A Writing Primer:
Changing your outlook

During the course of this semester, you will be shown how to write powerful, expressive essays. Usually, at this point, at least one person is thinking, "more writing, yuck" or some variation of that theme.  Therefore, I feel it is important that we look at some reasons why being a good writer is essential.

1.As the internet takes over business and personal communication, one's ability to write is equivalent to one's ability to express themselves. Email and chat are quickly replacing verbal forms of communication. As such, the better you write, the better you "look" to the person receiving your message. And, conversely, if you cannot effectively put your thoughts and ideas into writing, you become less attractive in the job market and the chat room. 

2.In the worlds of business, academe, and entertainment everything begins with a written proposal. In fact, only the most menial of careers do not require you to be able to write clearly, effectively, and efficiently.

3.Two words: "love letters." 

These are just some of the more pressing reasons for becoming better writers. Yet, these reasons do not defuse the past 12 or so years where you were trained to dislike writing. Many teachers use writing as punishment. In such a case, getting done quickly is more important than getting it done correctly. This creates two self-defeating behaviors concerning writing: 

1. When you are asked to write, you feel like you are being punished; and, 

2. You write as quickly as you can just so you can be done and leave. Needless to say, this practice does not lead to you becoming a good writer.

So, then, step one is reassessing the way you see writing. While it may be too late for me to convince you that writing is fun, it's up to you to being to see writing as something other than punishment and something
you don't just hurry through. Toward that end, you may want to engage in some activities which can help you see writing as a more enjoyable task.

1.Keep a journal. Keep a record of what you do and feel each day. Use your journal to get problems off your chest or to isolate your goals, dreams, and desires. The key is to keep this for yourself, to write for yourself, and to not worry as much about grammar, spelling, or content. . .just write. I know a couple of individuals who kept a journal all through college intending to give it to their children as they became old enough to go to college. Finally writing for yourself can allow you to see writing as more enjoyable. 

2.View each chance to write, in any class, as a chance to share your opinions with the teacher. Use essays as a way to engage in intellectual debate with your teachers. This can make assignments more enjoyable for both you and your teachers. 

3.Read! You would never ask a student from Great Britain (where they play Cricket) to play baseball without first letting them see a game or two. By reading, especially those writers considered the greats, you are exposed to all the tricks and tactics they used to reach that status. But even reading "trash novels" or newspapers will do a number of positive things, including: increasing your vocabulary, increasing your cultural knowledge, and increase your awareness of the world around you. 

4.Write letters, or long emails, to friends and family. It's cheaper than calling and is more appreciated. Letters give to many folks in multiple ways, the recipient is happy, you usually get a letter in return, and, bonus, you get practice writing.

The key is to set aside you old ill feelings toward writing, and merely write. Over the next few weeks, we will focus on such keys as analyzing the question, developing ideas, and organizing ideas but, for now, write.