Blog 15

how did I start?
I started by brainstorming, forming an outline about the specific scenes that I would write about and also the order.

when did I figure out my focus?
I knew my focus from the beginning because I knew the scene that I was going to place and the end would tie the story together and create a sense of peace at the end.

what did I leave out? what did I change? what did I emphasize?
In my first draft I left out scenes such as the funeral and the day that I received the call telling me what had happened. Also some descriptions about Crystal that were important to the story. I received this advice from the prof and after I made these revisions the whole piece came together. It is much stronger that the original draft. I didn't think that those scenes were important in my initial brainstorming but now I see that they are essential to the essay. I still have much work that needs to be done in order to get it to where I would like it but step by step and it will eventually get there.

where did I get stuck and how did I get unstuck?
I was stuck in thinking that the essay had to be a shock to the reader but then I realized that it doesn't have to be that way for the reader to enjoy the piece.

what were my major revisions?
The segments were my major revision but there will be more changes to come in order for it to be 100% ready for me to send it out the publishers.

how did my life (not on the page) affect my writing process?
It is hard to find the right words to express how you feel because when it is actually happening the emotions are so raw and real. When you are writing from memory it is different. It is not as clear and intense, the feelings have settled a bit and you have had time to process the information, to think about it, and think about it some more and then re think about it.

where and when did I write my best? what time?
I right the best when I am in the moment. When the emotions are so painful and so strong that the only remedy is to write about what I am feeling. I actually have several journal entries about my essay topic that I was thinking about using but I didn't know if they would fit it.

how did I use thinking, talking and writing to develop my paper?
I asked my sister to read my paper and she gave me some good advise and also prof.

how did I know when I was finished and how did I decide where to start?
I started with the end (of a life) and ended with the beginning (of a new understanding).