Learning Journal #1
Step One: This Week’s Reflection This week, I learned a couple new things about writing and about my process as a writer. When we were brainstorming this week, I realized that I often have trouble brainstorming because I second guess myself I my ideas. I am too quick to cast off ideas because they might be too hard or might make me too vulnerable. I need to take the time to flesh out every idea I have before I decide that I don’t want to do it. I also learned that if I hit a writer’s block, I should keep writing, even if I have to write “I don’t know what to write” or “stuck” a bunch of times before I come up with something else. I also learned about literary narratives, and the characteristics they all have. They have a story about how the author became proficient at a task, a conflict, and an inclusion of what the writer learned. Step Three: My Writing Process I decided to use the bubble mapping website to map my writing process. It was the first one on the list, and it seemed easy enough to use. I really enjoyed using it. Once I get an assignment, it sticks in the back of my mind until I get started on it. This assignment anxiety actually helps me to come up with ideas. After I sleep on an idea, I typically have two or three ideas of how to do an assignment. I choose one of these ideas that is the easiest or appeals to me the most. I always want to just get the first draft over with, so I usually skip writing an outline altogether. I occasionally write out an outline on big papers or on more complicated assignments. I have always been the type of person to want to get started as soon as possible on assignments. I sit down at my computer and just go. Once I start writing, the words flow pretty easily. If I am being particularly vulnerable in a piece or I am insecure about my knowledge in a topic, I can get writer’s block. It can be hard for me to get personal with readers, especially if I know that I am getting graded on items. Anne Lamott’s piece helped m to understand that everyone feels insecure when writing. It is a roadblock that all writers need to get over in order to write their pieces. In UWP 1Y, I hope to learn to get over the insecurity and fear of bad pieced and learn to trust myself and my writing process. I avoid correcting spelling or awkward sentences until I am done. Because of this, I understand what Anne Lamott means by “shitty first drafts.” Most of my first drafts are pretty shitty. After I finish writing, I leave my computer and go do something else. This helps to clear my mind and also can help with creating ways to make the writing piece better. I typically come back to the piece after a day or so. When I come back, I read through the whole thing and edit it. I correct spelling, awkward sentences, and also will add in things that help the piece become more cohesive. After this, I usually reread the assignment to make sure I am on the right path. Once I feel I can’t edit anymore, I put away my computer and work on other things. Like before, it helps to clear my mind and come up with new ideas. I come back to the piece the next day and finish it up. If it is a longer piece or a more serious assignment I may edit for a couple more days, but I am typically pretty happy with the piece at the third go-around. I edit the piece, reread the prompt, and then turn it in!
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AuthorCarly, 18, UC Davis Archives
November 2016
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