Prompt 1: Discuss
your thoughts on writing in general. How do you feel about writing? How does
what you feel about writing compare to what you feel about Technical Writing?
Has your view of writing changed as a result of the things you have learned in
this class? Why? Why not?
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This is a loaded question to ask a writer. I love writing. It’s what gets me through a hard day. It’s what helps me deal with tragedy. It’s what helps me celebrate joys. It’s what keeps me sane. I need writing.
When comparing Creative Writing to Technical Writing, I feel
there’s no comparison. Technical Writing doesn’t always allow for creativity
with words. If you must write what the
client wants, then you can’t be creative with the words. The content is usually left up to the client. Even the artist aspect of Technical Writing
is left up to the customer. Here’s a personal example.
Once, I created a brochure or something for my church. (One of my first experiences with outside work.) I went full on creative with the
project. When I took it to my pastor, he
said, “It’s nice, but it’s not what I wanted.
What about what I want?” I was hurt
because I spent at least 3 hours working on the project. But… I learned a valuable lesson. Always seek the client’s input first.
Technical Writing can be limiting creatively.
When comparing Academic Writing to Technical Writing, there
is some comparison. Both require you to
follow specific constraints based on the conventions assigned to that genre of
writing. Both require you to follow the
instructions given regarding the assignment/project. Both require you to use language appropriate
to the conventions assigned to the genre of writing. Technical Writing doesn’t limit you to
academic language.
My view of writing hasn’t changed much over the years. But, I have discovered some of my writing pet
peeves. My two biggest apply to classes
I teach.
For 1301 & 1302…
Using contractions in academic writing.
That irks my nerves.
For 2311… Having
unused blank pages. I can’t stand
this. I take off points for it. (Now that I think about it. This effects my 1301 and 1302 classes, too.)
Writing is key to my existence and livelihood, so I tend to
take it personal when others don’t take it seriously. That is hard when you’re an English
professor, but I know my students see and understand my passion.
My purpose as an English professor is to create students who
don’t hate writing as much when they leave my class as they did when they
entered it. I’ve done that in my short
three year career.
