Hello! This is my second blog assignment. For this assignment, I looked at three different readings with three different authors and picked three quotes from each. I then incorporated them into my creative scene about the writing process. I struggled to get started on this assignment as I don't write dialogue well and creative writing is not for me but, I am proud of the way it turned out. If you would like to read any of the passages I have linked them below:
Teach Writing as a Process Not a Product (Don Murray) Against Vanity: In Praise of Revision (Mary Karr) Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life | pp. 28 -34 | Short Assignments & Shitty First Drafts (Anne Lamott) I’ve always had a horrible habit of getting things done at the last second, especially things I’m not looking forward to doing. This is why I found myself walking into the library at almost midnight. Did you know libraries were open this late? I didn't. I was expecting it to be empty considering the time but, almost all the tables were full. I guess everyone had the same mindset as I did. I decided to sit at the last seat available; there were already three others sitting there but, I decided I was in the mood to make friends. As I approached the table I began to realize it was my lucky day, Don Murray, Mary Karr, and Anne Lamott were sitting at the table. I quickly stole the seat not wanting to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity and introduced myself. They were delighted to have a college student working on the writing process join them. They said I had much to learn. I started off our conversation by explaining to them how I feel about writing. I told them I always struggle with starting my work and can not seem to start anything without someone’s help. Anne cut me off by saying, “Very few writers really know what they are doing until they’re done it.” I nodded my head even though I was still lost. Mary and Don agreed, discussing how it’s best to get all your ideas onto the page even if you don’t end up using them later. “The idea is to get some scenes down. Let your mind roam down some alleys that may lay in dead ends- that's the nature of the process.” Mary explained. I was starting to develop more of an understanding for writing. “I feel like everything I write needs to be perfect,” I said. “It causes a lot of my struggles.” Anne then stated “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts.” Don nodded his head, “Don’t look back, yes the draft needs fixing but, first it needs writing.” Mary seemed to have the same opinion as well saying, “Other than a few instances of good luck, good work only comes from revision.” They were right I have always thought my first piece had to be the one and only. “I just feel like I am not cut out to be a writer.” I mumbled, “Writing just isn't for me.” Don vigorously shook his head no, “Writing is primarily not a matter of talent, of dedication, of vision, of vocabulary, of style, but simply a matter of sitting. The writer is a person who writes.” I shrugged my shoulders and nodded, “Maybe you’re right, I just had the wrong mindset this entire time.” Anne looked up from her book, “All I know is that the process is pretty much the same for everyone I know.” After that she bid her goodbyes and left. After realizing the time and noticing that I had been talking more than working I decided I needed to get home. Before I left each of them left me with parting advice. Don told me, “Be patient, listen quietly, the writing will come. The voice of the writing will tell you what to do. I smiled, “Thank you for everything.” Mary reminds me one last time, “In the beginning when there are zero pages, you have to cheer yourself into cranking stuff out even if it later lands on the cutting room floor.” On that note, with the finale piece of advice still lingering in my head I said my goodbyes and walked off into a greater path of writing.
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Aislyn BenasuttiArchives
November 2019
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