Hello, In this blog assignment for my English 100 class I will be providing my understanding of the readings and quotes alike from Don Murray, Mary Karr, and Anne Lamott. This task requires me to use quotes from my readings and quotes of my mine, while creating a roundtable discussion of my own.
As I sit and write with my head resting on my hand, I can’t help but notice that an older gentleman is looking and it almost seems as though , I have communicated with him without using words . I walk over and say hello. I will introduce myself. Hey, I’m Travod and he says hello I’m Don , “Don Murray”. At this point I’m looking for distraction almost seem to say ,so I can get ideas on how to begin my assignment. So I engage in a conversation with Mr.Murray expressing that I’m in a fog with starting an assignment and carrying out all of the requirements. He responds with well I can tell you’re in a fog as though you’re looking for the perfect introduction. Mr. Murray proceeds to let me know that”writing is the act of creating a first draft.” Which meant that I should start the creation. Some of the things he shared with me were very intriguing , as he continued to let me know that he too was involved in the arts of writing as he explained that the writer “he is a learning process. His papers are always unfinished , evolving until the end.” This was opening up some head space for me as I continued to listen to what he shares, “there are no rules , no absolutes, just alternatives”, then he says now that we had an ice breaking discussion ,do you mind staying for a while and meeting a couple of my colleagues? They should be coming in any minute now and you will definitely be able to form an opinion as they share information about writing, telling me but only if you’re interested. My response was , sure as I needed to open up and get my thoughts flowing. After a few more minutes of waiting in walks one of Mr. Murray’s colleagues and she introduces herself as “Mary Karr” and I introduce myself as Travod. She proceeds and glances over at Mr. Murray and says” So Don, what’s the connection?” He responds with well I met Mr. Travod right here at Starbucks overthinking his writing project, he was telling me about a fog he was in and I shared some information with him and invited him to stay a while. Mary was interested in knowing more! So she says writers fog you say? What helpful hints did you share Don she added. Don responded with that “writing is the act of creating the first draft”and that it's a process. Mary now adds that well once you get down your draft you can then focus on making adjustments, stating that “revision is the secret to their troubles and yours.” Meanwhile, she continues to explain that “every writer needs two selves- the generative self and the editor self.” Mary says I tell you this because you have to “remind yourself that revising proves your care for the reader and the nature of your ambition.” Expressing that if you’re feeling a bit discouraged hang here for a minute longer my close friend and colleague Anne, “Anne Lomart” should be arriving soon. Minutes go by and we’re still talking about the process , and at this point I’m feeling better but I’m also interested in meeting Anne ,thinking that what she has to share can even better assist me in getting out of this field of doubt. As Don and Mary catch up on old times , I’m kind of looking around just pondering, and in walks who I suspect to be Anne due to Mary’s reaction when she saw the woman breeze in. Don, Mary and Anne hugged and smiled briefly, and Anne looks over and says. Well who do we have here? Mary proceeds to say, Don and I have been chatting with a gentleman about the writing process and getting out of the fog he’s in.Don has opened him up with speaking about the teachings of writings and me after he’s done drafting keep revising. But I did tell him that you would be able to shed a bit more light on his situation and give some quality advice. Anne responds with , now that I can do it , I’m all too familiar with his situation. Anne proceeds to tell me about a story when her brother had an issue with a project and their fathers response stood out to her it was “take it bird by bird”, meaning go through the process. I found this information extremely valuable and let Anne know how I felt about the information she’d shared and she says “ you need to start somewhere, start by getting something- anything-down on paper.” Anne’s words were very helpful as she kept explaining I noticed that she actually summed up what Don and Mary were explaining all along. What stood out was when she said “the first draft is the child's draft, where you let it all pour out and then let it romp all over the place, knowing that no one is going to see it and that you can shape it later.” Before having this conversation with these prestigious individuals, I felt like” writing was too difficult, because it has to initially sound perfect”. That thought is no longer a thought for me. I was thankful that I had a chance to be at the roundtable and gain such great insight. After expressing my gratitude for the great advice, I got up with a smile, gathered my things , went home and began to let it flow.
3 Comments
Sabatino
2/10/2020 10:14:46 am
CIF
Reply
Meghan
2/11/2020 03:02:53 pm
Reading the beginning of your post reminded me of how i felt about writing in the beginning. I like the content you use here and the conversation is key on point. i look forward to reading more of your post.. nice work
Reply
Tanesha
2/11/2020 03:04:03 pm
This was definitely a good scenario, and I love the name!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Donovan FountainI will use this blog to make meaning and explore the messy processes of writing. Archives
May 2020
Categories |