Up until this point, I think my writing process has been pretty consistent and very repetitive. I knew theoretically that the writing process should be flexible and can look different depending on the project that you are working on. However, realistically, I don’t think that theory took place in my actual practices, that is until I took back-to-back writing classes the past two semesters. Before taking writing classes, I would sit down and write the whole project in one go, then turn it in. Sometimes this meant I would sit in front of my computer screen and write for hours with no breaks, and sometimes that meant I would sit there are write for one project, then switch to another one, then switch back and forth until the projects were finished. I would make sure that even though my actual writing was mediocre, I banked on the creativity of the ideas behind my writing. I focused majorly on content rather than how I was presenting that content.
After taking a class focused on tutoring strategies, then followed up with a writing class focused on informal writing and social media, I was asked multiple times to change my writing process. I was asked to create multiple drafts, pay attention to specific strategies I used in presenting my ideas, and to even recognize those rhetorical strategies in the work of my peers. It was definitely a huge adjustment, but I think reading Harris’ book that provided extensive strategies and clear examples of those strategies have really shown me what my options are. Now, I have completely changed the way I view my own writing. I have always taken pride in the pieces I produce, but now I make strategic moves with actual thought behind them. There is not one moment in my work that I haven’t deliberately contemplated on the way I say it or write it down.
Now I can actually recognize what I am doing with my writing, as well as taking more time to plan it out. I can even see myself deliberating more efficient ways of writing my thoughts on social media as well. It is almost like the fog has cleared from my mind, and I am able to see various texts more clearly. There is actual intent behind the words people publish or post, and it is now more evident to me than ever.
I know exactly what you mean about the solid wall of writing classes changing your style, Ally! I've never been more AWARE of my writing process in my entire life than I am after these last two semesters. Something about that 377 class, man. I guess it makes sense, but something about having to help other people improve THEIR writing really gets you to also improve your own. A desire to practice what you preach, maybe, lol.
ReplyDeleteI agree also that having Harris's assorted "moves" makes writing feel a bit more... deliberate? Especially during the stages after that first draft, I feel a lot more like I'm making conscious decisions in order to best formulate an argument and prove my point, instead of just throwing thoughts forward to see what sticks.
But dang if I'm not still that first meme sometimes... the perfectionism is TOO REAL.
It certainly was helpful to go from a writing class focused on helping other people write to one where we are focusing on ourselves. That was just lucky planning for both of us, and we are both all the better for it. I would definitely say my writing is more deliberate now that I can actually put into words what I am doing ;)
DeleteI am glad to read about your enthusiasm for Harris. Every time I teach his book, I find some true converts! Beyond that, though, the questions you ask yourself when you are writing? Asking those questions will serve you well! You are showing how you are rhetorically aware writer! Well done!
ReplyDeleteI used to be the same way with writing papers and projects all in one sitting, except I would procrastinate so I didn’t have a choice but to write them all in one sitting. Now I learned to take the time to do slow and steady. For example for the final project I wrote two pages every day leading up to turning it in. However, I also had two drafts before the final that I completed a couple weeks
ReplyDeleteI love Harris's book, too, Ally. It is such a great resource to pull from and just like you said, it's so interesting how I can take a text and sort of take it apart and understand the motives within the writing more thoroughly because of his book.
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