Writing has always been somewhat difficult for me, until now. In the past, I don’t even recall some of these tips mentioned to me regarding the writing process. A couple of essays that I have read recently will hopefully help with my writing technique in the future. When it comes to the writing process, the first thing I think of is that I could do better at paying attention to my reader’s needs and wants. Linda Flower’s essay, “Writing for an Audience”, really makes me realize that I do have an audience, the reader. Flower writes, “The goal of a writer is to create a momentary common ground between the reader and the writer.” Honestly, I don’t think I have ever written for my reader; I mostly write for the purpose of looking and sounding good. Wow, what a lesson. Thinking about it now, readers do need to be interested in what their reading or it’s boring, right? (Memo to self: Work on this!)
Another essay I found enlightening was Patricia T. O’Conner’s, “Saying Is Believing”. She addresses thirteen principles or rules to follow while writing, and I’m totally guilty of disobeying a couple of them; maybe even more than I’d like to admit. For the sake of this blog, I will advise you of my common mistakes. The first and second rule in this essay intertwines, I think. In the first rule she states not to cushion your point, “the reader is ready. So get to it.” I think she makes a great point. I often feel like I need an introduction for my point to come across clearly, but evidently, I don’t. The other point she makes in rule two is to stop when you’ve said it, in other words, don’t beat around the bush, so to speak. Guilty! This creates more words and fills the paper up faster, right? Well, so I guess this is a great tip for me for my future writing projects. In some cases, like personal intro and opinion papers, it is really hard not to use the words “I”, “me”, or “my” too much. (By the way, I have been really trying not to use them in this blog.) It’s very difficult not to write this way, yet I do think it’s consciously possible. O’Conner titles this rule,” Don’t make yourself the center of the universe”.
I’ve save the most beneficial essay to me for last. Tips from this essay, I think, will help me a lot. Anne Lamott writes about getting started on the writing process and gives helpful tips on how to stay on track in your writing. She has it right when she comments that the “biggest challenge is simply getting started” with writing. Her tip is to sit down at the same time every day and write; this supposedly trains your brain better. It’s worth trying, in my opinion. Distractions are the worst; it disrupts my creative vibe, especially when I’m on a roll. Now it’s really hard to get started when you have “Nurse Ratched” on your mind, so Lamott suggests that you clear your mind and focus. She suggests that you hold an imaginary gun to your head and make yourself stay at your desk in order to accomplish this. In past times of writing, I wish I had that piece of advice to consider. Now I know some tricks of the trade, so future papers watch out, I will now write you better (I will try anyways)!
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI blogged on the same topic as you this week. I have to tell you that this week’s reading was like holding up a mirror in terms of my writing abilities. Giving advice to others about how to write really made me take a hard look at my own skills. I felt very self-conscious giving advice to others about how to write knowing I am struggling with many of the same issues. I feel like I’ve had a writer’s intervention and now I need to go to rehab.
I really appreciate your honesty about your own writing weaknesses. It makes me feel like I’m not alone out here. So since we’re confessing I’ll come clean as well. Going back to the essay, “Saying is Believing”, I have to admit I’m guilty of breaking the fourth commandment which says: “Don’t tie yourself in knots to avoid repeating a word”. I’m guilty of this partly because I recognize patterns in language easily. I tend notice when an author has a favorite word. The word “effluence” comes to mind when I think of China Mieville’s, “Perdido Street Station”. Every time he used the word “effluence” it just rubbed me the wrong way. Not wanting to be guilty of rubbing the reader the wrong way I try to keep from repeating the same words when making my point.
Now for my most shameful writing weakness—sigh—using clichés like “rubs me the wrong way”. I use clichés when I’m speaking too. There, I’ve said it. I do feel better now that I’ve “gotten that off my chest.”
There were some bright moments in our reading this week too though. I loved the humor in Anne Lamott’s, “Getting Started”. I even added a new word to my vocabulary this week--“windbaggery”. Now I just have to find a way to use it that doesn’t call attention to my own.
Becoming a damn good writer takes some time. This chapter has opened my eyes like it did yours. I did find, ah who was it, Patricia O' Conner's essay very enlightening. I too, am guilt of beating around the bush. I do it because I sometimes get a sick pleasure by confusing people. I twist and turn them, this way and that, and when I make a point they are more susceptible to what I have written. Geez, I sound like a politician... That is very depressing.
ReplyDeleteBut the points you make about knowing what your audience knows is very important. I have read some things that were very complicated for me, they are mostly computer manuals. They se words like 4 G processor and the like that has me scratching my head like HUH? It is very disconcerting not to be able to understand something.
What I do know is that getting started is a really hard thing to do. You do have to put a gun toward your head sometimes. I went to six flags the other day. AI have always wanted to go on the dive devil but I could find no one to go with me. This time though, there were people willing to go on the dive with me. We all got strapped in and we got hoisted up about 100-150 feet and it was my duty to pull the cord. I remember just thinking pull the cord. And I did. Sometimes you just have to take the plunge and do it.
Flower’s discussion on “Writing for the Audience” enables the reader to become more aware their surroundings in the realm of writing. Although at times, the goal may be to complete an assignment, there should always be a conscious effort to structure the essay in a intriguing way that allows a connection with the reader. Being aware of needing to connect with the audience in order for the reader to understand the writer’s perspective is something that was apparent, yet the three major points (knowledge, attitude, and need) helped to pin-point exactly the areas that are needed to be created in order to fully accomplish this connection. Much of what was discussed brings light to what is expected as a reader, therefore, these techniques are able to be seen in retrospect as a writer. Also, although it may be difficult to write without using personal word choices such as I, me, my, or you, it can be mastered with practice. As this response is read, there have not been any recitations of these words. What can be helpful is to read third person perspective statements that can alleviate the urge to use such words. Lastly, getting started is half the battle when writing; it’s all downhill after that.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment I’m glad some one could relate. Even if your not so excited about writing, having the knowledge can broaden your understanding of much of the literature around us. Now as for your blog, I really liked how you incorporated the three different authors, worked really well. Its really cool how their tips helped you out and I enjoyed your points made. First, Flower’s essay. I think this idea is great because as you said not many people understand the needs of the audience and how important they are and most of us really do sort of write for ourselves. Its eye opening, yet the hard part is keeping the habit up, I know I often forget I want people to actually read everything I write. As for O’Conner’s essay I thought some of the rules were funny, and don’t feel bad I have the worst sugar coating-beat around the bush writing fluff habit. Sometimes though, I must argue, it can be beneficial. But her point of not making yourself center of the universe is kind of cool, because by trying to cut out I, me, or my you’ll find that certain parts of your writing will get more descriptive. Then Lamott’s essay; I’m happy to see that you enjoyed her imaginary gun pun too. Its an interesting way to look at it, definitely motivational. Anyway awesome blog! Have a great week!
Vanessa
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this essay written from the heart! It has been many, many years since I have been in school so I am trying to get back into the swing of things. Trying to remember all of the rules and learning which ones have changed can be a challenge. As you stated, just getting started can be difficult. Forcing yourself to stay at the desk, as you made reference to, is so important. I do find that the writing flows easier when I am by myself. The interruptions can definitely hinder the creative process.
I also need to remember what the reader wants to hear and not just think about what I want to write. I can pour my thoughts out onto the paper but then I need to go back and make sure that things are in a logical order and it is presented in a way that is going to hold the reader’s attention.
This course has been a lot more writing than I originally anticipated, but I know I will be a more effective writer from having gone through it.