40 Pages of Reading on the First Day

1. Of Anne Lamott's writing advice, what can you take to heart?

I think she said it best with the section about shitty drafts. It's really encouraging to know that you aren't the only person in the world who can't work out a real masterpiece the first time around.

2. Write about why group work fails or succeeds. Incorporate Roskelly's thoughts to strengthen your point or refute Roskelly's ideas.

I think the idea of group working being so black and white, succeed or fail, is really too bold to completely refute one side or the other. When first introduced group work can prove something rather intimdating. Roskelly makes the connection that people think back to when they were a bluebird or a bear. But! Once students get past the fear of putting forth their ideas, a sort of synergy comes into play. Roskelly writes about students he has put into groups. Roskelly mentions how students build off of one another, and keep the ideas flowing. This way, if one person has run dry, another member of the group picks up, and the cycle continues for progress.

3. Ronald writes from the point of view of a writing instructor. Respond to Ronald's struggles with the issue of style.

I have always struggled with style, because I can dress it up, but it's like i'm putting clothes on a ghost. I'm making something that isn't there look nice. I agree that style should be appreciated and taken into consideration, but I also believe that the real message should not be lost regardless of it's delivery. That is, if a great delivery even has a message, or that if a boring and uninteresting delivery has the most profound idea ever known to man. Ronald sparks in my mind, that there has to be a balance somewhere, and it should never be just one aspect taken into considerationg with the writing.

A Good Writer

1. What is good writing?
I'm guessing, that I think like most people, in saying that good writing is something both inventive and concrete. A good piece of writing can capture your attention, give you the story, and make you feel better for having read it.
2. How do you become a good writer?
Unfortunately a lot of work. I would love to have some wonderul innate writing ability, but personally it comes with revision after revision and the input from readers.
3. What questions do you have about writing?
How can I better organize my thoughts, and keep them flowing?
4. What are the most difficult and easiest things for you to accomplish as a writer?
The easiest thing is fluff. I can ramble and come up with a lot of words, but coming up with real content that is both organized and relevant tends to keep me trying.