When it comes to writing, I would like to think of myself as a lifetime student in the art form. Usually when I sit down to write something I first have to go through a series of rituals to get myself in the correct mind state for conveying my thoughts on paper. After I’ve completed those rituals, I generally (in the event of writing creatively) like to sit down and give deep thought to what underlying message I want to give while simultaneously attempting to captivate the audience with the story or scenario for which I am about to create. To put it plainly, I like writing and I take it seriously. This is true also when it comes to our class assignments, I don’t want to put out any kind of bad material and have it be associated with my name. Of course, being that this class requires that we write a lot; I sometimes have been guilty of delivering less than what I am capable of in terms of what I call quality work, so I guess this means that I’m human after all. In terms of my writing style, I’d like to think that my tone comes across as intelligent with a hint of sarcasm. When I write something outside of the academic world (whether it be a a blog about a particular political issue, or just a spiel about whatever happens to tickle my fancy at that given moment), I tend to focus my efforts on reaching an audience who caters to my style of delivery. It’s safe to say that I try to reach the same type of demographic that a Howard Stern or a radio sports talk host would appeal to; chauvinistic men and the women who love them. These are the people who are the crust of our society, the masses if you will; I feel that I can speak clearly to the heart of the issues that people like us face, and I attempt to do it in a style that speaks to them while also intelligently forcing our opposition to at least respect our opinion about a particular matter. I believe that my writings have the ability to evoke thought and persuade, but on the other hand; I also know that they have the ability to offend as well. I have not yet found the happy medium or formula to conveying my messages universally, and that’s only because I’m in my infant stage of being a good writer; but what I can say for my style- is that it does spark a reaction whether good or bad, and I’ll take that for now. I don’t consider myself to be a persuasive writer just yet, but for those who weren’t as fortunate as some others growing up; I think that my current style (tone and language) is a proper fit. My major influence in writing is Anton Chekov, in his time he wrote some of the most communally aware short stories; he was also considered to be a controversial writer because of the reality he used in his language; it was a style that hadn’t been seen in writing before. I aspire to be the same, and hopefully have students studying my work as a template for a new genre of writing, but I’m not ready for that kind of consideration by any means.
I have my own ritual or process to begin a paper also! I have to sit down and think about the topic I’m going to write about and the message I’m going to try to get across. It’s always been like that for me I have to get my ideas in order and organized to be able to write a good paper. I like how you say “I can speak clearly to the heart of the issues that people like us face.” I believe that this a great quality to have. If you feel like you get to the issued that everyday average people have, this gives you a good connection with your audience.
ReplyDeleteI think that if you have similar experiences to your audience, that your message well successfully get through to them. Also, if they connect with what you are saying they will have more interest in your paper and want to continue to read and analyze your work. It’s good to be a persuasive writer because it makes your point more interesting and gives people more to think about, this is also a great quality to have. The audience is who you are writing for, and to be a persuasive writer is the clearest way to get to them.
As far as rituals have gone I did once have to sacrifice a whole butterball turkey to the baseball gods in order to break a slump. But as far as writing has gone I still haven't had a need for that... yet. But I guess I did have to think about that for a minute... Have you heard of the Jason Eliis Show? It is on Sirius satelite radio or it was at some point. It was I think some sort of alternative to Howard Stern? I heard it in a buddy's car on the way to L.A. one time and that was some funny sarcastic talk radio.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to write about whatever is tickling your fancy at that particular moment in time good sir or madam I applaud you. In my opinion that is what this world is lacking, the acceptance of whatever an individual says whether or not you agree with it. It was still said and still stands, if you don't like it I am sorry you feel that way. But it does not change the fact that, that just happened. And if you are going to write to please the masses then you are going to be in for a hell of a time... People have no idea what they want in life, in love, or for their own well being. The mob is fickle and pleasing them would be on par with successfully walking on water.