This reading got me excited to write on things that are truly interesting to me and my audience. I really liked how well the text explained how to "wallow in complexity" and now I understand how important it is to take that step and really analyze every aspect of a question. I learned that the starting point for a writer is a "good, interesting question." I understand now that my audience is not necessarily looking for a right answer. They are looking to be engaged and exposed to well-supported, alternate views.
The text mentions six skills to be able to wallow in complexity that I would like to implement in my writing process. The first is to be able to prose problematic questions. Second, the ability to analyze all dimensions of a problem. This means to be able to consider all the different views and realize the good and bad in all sides including your own. Third, the ability to gather research and information that is relevant to the issue. Fourth, imagine alternative solutions and perspectives. Fifth, the ability to analyze opposing opinions and construct arguments for and against them, and then choose the best solution. The last skill required to wallow in complexity is the ability to effectively argue while considering opposing sides.
I also learned a lot about the writing process. There were different strategies explained for your writing process and how to use them to brainstorm. I really like the ideas suggested and I want to try two of them specifically. I think that free-writing and dialectic conversation will be the most effective strategies for me personally. Free-writing is where you simply let your thoughts flow onto the paper. It is totally unorganized but it is very effective to get the creative process started. Dialectic conversation is talking about the subject or topic your are interested in writing about in a civil way and exploring different views. It is important to keep an open mind and consider all of the strengths and weaknesses for each perspective. I think this strategy will really help me develop a valid opinion of my own.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Chapter 16, Skills 16.1, 16.2, & 16.3
In this reading I learned so many awesome skills that I can't wait to apply to my writing. I have only used one writing process and it is extremely simple compared to what I read about. I think using the skills I learned will improve my writing in so many ways. I had no idea that the writing process that expert writers use was so extensive. I definitely want to spend a lot more time in each step of my writing process and add additional steps.
I have been doing my First Draft wrong all along. I love the way the text describes this step as a way to "discover, deepen, and complicate your ideas." I also really like the idea that you don't need a certain amount of revisions or drafts. The more you revise the better your paper will be. In my editing process I want to practice globally and locally revising. I don't want to be afraid of throwing out big chunks of writing to make room for improvement.
From now on as I write, rather than just thinking of a thesis statement and supporting it, I am going to explore and focus on the creative process. I am going to research something that I am interested in that would appeal to my readers. Once I have considered all the facts and opinions that I find, and discovered new curiosities, my thesis will naturally form. "The writing process is recursive rather than linear."
The text offers 10 habits to develop in our writing. I loved all of the advice but I want to focus on 2 of the habits in particular as I write. The first, discover the best drafting methods for me. Now that I have all of these new tools, I want to experiment and find which drafting methods work the best for my personal writing style. The second, think about audience and purpose from the start. I usually start out writing to myself and what sounds best to me. Instead, I want to think about my audience and what effect I want to have on them right from the start.
I have been doing my First Draft wrong all along. I love the way the text describes this step as a way to "discover, deepen, and complicate your ideas." I also really like the idea that you don't need a certain amount of revisions or drafts. The more you revise the better your paper will be. In my editing process I want to practice globally and locally revising. I don't want to be afraid of throwing out big chunks of writing to make room for improvement.
From now on as I write, rather than just thinking of a thesis statement and supporting it, I am going to explore and focus on the creative process. I am going to research something that I am interested in that would appeal to my readers. Once I have considered all the facts and opinions that I find, and discovered new curiosities, my thesis will naturally form. "The writing process is recursive rather than linear."
The text offers 10 habits to develop in our writing. I loved all of the advice but I want to focus on 2 of the habits in particular as I write. The first, discover the best drafting methods for me. Now that I have all of these new tools, I want to experiment and find which drafting methods work the best for my personal writing style. The second, think about audience and purpose from the start. I usually start out writing to myself and what sounds best to me. Instead, I want to think about my audience and what effect I want to have on them right from the start.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Chapter 1, Concepts 1.1 & 1.2
This reading assignment made me realize how important it is to write to my audience. When I wrote papers in the past, I would assume that my teacher and fellow classmates would be the only readers. I never really put much thought into my audience. Some questions I want to start asking myself as I write are, "Who will read my writing?" and "What info do I need to provide to engage them?".
It is important to be relatable and to put yourself in the reader's shoes. As I write I'm going to try and understand what they know about the subject and how in depth I need to explain it in order for them to understand. You must ask yourself, "How do they feel about this subject?" also needing to be able to prove that I know what I'm writing about. What gives me the right or makes me credible to write about this topic? I want to do as much research as I can when I write about something to make sure I qualify to have an opinion and share it.
When I choose something to write about it needs to be interesting to me, something I'm passionate about. To begin, I must find a problem to write about that is important to both me, and my reader(s). While, keeping in mind the difference between "subject matter problems" and "rhetorical problems." Rather than focusing on my own opinion, I'll focus on the problem or question behind my thesis. This will engage the reader. Then, I can prose my side and introduce my thoughts and opinions in order to broaden the reader's view and bring up new thoughts or ideas for the subject.
It is important to be relatable and to put yourself in the reader's shoes. As I write I'm going to try and understand what they know about the subject and how in depth I need to explain it in order for them to understand. You must ask yourself, "How do they feel about this subject?" also needing to be able to prove that I know what I'm writing about. What gives me the right or makes me credible to write about this topic? I want to do as much research as I can when I write about something to make sure I qualify to have an opinion and share it.
When I choose something to write about it needs to be interesting to me, something I'm passionate about. To begin, I must find a problem to write about that is important to both me, and my reader(s). While, keeping in mind the difference between "subject matter problems" and "rhetorical problems." Rather than focusing on my own opinion, I'll focus on the problem or question behind my thesis. This will engage the reader. Then, I can prose my side and introduce my thoughts and opinions in order to broaden the reader's view and bring up new thoughts or ideas for the subject.
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