So, in the process of exploring “process,” I made a lot of new realizations. When I first started the project, all I could think about was how and when I’d be rid of it. I was going through all the standard motions, torturing myself finding sources and not really taking in anything I was reading. Suddenly, I realized that I was only looking for material that would support what my own concept of the word was. I wasn’t even trying to find alternative meaning or definitions, because I thought I knew what I was talking about. It was only when I began reading Maxine Hairston’s The Winds of Change, that I realized I was totally, utterly, and completely wrong. My concept of process was the very technical approach to it. I was focused on the step-by-steps, sort of a strict how-to mindset. I actually had an entire section of my newsletter set aside for arrangement, style, and editing… until Maxine pretty much convinced me that stuff is crap. I realized that my notions of the composing process were in-line with 60 year old writing practices. Hairston really emphasized the fact that the process is waaaay more important than the product itself. Your product IS the direct result of your process. If your process sucks, so will everything that comes out of it.
Suddenly, it hit me. No wonder I was having such a hard time arriving at my product, my process was a joke. I was trying to do things in the standard, linear order: pre-writing, writing, and re-writing. Suddenly, I was beginning to see the composing process as the messy, unorganized thing it is. Now, when I really think about it, I realize that I knew that all along. Whenever I write on my own, I never do things in the conventional order. I’ve always been the type to just start writing or making my own little notes. However, when it comes to academic writing, I don’t seem to be able to get into that groove. I think I’m so worried about facts, technique, and correctness, that I forget what I’m doing. This project made me realize that ALL writing and com
position is personal and creative, and I should stop separating my academics. Hairston refers repeatedly to the importance of the author’s “unique voice,” and I realized that tends to be something that is missing from almost all my essays and assignments. When I compare them to my personal writings (my “real” writings, I like to call them), the tone and style are just amazingly different. I don’t like that. I like my writing voice.
All in all, this project has actually led to something so much greater than the final project itself (especially since I’m technology-retarded and still have trouble using Microsoft office…). I’ve realized that I can, and I should, put more of myself into ALL of my writing. I shouldn’t worry about structure and style so much, because I’ve already got so much of it on my own. Why would I want my work to look and sound just like everyone else’s? Sure, following standard rules creates a sense of security, a sense that I’m ‘doing it right.’ But it is extremely boring – and SO not me. I love bending rules and taking chances outside of the classroom, so why shouldn’t I bring that quality in with me? I like the idea that I can throw the old, boring rules out the window. Taking the rigidity out of my composing process sounds absolutely refreshing. I am easily the most disorganized person I know, so I’ve got a feeling it won’t be difficult! I’ll never look back.
Suddenly, it hit me. No wonder I was having such a hard time arriving at my product, my process was a joke. I was trying to do things in the standard, linear order: pre-writing, writing, and re-writing. Suddenly, I was beginning to see the composing process as the messy, unorganized thing it is. Now, when I really think about it, I realize that I knew that all along. Whenever I write on my own, I never do things in the conventional order. I’ve always been the type to just start writing or making my own little notes. However, when it comes to academic writing, I don’t seem to be able to get into that groove. I think I’m so worried about facts, technique, and correctness, that I forget what I’m doing. This project made me realize that ALL writing and com
position is personal and creative, and I should stop separating my academics. Hairston refers repeatedly to the importance of the author’s “unique voice,” and I realized that tends to be something that is missing from almost all my essays and assignments. When I compare them to my personal writings (my “real” writings, I like to call them), the tone and style are just amazingly different. I don’t like that. I like my writing voice.All in all, this project has actually led to something so much greater than the final project itself (especially since I’m technology-retarded and still have trouble using Microsoft office…). I’ve realized that I can, and I should, put more of myself into ALL of my writing. I shouldn’t worry about structure and style so much, because I’ve already got so much of it on my own. Why would I want my work to look and sound just like everyone else’s? Sure, following standard rules creates a sense of security, a sense that I’m ‘doing it right.’ But it is extremely boring – and SO not me. I love bending rules and taking chances outside of the classroom, so why shouldn’t I bring that quality in with me? I like the idea that I can throw the old, boring rules out the window. Taking the rigidity out of my composing process sounds absolutely refreshing. I am easily the most disorganized person I know, so I’ve got a feeling it won’t be difficult! I’ll never look back.
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