Writing is like doing yard work to me. It is not something that I get real excited about doing, and will often put it off until it is absolutely necessary. But, similar to doing yard work and landscaping I find the process to be quite calming and enjoyable, once I motivate and engage myself in the process. I will take my time to consider different ways in which I can manipulate the landscape to achieve the most desirable appearance. I take the same approach with writing. I spent quite a bit of time brainstorming and writing down points or topics in which I want to cover. I try to stick to items or topics that I am somewhat familiar with, even though I find researching and learning about unfamiliar subjects very intriguing. I would have to say that for the most part, I try to stay in my comfort zone. I do my very best to approach the subjects in which I am writing about from a neutral point of view, regardless of how strong of an opinion I may have on the issue. Most of the writings that I have done for my classes have been on political issues, so I feel that it is of the upmost importance that I do not come across to the potential readers as a partisan. I have found that taking the time to research topics in which I already have an opinion on, can be quite educational and often times change my perspective on the issue. I probably spend more time than most in the drafting process. I am certainly not a seasoned writer, and often my first couple approaches do not reflect the outcome in which I am trying to achieve. Much like landscaping in this sense, you must endure a few vegetative fatalities before you realize that apparently your approach to trying to be creative is fraught with error. One of the pleasures that I enjoy the most about writing is being able to read over the finished product and have since of accomplishment. Just as I am aware that the trimming and grooming of one’s yard or garden will certainly reflect on the individual that performed the work, I take similar pride in the completions of my writings. That last period is like the smell of freshly cut grass.
Response to Jason Cherry's Blog
ReplyDeleteI can truly relate to your yard work Jason. Like you said, it is “calming and enjoyable.” I wish my writing was the same. I can relate to so much of what you said about your writing process. However, I can say that I have yet to write about anything related to politics. Even as you write that you are not a seasoned writer, it doesn’t show in your blog. It sounds very professional, and I liked the part where you say you try to come across as non-partisan. That must be very hard indeed if you write a lot about politics in today’s world! Knowing that you sometimes change your perspective after a subject has been researched just shows that you have an open and willing mind to being educated and that is something that I too can agree with. In your conclusion you state that last period is like the smell of freshly cut grass and I don’t know anyone, me included who does not like that smell!