetry, making it more lyrical.
Writing worksheets is a different dynamic. It takes a day or two, the idea often coming earlier, perhaps while out walking my dog in Queen Elizabeth Park. Then I search: the Internet, reference books, sheets I’ve done before; the result gives me more than enough material, too much sometimes. Finally, I write, learning, for example, by writing directions badly, and vowing never to repeat my mistakes. Worksheet writing helps me refine my teaching techniques.
My computer greatly aids the “how” of all my writing. It is here that the refinements are worked out. The poetic line is easily seen on screen; the consequences of moving a word simple to undo. Word count reminds me to reduce fat sentences and a “shift f7” word search gives me the right word, quick as the proverbial bunny vanishing down its hole. I consider myself lucky to use computers, enjoying the good software, clear screens and, mainly, the access to the extraordinarily rich Internet.
Szymborska says “each sentence is put to the test of the dark,” reminding me that if I explore the “how” of my writing, I will become a better writer.
—296 words; second draft by Brad Hyde
Greek Techniques:
Simile:
Like Wislawa Szymborska, I have looked through “the microscope lens,” searching for a “ray of light in the gem.”
quick as the proverbial bunny vanishing down its hole.
Amplification:
I consider myself lucky to use computers, enjoying the good software, clear screens and, mainly, the access to the extraordinarily rich Internet.
How I write.
Robert Frost said: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and I took the one less traveled by.” I like to think I approach my writing this way. More often than not I’ll pirate an idea and morph it into something a little less plagiaristic. My list of writing procedures is this; Over think topic, zero in on three paragraph topics and how to put them into my introduction, and then worry about my always less than enthusiastic conclusion. All this is done in long-hand, like Brad before I bother with the computer.
I spend far too much time thinking about the topic. It doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth but I put myself through it every time. Heck, we’re given the topic so what do I have to worry about? In this way I make the first of many mistakes. An English teacher, who shall remain nameless once said: “Nobody gives a shit what you write; it’s how you write that matters.” This idea has never left me and part of the reason I worry senselessly about everything concerning my writing.
Next, I need to figure out how to introduce the body of my writing in the first paragraph. I need to think of three things to tell you about how I write. I need to get these three things onto the paper cohesively, which is a problem for me.
Hi Brad.
This is what I have so far and so far I hate it. You're right, I do tend to fall back on the same things time and time again. I know I've gotten lost and too personal again and will make the reader uncomfortable. I don't know what to do....help?
Stacey,
First off this is a "personal" piece, so that shouldn't be a worry.
It looks to me like you have good ideas here; organizing them is next, of course. Maybe you should leave the "exactly three" topics until you've done a few trial paragraphs. In fact, you may want to just write at the paragraph level until you see a pattern emerging.
Freewriting, writing without too much forethought, may help, too. Just start out with the general idea and let loose.
Good luck to you and everyone! Enjoy this incredibly welcome sunshine.
How I write.
Robert Frost said; “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and I took to the one less traveled by.” I like to think I approach my writing this way. More often than not I’ll pirate an idea and morph it into something a little less plagiaristic. I write from the seat of my pants and the core of my heart. I’m always better when on the fly. Too much thought is like too much familiarity, the result; contempt. I end up hating my words all jumbled up and cluttered in my already flitty brain.
Somebody else has already said the “great stuff.” This is wonderful for us aspiring writers. Sarcastic witticism, rich prose, poetic virtuoso. It’s all been done. Pick up a book and you’re bombarded with a million ideas on how to turn a phrase. My inspiration is from the writers who’ve come before me and I steal their fashion every chance I get.
I feel aflame when writing. It’s always emotional for me. It’s always frantic, like running down a hallway and never getting to the door. My best writing is done when I’m devastatingly sad or euphorically happy. Strong emotion is my muse and with it I write. Too much consideration is my down-fall. If I think too much about the words I write the result is like a gong-show. I hate to second guess myself and thinking too much about what I’m going to write is the death of imagination and my chance to write “something great” is lost. I end up despising what I’ve put on paper and whatever epiphany I had is history. This is my method. I write with my heart and not my head. I know no other way.
Simile: “Too much thought is like too much familiarity.”
Metaphor: “the death of imagination.”
Sententia: “Robert Frost said; “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and I took the road less traveled by.”
287 words.
Stacey,
I did an "is" check on your second version. I counted 11 "is's" in 287 words or about 4% of the total.
The "to be" verb, when overused, can weaken otherwise good prose. Check each one and try to make it a stronger verb. This may require some rewording.
To be fair I "is" checked my draft and found 6, but one came from Szymborska's final quote! In my revision, I've reduced the "is's" to 1, Szymborska's.
How I write.
Robert Frost said; “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and I took to the one less traveled by.” I like to think I approach my writing this way. More often than not I’ll pirate an idea and morph it into something a little less plagiaristic. I write from the seat of my pants and the core of my heart. I’m always better when on the fly. Too much thought is like too much familiarity, the result; contempt. I end up hating my words all jumbled up and cluttered in my already flitty brain.
Somebody else has already written the “great stuff.” Wonderful for us aspiring writers. Thier sarcastic witticism, rich prose, and virtuoso poetry, all there for those who would read it and learn. Pick up a book and you’re bombarded with a million ideas on how to turn a phrase. My inspiration comes from the writers who’ve gone before me and I steal their fashion every chance I get.
I feel aflame when writing. It’s always emotional for me. It’s always frantic, like running down a hallway and never getting to the door. My best writing is done when I’m devastatingly sad or euphorically happy. Strong emotion becomes my muse and with it I write. Too much consideration is my down-fall. If I think too much about the words I write the result is like a gong-show. I hate to second guess myself and thinking too much about what I’m going to write is the death of imagination and my chance to write “something great” becomes lost. I end up despising what I’ve put on paper and whatever epiphany I had disappears. This is my method. I write with my heart and not my head. I know no other way.
Simile: “Too much thought is like too much familiarity.”
Metaphor: “the death of imagination.”
Sententia: “Robert Frost said; “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and I took the road less traveled by.”
293 words.
Third revision
I managed to get the "is's down to five.
Hi Brad.
Oops, I found another "is." So that makes six. It's better than 11 but I may try another revision yet. Where is everyone anyway? Hope you're all fine and enjoying the fog. See you Thursday.
Stacey,
Taking the idea of a "break" literally, I guess (all those other students I mean); are you reading or rather, "lurking," as the Internet term goes . . .
You might try wrestling your ideas into that standard, five paragraph, essay shape on your next revision Stacey.
See you Thursday.
Hi Brad.
I took a look at the newspaper thingy. Don't know what to do with it. I'm interested in creating a link but of course I'm kind of illiterate in that department. I'm wondering why you're asking me if I'm lurking rather than reading. Also was there any redeeming quality to the essays I've written or is it all sod? I'm going to try the five paragraph idea although I'm afraid I would end up changing the whole ruddy thing again...lol
Stacey,
Can't do anything with online paper as it is just a template. Soon, however, it'll be a going concern and a more public place to publish.
Sorry for the misunderstanding re: lurking. I meant other students, not you!
No, it's not all "sod" but, to be a standard essay, it needs a regular intro/conclusion with a focus in each of the three body p's.
Changing everything is the writer's lot!
"Where is everyone anyway?" I guess they are scared to faint by the alert of earthquake. However,don't worry too much. They all will regain consciousness and show up here with their "How I Write" by Thursday.
Hi! Larry,
What is this "alert of earthquake" mentioned in your message? Could you make it clear to me? I am just back from States and I didn't hear about it. Thank you in advance.
Helena
"lurking"? Yeah, I was--at home or sometimes in the bed--got a cold during the 2weeks break.
Stacey,
I like your introduction, using the poem, "The Road Not Taken."
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both"
This line always impresses me.
Helena,
Don't have to worry about Larry's "earthquake" talk. That's just his usual joke, right? Larry?
So then, I'm going to post my essay.
See you.
Helena:
The following is cited from CBC news last Friday,February 2,2007.
"Seismic scientists say there is a greater probability of a major earthquake on B.C.'s South Coast in the next week."
Almost all of medias of Canada has reported such kind of news, and almost everyone around me were talking about this issue last week. However, finally we are allowed to feel relieved because later the same media and same group of people told us that "Earthquake threat over." It sounds like joking,eh? It might be those seismologists' usual joke but not Larry's. Helena didn't hear that as she was staying in the State at that time but Ritsuko was supposed to know it. Maybe Ritsuko never takes those seismologists' bullshit seriously.
See you guys the day after tomorrow and good luck.
Hi,Larry!
Sorry...I couldn't have a chance to watch TV last week.
Thanks for your information,
but please change "never" to "sometimes".
See you, then
Hi Larry.
Seismic Scientists? When did you start listening to them? Just curious. Every year it seems we're told to look out for an earthquake or some huge tidal wave that will wipe us out. I'm aware of the fault lines and eventually there will be some kind of earthquake, hopefully it won't be in our lifetime.
See you Thursday.
For My Divine Writing
Under the sun light, I devote myself to read and rewrite my own work after the first scribble. With a dictionary I make search for the proper expression and smooth sentence.
I prefer the natural sunlight while I write. The quiet forenoon, I sit at the table for my writing. The soft sunbeam through the window makes my back warm and my brain warming up. Usually, I tune in to the classic music program in a low volume. I love this serene moment. The bright sunlight incites me scribble the first draft. I draw brainstorming with a blunt pencil. Also, I love this sound the passionate pencil makes. Easily, I feel a sense of unity with a bright sunlight.
I enjoy the process of revision of my writing. Without a revision I can’t gain access to the joy of accomplishment. A writer’s trouble is compared to labor pains. As much writing requires hard energy consuming -revision. After a roughly draft with longhand I strike out boring sentence or rearrange the order with a color pen and open a dictionary for the best word choice. Due to a subtle shade of in expression, the nuance may be unnatural.
I prefer a concise sentence because I love simplicity. However, I used to write the supplementary explanation –over length. It caused lack of self-confidence in English. I was only concerned about understanding of my readers. I felt satisfied with extra additional sentences; they were boring naturally. In my English classes, my teachers require me concise and clear writing. Now I am accustomed to short expression to draw my thought. My readers will expand their imagination with my concise sentence.
Willingly, I immerse in the plot of my writing and talk with the characters. After several revisions I move to the computer for the joy of sharing in the blog. This is how I write.
--316 words
Amplication: "...additional sentences; they were boring naturally."
Brad.
I feel terrible because I was really looking forward to your friends' visit. My son is coming a day early and I need to be home for him so I won't be in class today. I'll be kicking myself till next week. See you then.
Hey Stacey!
She's not coming until first week of March. Enjoy your visit!
Stacey,
Mm...I'm trying to figure out what happen tomorrow in our class.
Eh? Brad's friend is coming tomorrow? Really?
His friend means the female writer...doesn't she?
As far as I know, she'll be coming early March...No?
Anyway, see you, Stacey.
Have good night.
The Way of My Writing
My way of writing is like an unstable weather that changes from sunny to cloudy then suddenly to rainy. I have a feeling of satisfaction when words come out of my mind, especially with the help of the computer. However, I feel disappointed with my lack of knowledge of sentence structure or vocabulary because these hinder my writing. The mixed feelings challenge me to read and write as opportunity arises.
As soon as my mind is ready for writing or reading, a quiet and cozy atmosphere inspires me. For example, sitting under lofty trees with dense lawn like green carpet, locking in my car which parks on a quiet area, or lying on my recliner beside a Norfolk Island pine indoor plant are my favorite settings. These give my mind more energetic and more creative for writing. I feel happy with these because I usually finish my homework the way I like.
The Chinese English dictionary, the English Thesaurus, and convenient computer are necessary aid. Chinese English dictionary benefits me whenever I quote Chinese proverb. I often gain some philosophic ideas from it. The English Thesaurus inspires me to use the other synonymous words that prevent from many repeating words. The computer enables me to delete unnecessary words, add proper ones, and revise as required. I couldn’t do writing without these two kinds of dictionaries and the convenient computer.
On the other hand, my limited knowledge has hindered my writing. I usually write my first draft on paper before typing in my computer, but my draft has too many revisions that my writing always looks like graffiti instead of a draft. To make my writing more interesting, I try to quote some proverbs from Chinese philosophers. The result sometimes disappointed me due to cultural differences. It would slow down my writing is process.
Although my way of writing is like between exultation and disappointment, it still encourages me to write and read when opportunity arises.
Simile: My writing is like unstable weather.
Draft looks like graffiti
Diazeugma:The computer enables me to delete unnecessary words, add proper ones, and revise as required.
Zeugma: These give my mind more energetic and more creative for writing.
Antanagoge: I couldn’t do writing without these two kinds of dictionaries and computer.
Amplification: My limited knowledge has hindered my writing. I usually write my first draft on paper before typing in my computer, but my draft has too many revisions that my writing always looks like graffiti instead of a draft.
How I write
To me, writing sometimes is kind of torture, sometimes is kind of enjoyment; all depend on what topic I write. However, no matter it’s a torture or an enjoyment, the followings usually are my writing habits.
First, writing should be done by brain not by hands. I’m used to do writing things at night because in the daytime my four limbs work very well but my brain gets rusty. Usually,
I start writing after finish watching the final news on TV. The interesting thing is, it grows darker, my brain works better (I’ve heard that many great writers, like Shakespeare, J.K.Rowling and Bread, do the same as me, eh?)
Second, it seems that the writing hardly to go without help from computer and internet. Before start to write, I’m used to spend a lot of time on Google or Yahoo. I always expect that I can find something that can be directly copied into my writing; however, most time I just waste gas. The most information from the internet either is garbage or need to pay. I don’t get used to be charged by the website owners. So eventually, I have to complete my writing depend on my own force.
Third, some chocolates will be a great tonic for the brain. I used to smoke plenty of cigarettes when I was writing. Since I quitted smoking, the chocolates have replaced the cigarettes becoming my writing partner. Even though I know too much sugar will do harm to my health, I can’t help to eat, especially when I’m writing. Fortunately, I think I’m not the type of person who naturally runs to fat. No matter what kind of food I eat, I gain weight little (envy me much? Ha-ha.)
Different people have different ways to write, but in the end, a successful writing only comes from inspiration. When an inspiration comes to me, I will get a lot of enjoyment from writing. On the contrary, write something without inspiration will make me feel painful and sick.
338 words.
metaphor: chocolates will be a great tonic for the brain.
Writing Starts before Writing: How I Write
Writing pictures one’s heart and soul; you can feel, smell, or taste them in many ways. Then, I realized that writing never starts the moment of the beginning of writing; actually, it really starts before writing.
First, reading is the base stone of writing. Chinese say, “Reading books over ten thousand, writing then as if by God brush.” that means if you read a lot, you would know how to write perfectly. Indeed, a good book is a good teacher. As an ESL student, I love to read J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter series because it not only shows me English could be so interesting to read but also so simple to write! Reading is my first step for writing.
Then, I need imagination to write. I can’t sit down to write something without imagination. Often, I’d like to go the gym with my Ipod. Working out on a treadmill with rock music, I get extra energy, enthusiasm, and unlimited freedom to imagine. In fact, I’ve gotten many ideas of my stories in the gym. Sometime, a piece of maple leaf falling down from the tree makes my tick for writing because of imagination.
Learning how to use a computer is another important work. Internet provides an easy way to get more information; I’d like to update my knowledge and skills to use it on my computer. Especially, if I want to know anything about my writing, I can search and get it immediately. Also, I enjoy using Word to write because it is so convenient to check my spelling and grammar and to edit my work. Anyway, I can’t write without a computer since I knew how to use it.
So that, all the works above I’ve mentioned actually start before writing. Typing the ideas into my computer from my mind is just the last thing.
From Start to Finish
I admit I slack without a due date. A determination to write is foremost, and from there I exert myself. There is no fancy way; I build a word one by one with patience, enjoying every step of writing.
I contemplate an idea while making dinner. I might write down a phrase when a stew is simmering. What I’m trying is to find a kernel which interests and motivates me. I want the urge to write, so I prepare myself like an athlete before the big game. My aim is to let the kernel develop, gain momentum, and reach to the point of bursting. It doesn’t work all the time, but if I succeed, later process—actual writing—becomes much easier.
I look for a right feel in the first sentence and attempt a few until it comes. From there I grab a word that comes naturally, but also ask help from a dictionary and a thesaurus. Other than spelling, I’d check if a noun is countable, if a verb is intransitive, or better wording. But most important thing is to write it through. The first draft is the toughest, but I remind me that I’ll get a chance to fix incompetent phrases later.
I’m more relaxed at revision and eager to make an improvement. I don’t mind slaughtering the draft if necessary. In fact, I often change a whole lot—it’s almost rewriting. I want the prose to be organized and to flow smoothly. I try to avoid repetition and careless colloquialism, and replace ambiguous phrases to precise. But I also know that it has flaws I cannot see. I’d accept any criticism to open my eyes, for it would transform my writing for the better.
A crisp copy of writing after long process is gratifying, but it doesn’t last too long. I rarely look back into the previous pieces. Rather, I’d like to start fresh, and see if I can do it better next time.
2nd draft; 327 words
Simile: “I prepare myself like an athlete”
Zeugma: “let the kernel develop, gain momentum, and reach to the point of bursting”
Hi,hiromi:
Your essay impressed me greatly. I've learned many new vocabularies from it. My compliments on your excellent memory. You are a walking dictionary!
See you guys later.
How I Write
Writing is about capturing an idea in written word, be it realistic or surreal, so I make sure to clearly define abstract versus mundane. To create this reality, my favorite technique is to offer sensory information such as the weather, a smell or touch. When creating a reality I am conscious of my own reality, choosing an ideal time of day to write or playing some inspirational music in the background.
When writing, I make sure a clear line is drawn between concept and reality. For example, a character might sit on a chair. The chair, the table he’s sitting at, the sunlight through the window and the smell of coffee are mundane, physical entities. The emotion he feels looking at a picture of his wife, or the pressure from an upcoming deadline at work are feelings beyond the physical. Ensuring these concepts are intermingled is how I write effectively.
Sensory information is my favorite way of adding flair to a piece. A cool breeze coming through the window or a gloomy steel grey sky are examples. For further effect, sounds like the sound of a rocking chair in the next room or the scratching of a pen can be employed. I use smells like mildew in a damp basement or the aroma of baking cookies. Finally I use textures such as warm water of a bath or the leather cover of a book. A piece of writing falls flat without effective use of sensory details.
When working on a piece, it is important to have a tidy and inviting space. It’s harder to write if your desk is cluttered or if there isn’t enough room. Arranging my room or focusing my “Chi” helps me concentrate on writing. I work best late at night in my room by myself, either in quiet or with music playing. My best writing comes when I’m relaxed and have an orderly work space.
1st draft
James! Finally!
Nice to see yours on the blog!
I like your details:"chair", "mildew", "lether cover of a book" etc.
Please work on introduction and conclusion and post it again.
Hi James.
I disagree with Hiromi. I read and re-read your introduction and conclusion and found no fault or confusion with it. I should take a page from your book. Good job. I thought it was great.
Stacey,
As paragraphs, the first and last do work, but only as paragraphs and not as an opening and closing to an essay. What is James's thesis?
Post a Comment