Deep Reflection, Understanding What Type of Writer You Are

I'm am going to start of today's lesson with a quote by Dawn Swartzendruber-Putnam who explains: "Reflection is a form of metacognition—thinking about thinking. It means looking back with new eyes in order to discover—in this case, looking back on writing. As Pianko states, ‘The ability to reflect on what is begin written seems to be the essence of the difference between able and not so able writers from their initial writing experience onward' (qtd. in Yancey 4)" (88).

Have you ever noticed that you have your own writing habits and teachers always ask you to break out of the box with your own writing? Have you ever reflected on your own writing habits? This could be a useful tool to help you and your teachers understand what type of writer that you are. Each individual writer has different habits and techniques that they use towards different audiences and each individual piece that they write. In order to first understand your own writing you must first analyze others writing to use as examples for your own work. Pay close attention to the different metaphors and styles while you read that are used so you can "extend the metaphor" describing your own self and your writing techniques.
A great example of a song that emphasizes deep reflection is Stevie Wonder's "Passionate Raindrops."


The day's been hot and sunny
Evening's about to take control
The sky is painting pictures
Stirring up love bliss in our souls
The breeze carries the fragrance
Of the sweetest symphony as it
blows through your hair
Better can be nowhere

Our voices turn to whispers
Blending with rhythms of the night
The nightingales sing a love song
Glancing down at us in their flight
The moisture brings forth magic
That permeates the midnight air
To kiss the love we share, are

Raindrops, passionate raindrops
The kind of rain that writes they're
So in love on our skin
Raindrops, that we hope wont stop
Cooling the red hot love that we are making

Raindrops, passionate raindrops
That brings out all the fire that we have within
Raindrops cover every spot
Right to the last drop
We want all of you and then
Let each drop a rain be a lifetime
that our love won't end

Somewhere in our doing
Trying to make our bodies one
We fall prey to moon dreams
Till awaken by the morning sun
Still disorientated I feel something
warm on my face
Coupled by your embrace
We gaze in awe and wonder
As if we can't believe it's so
Just that taste of heaven
Has got us longing for much more
We lie there impatient
Anxiously waiting foe the sun to go in
And the clouds to burst again, to give us

Raindrops, passionate raindrops
The kind of rain that writes they're
So in love on our skin Raindrops,
that we hope wont stop
Cooling the red hot love that we are making

Raindrops, passionate raindrops
That brings out all the fire
that we have within
Raindrops cover every spot
Right to the last drop
We want all of you and then
Let each drop a rain be a life
time that our love won't end

Consider your own experiences on a previous essay or story you have written for a class. What were some of the things that frustrated you and what were the things that satisfied you in your writing? Each individual writer has their own different and unique writing habits, some good, some bad, and others to help improve YOUR writing style.

Good Writing Habits

1. Write every day as much as you can. Whether it be a little bit or a lot...put it all down. Thoughts throughout the day, experiences good or bad, or anything that pops in your head. The more you write, the better you will become.

2. Write on note cards instead of on paper. Write down each individual thought (process) on individual note cards that way your are not forced into a sequential rut. You can choose to put them in any order you want and rearrange them easily this way allowing relentless possibilities you may not have noticed before.

3. Separate your "work life" (the process of whatever you are writing) from your personal life. Do not always write your papers at home, school, or work. Go outside to write, it might change how you feel about your writing and allow you endless opportunities that might not have come to you by staying at home (in the box). You are stepping out of your comfort zone while you write, possibly allow your writing to step out of the box.

Bad Writing Habits

1. "Trying to sound like dead people." Most English teachers want us to sound like Thomas More or Jane Austen in our writing in being grammatically correct,having a point supported with evidence, or having a scholarly tone, ect.... They want us to mimic these classic writers because that is what they believe "good writing" is. But the truth is that in today's world, that's not what you see anymore. Don't get me wrong, they were amazing writers back in their time, but copying their writing is handicapping our own writing. If you are wanting to make a connection to our times, study some of the more popular writers of today's time such as Stephen King or Seth Godin. Learn all the different techniques, the old and the new to become more well rounded and find out which style works best for you.

2. Staying detached from your own work is also bad in my opinion. Readers want to hear what you have to say, not what you quoted from thousands off others opinions. They want to hear your voice, your slang, your stances! Take a risk with your writing, but know the audience to whom you are speaking. They will appreciate your writing much more when you speak from your side on their level.