Essay topic 1: Option 1x: In a spin-off from objective 6, describe intensively your learning experience with poetry or fiction.

Sample Answer

Susan Butaud

22 April 2008

Ramblings of an Obsessive Writer

Essay Topic 1x

            Three Genres by Stephen Minot says, “One of the best ways to learn how to write effective stories is to examine published works” (175). I have been reading since I was three-years-old and writing stories since I was four. The first book I read was Mr. Pine’s Purple House. The first story I wrote was Mr. Pine Buys a Pony. Mr. Pine was a very inspirational character. Leonard Kessler, the author of the book thought so too because he wrote a three book series about Mr. Pine as I later discovered. I have often found that the more I read, the better my ideas for my own stories come into focus.

            Before taking this course, my previous writing experience was vast. As stated in the above paragraph, I have been writing stories since I was four. I have Big Chief notebooks full of stories. I would rewrite a book or television show that did not end the way I thought it should have ended. I would develop the flat characters more fully by giving them backgrounds and families. I would even continue the storylines long after the show or book series would conclude. I was writing “fanfic” and did not even know what it was.

            When I began my academic writing, all of my creative writing ceased. For school, papers had to be on the materials that were being taught. Original material was not met happily, especially in an English class when you try to change parts of Silas Marner that you do not like to go the way you think they should. Reading and writing became a chore. It was something that I had to do to get a grade. I began writing what was needed to pass my classes and nothing else. The first time I was allowed to write something creative for school was met with horrifying results. My teacher told me in no uncertain terms that everything about my story was wrong. The characters were unbelievable and no one would understand the meaning. My heart was crushed. I did continue to write, but only for my own personal enjoyment. Writing always relaxed me, but I would not show a single person my work for a long time.

            When I saw that this course was being offered this semester, I decided that it was time to give my writing a public venue once more. I was extremely nervous and a bit intimidated on the first day of class, but I was determined not to let my fear of rejection get the best of me. When I presented my poem in the class workshop, I wanted to throw up. Poetry was not and is not my favorite genre to write, fiction is, but my partner, Val, wanted to present her fiction piece so I decided to step out of my protective little box and do it. It was the first time I presented anything that was non-academic, something from my soul, to anyone since 1987. I was amazed at all of the constructive criticism and suggestions that the class gave me. It made me see that the first draft was good, but could be improved. This class challenged me to see my work though someone else’s eyes. I learned to take criticism without feeling criticized and above all, although others gave input, it is still my work.

            The amount I learned in this class as an author of fiction is unending. As I stated before, I now realize that my first draft is not going to be my last. It is a work in progress. For my work to grow, I need to let someone read it who can be honest, not cruel, and give me feedback on what works and what does not, and how I can improve it. I also know that my learning process as a writer is far from over. ­Three Genres states, “Your goal is to write the best piece you can” (48). Anissa K. Cantin wrote in her final “Discovering the Writer Within”, “This entire process was actually more beneficial than I had thought it might be for me.  I think I have found a bit more confidence on a personal level and will write on and off as time allows.” I often find my writing time limited, but like Anissa, I too have the confidence to continue writing.