Stop and Smell the Writers

If one was to ask me how I felt about the upcoming assignment regarding our analytical essay, I would have to actually say that I am kind of excited. For the first part, I think I am going to enjoy the freedom of choosing our own topic and not from a given list regarding solely topics concerning the civil rights movement. I am looking forward to picking a piece on a topic that I may be particularly impassioned about. It sounds like fun to tear into some self-entitled lime lighter or some huge monopolized major conglomerate. To address the more scholastic aspect of the assignment, I am also eager to have my analytical skills, well in a sense, analyzed. Despite the importance we put on self-validation and empowering oneself, it is always nice for someone to know where they stack up against the world. Honestly if there was ever a time to start to define yourself and begin to see where you would want to head in life, it is now. I suppose that would be the cause though regardless of where a person is in their life. Now I do not know if that is a little much to expect from an introductory English class, but never the less, I am eager to pick my topic and get started cramming my own opinions down other people throats for a change.

Reflection in the Mirror

How is my writing process similar and different than that of my peers? First, I think I should address the obvious, and that is the fact that every person’s writing is basically the closest glimpse we can truly get into a person’s psyche and how they think. If you take something that is a reflection of a person’s mind, then it is pretty obvious that my way of writing and any other person’s writing style are going to be worlds apart simply because how differently we think. The one thing that brings all of our style to some sort of nexus is the writing structure previous people have put forth that gives all writers and creative minds a common ground to stand on.  This is why most stress the importance of the writing structure and grammar as a whole. The common rules and regulations that all writers are required to operate within the parameters of, sort of gives us the curve for which all writers are to be graded on. This is probably the biggest way I differ from my colleagues more than the thoughts we share and the opinions we quarrel over, but the reluctance to follow the basic rules. It is one thing I would like to improve about myself with this class. It cannot be said though, that might be the one thing I share most with my peers.

Heading in the Right Dissection

The piece I chose to critic is a piece that i hold very close to my heart. This is not the first book I every read, but it may impact be the first book that had enough of an impact on me for me to really impact be. the book is called, "homeland", and it is part of the Dark Elf Trilogy. The book uses the pathos of the audience in the fact that the main character is an outcast amongst his entire race, playing on that innate fear that every person is born with that we don't belong and have no place in the world. The ethos of the book comes from the character himself and his heroic and noble deeds reflecting the authors own inner thoughts, but also from the writers choice of words that lets a child's simple mind comprehend while leaving it open for adult readers as well. Unfortunately, the logos in a fantasy novel always has to take a certain amount of abuse, but the writer had periodicals at the beginning of each chapter that gave the main character a chance to simply reflect on his thoughts. I thought this was a good way to appeal to the audiences logical side while allowing the book to take its more fantastic and more magical turns.

Logos, and Pathos, and Ethos…Oh My!

            The main body of an essay consists of three main terms, and they are: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos. These terms come from the Greek and can respectfully be defined as “word”, “character”, and “suffering” or “experience” depending on the context of the translation. The Logos refers to the logic of the piece; it is the facts and evidence you have drawn during your research like using known scientific theory and law in a story that people would already know intimately. The Ethos refers to the trustworthiness and credibility of a paper and will determine the respectability of the paper and its author. This would probably be a good time to be a name dropper; use a previously respected name to get your foot in the door or come up with one’s own radical ideas that a person may respect. Finally the last element to a good paper is the Pathos, the emotional response from the audience of your writing usually in response to the writer’s own emotional input into his creation. Easiest way to do that is kill someone off, or you could just write in a vernacular that the audience can relate with.

                Understanding all of these concepts will help a write infinitely; that is if he ever wants to make money at it. First of all, the most important concept is the Logos, or logical appeal of a paper, because no one is going to read your blog or short story if they simply think you’re an idiot. But a writer also needs to be respected and more importantly, loved.

Everyone Respects the Chameleon that can Write

                Adapting your writing style to suit the taste and needs of your audience is maybe the most important skill a writer can develop. The ability to change the style you are writing in, like words you would use or vernaculars you would use without changing the overall message of your piece. I am not saying that there are not many important elements to writing, but as in sales, the most important thing is advertising. No matter how great the product is, no one is going to buy it if no one knows about it.

                The thesis statement of a paper or essay has a huge impact on how well an audience will receive the point you are trying to make. First of all, you cannot know which direction to travel in without a map. This is what your thesis statement acts as. It gives your writing direction and helps put ou and your audience on the same page as it were.

                Know it is important that once you and your audience knows the general direction, you need to more clearly define you path. Using your main point in the opening paragraph narrows the subject even further. Once your point is established, you must give evidence that your point is at least valid and people should continue, maybe try to relate the subject to a simpler version, like in a metaphor. Finally once you have your audience, you can begin to explain your point.

Writing for Dummies

                Every person has a different way of writing, a different style of how they express themselves as individuals and as one would expect, I’m no different. I would like to take a second and tell you how I like to write and the processes I go through. Obviously, the way a person expresses themselves means about everything because what we show the world is all they can see of what is inside us.

                My usual process begins with simply getting away from most distractions; I cannot stand to be left out of anything so whether it is as simple as a conversation or as engaging as a trip to the movies. I know the “correct” answer is that I write down my main ideas, compose a rough draft, correct any spelling or grammatical mistakes and then rewrite your final draft. The problem with this is whenever I try to sit down and think about what I am going to write about, I lock up. Nothing will come out and if I do manage to get something, it feels forced and unnatural.

                Whenever I sit down with a pad and pencil or at a computer, I just have to let the ideas flow as they come. The rough drafts of my papers seem to go through an evolution of sorts. I peel off a layer at a time like a Russian nesting doll. I know this sounds similar to a regular process, but it all in my head.