Well Known Difficulties
Immediately after I read author E. Shelley Reid’s article, “Ten Ways To Think About Writing:Metaphoric Musings for College Writing Students” I analyzed the various difficulties I must over come in order to write a substantial piece of work. I came to the conclusion that just like myself, many other authors face not only similar issues but identical ones as well. Reid addresses these various difficulties in her article, therefore making it very relatable.
One of the very first concepts addressed in this article is the many rules and limitations that one must conform to in order to write a grammatically correct and appealing piece (Reid pg.3). I have always felt the pressure of following the rules of writing just as Reid addresses. For example, as I produce this response I am continuously rereading and rewording my thoughts and sentences. I admit, although I will reorganize and rewrite these thoughts continuously, when completed I will do it once more. Now, although this brings forth additional work upon myself, this is a beneficial quality to have. One can never be to sure about something. Based on prior knowledge, I know that at times, the thought you possess makes complete sense in your mind as well as the moment you write it down. As soon as you are to read it aloud to yourself, it makes absolutely no sense. Reid states that when you write to the rules, it seems more like a chore than a connective process (Reid pg.4) I agree completely keeping up with these rules makes the experience less appealing, although one may make these rules a habit and apply it at all times.
Details have always been a large issue for me. While writing I ask myself whether or not I am over explaining. Is it concise enough? Is it vague? How can I make this better? This is what Reid means by the little green ball metaphor (Reid pg.6). I am capable of getting a basic point across, now, whether or not someone interprets it the way I displayed it is completely based on the way I detail it. I could easily write “my red dog jumped over the fence”. Now someone else could assume it was a certain type of dog based off of its ability to jump over a fence. Now if I wrote “My maroon chihuahua jumped over the 1 foot fence” I have completely changed the whole dynamic of the sentence. Then other things come up, such as, what was the purpose of telling you that the dog was maroon, is that too much detail? There is a balance we have to display with detail.
Keeping a reader interested throughout the story is a difficult task to do. I commend any author that is capable of doing so. As a reader, generally I wouldnt pick up a book that does not interest me within the first few pages. Nor will I continue to read one if it begins substantially and degrades in excitement from then on. Reid writes of this metaphor “Pink houses and Choruses”, describing that although we are told not to repeat ourselves, a small introduction or “heads-up” would be beneficial to the reader(Reid pg11). Many authors and public speakers face this issue repeatedly. This happens to be the most difficult issue for myself. I consider myself to be a storyteller, in my life I feel there is always a story for every situation. Not only does it keep the conversation flowing, there’s a chance i’ll get others to open up. Now, telling your story is difficult, what details are important and which events do have to get across? I dont want to bore my audience, but I do want them to understand while also making it short and concise. The issue I face for example, consists of me telling one of my dreams to my friends and then steering off somewhere. I begin telling them about the moment there is conflict in my dream and then continue to a background story or continue to justify why something is. I dont have to justify nor have they asked me to do so. It slows down the excitement I have built for the entire dream. I developed the habit now to tell them before hand, who is in my dream and what it consists of, therefore there arent any weird surprises or justifications that need to be later addressed.
There is always a difficulty limiting your piece. How much is too much, but is too little too vague? Some like to limit one topic into one paragraph as I am doing so now. I come to the realization that some of my paragraphs may be quite long so I should probably split them into two paragraphs. Wont that make two extremely short paragraphs though? Reid explains this as “doing your laundry with paragraphs”(Reid pg15). Trying out new things, making your paragraphs concise but also stretching them a bit is not a bad choice to make. I have this strategy I use when writing. I write down every thought that comes to mind anything I think is relevant or important. Once I am finished, I read it out loud and then begin to add or delete any information I think is relevant or irrelevant. Reading out loud broadens your understanding of your piece. For example, once I am finished writing this post, I will go paragraph by paragraph making them more concise and to the point. I may even add to them if I feel the need to.
The final concept I feel is important when writing, is using outside information. No matter where you get it and who you get it from, you must always give credit to your source(Reid pg16). Not only are you benefiting from other writers, youre helping this author expand their ideas. It’s a win win situation indeed. Although the idea or thought is not solely yours, it will broaden the field for further ideas. Someday someone might use your piece as a source. As long as credit is given where credit is due.
Reid, E. Shelley. “Ten Ways To Think About Writing: Metaphoric Musings for College Writing Students.” Ed. Charles Lowe and Pavel Zemliansky. Vol. 2. West Lafayette, IN: Parlor P, 2011. 3-23. Writing Spaces. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.
