LITR 3731: Creative Writing
Student Journal / Portfolio Sample Submission 2003
Jessica Bacon
Introduction
This class was a challenge to me because I am essentially a “science” person. My favorite subjects have always been science and math. English was never my strongest subject. I feel like I have accomplished a new talent, something that can become a hobby. I never knew that I had the creativity needed to write. The workshop setup helped me understand what it takes to become a “good” writer, a lot of revising. The peers in class were nothing but supportive of anyone’s ideas. Constructive criticism was stressed and every comment was friendly.
I also appreciated the detailed descriptions of what we, as a class, were expected to do in each assignment. I have never really had to write as many genres as I have in this particular class, so the amount of direction was great. Also, I found the book to be very helpful. It was my bible for the semester, so to speak. The layout for the book helped me in about every spot I was stuck in, except for the actual creative thought process. Unfortunately, there was no help for writer’s block. I had to come up with ideas on my own. It became easier as the semester wore on. This gives me a little hope for continuing to write without guidelines or a classroom setting.
The assignments were also easy enough for me to complete but difficult enough to lose a little sleep, wrestling for ideas. This class was overall very inspiring and helpful. My writing skills are more finely tuned and I can apply some of what I have learned to thesis and research type writing.
Poetry
Poetry was hard for me to write. I had a very rough time coming up with an idea. I still don’t feel like I will ever be a poet, but at least I know that I can if needed. I don’t think this poem is my best work ever, but once again I was pressed for an idea. I used the Three Genres to help me when I was uncertain of what style I should write, what line usage, and what form I should write in. I think my poem is okay, but not the caliber of some of the other student’s writing. I just hope this poem doesn’t give a wrong impression of me. I am not a partier, but I got plenty of material from a younger sibling that lives on malted hops and bar pretzels. I imagine the mornings are not pleasant for him. He is also responsible for the last line of my poem. He and his buddies came up with a drinking haiku, it’s actually pretty funny, and that was the last line of it. I guess life imitates art, or maybe my art imitated life? Either way, I got my poetry submission completed.
Fiction
I found my creativity was really working when it came time for the fiction piece. I was surprised that people in the class liked it because of the dry, sarcastic humor. I had just finished reading Bridget Jones’ Diary, so I was inspired by her style of writing. Unfortunately, my character seemed to be cold and disinterested instead of uncertain of her life and observing her life in a humorous way. I tried to make her seem positive, but it needed some more working on. I think I might continue writing the piece; I have a lot of ideas for the character.
Maybe a novella could be whipped up, making me millions of dollars and national acclaim. Or I could just accept a grade and a classroom ego boost… I think this piece was easier to write because I didn’t feel like I was pressured to write something meaningful and deep, like poetry is thought to be or so I thought poetry should be. I think there were a lot of constructive ideas given about my fiction writing. The ones that I had considered were the ideas to make my character seem more outgoing and positive about her life. Also, I was taking on new ground by writing about an English major who is struggling with writing her own novel. I am not sure how accurate my depiction was, as I am not at all an English major. I had hoped to put together a nice scene that could be expanded into something larger if the thought strikes me. I think I accomplished that goal.
Drama
I had a lot of fun with this style. I was able to come up with a complete scene almost immediately when I sat down at my computer. I was able to use personal experience in some parts, but not too many that would disregard the emphasis of Three Genres. The writer emphasized using reality but not too much to make the story boring. I feel that I accomplished this well. I hoped to come up with a pleasant, humorous, and fast-paced scene. I had a hard time coming up with a moral-like ending. Other students had a sort of lesson to be learned. Mine meant mostly to pay attention more, if that could be considered a lesson. I didn’t change much on it, I thought the scene played out nicely as it was. I was proud of this piece. Once again, I haven’t had much experience writing. The class seemed to enjoy it, and it seemed true to life. It did seem a little juvenile at some parts, but I thought it worked nicely anyway. The over-the-top dialogue worked very well because it was balanced with some more serious characters. This was my favorite of the assignments by far.
Summary
I am glad that I took this class. It broadened my creative horizons and allowed me to interact with some great people. The workshops and email exchanges were very successful. I received a lot of input on my writing and how I can make it better. I thank everyone for helping me to become a better writer! The class was put together very well and went very smoothly. I hope I have another experience like this in other creative writing or literature based classes. Although my first true love is biology, I will have to take some more writing classes. I will be looking forward to sleeping in on the next couple of Mondays though!