From my observations in Dr. Lay's class, there are two kinds of writers. There are the ones who are comfortable writing, and those who are not confident in their writing abilities. My advice to these different types of writers is, understandably, different.
For those who are uncomfortable writing, don't get stuck in the thought that you can't write. You can. You just need to give it a chance. Maybe you feel like you can't because your writing was put down in the past. I know that was definitely me. I came into this class with a bad attitude. I was ready for it to be my worst class, the one I dreaded every day. Imagine my surprise when I realized that I enjoyed the class, and even more, I enjoyed writing for it! Give it a chance; it is just trying to find your voice, but in text.
And then there are the ones who are confident writers, used to the usual essay writing. Don't get stuck on the fact that you are writing in a different form. That is just what it is, different. A new way of doing things. Keep an open mind. Experiment with ways to improve your usual writing with new media. It improve your essay if you link to a video source. Try new things, and enjoy a change of pace, a challenge.
To all the writers, sit down, and let the words flow. If they aren't coming, take a break. When you come back, read an article or two that relates to your topic. Let it give you ideas. Then, try free writing again. Revise, revise, revise.
Thank you for your thoughtful post! I thoroughly enjoyed it-- I think it is great advice. Have you thought about the idea that there could be more than two kind of writers? Do you think there is an in-between writer, one who is sometimes confident and one who is sometimes not comfortable writing? I am asking this because you are so confident that there are two types of writers, but at the end you address "all writers."
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