I don't know about you, but public writing is probably one of my least favorite activities to engage in. I think it is intimidating and even slightly embarrassing at times.When I first learned I would have to be writing a blog I almost wanted to drop the class. I am slightly self conscious about others having to read and comment on my work. I think public writing is a very difficult thing to do because it needs to appeal to a wide variety of people. Your work must be engaging, entertaining, and overall "timely". It must be something that people, right now, want to read about and discuss.
In high school I never really did any public writing such as a blog. Most of my work was simply critiqued and graded only by my teacher.
Although I have never done any public writing, I have created and displayed artwork for the public. For me, I find it very easy to express myself and my feelings through art, rather than words. I very much enjoy putting my art work out for the public to critique and comment on. Others opinions and comments tend to push me to create bigger and better things. I get a lot of inspiration for my artwork from the people around me.
With writing, I feel almost exactly opposite. I feel as though when others comment on my work, whether positively or negatively, I am just left feeling either content with what I have produced, or completely discouraged and lost. I don't feel inspired or eager to take my writing or ideas any further. I am confused as to why I feel this way, but I am hoping that writing these blogs will change that and help me become more comfortable with public writing.
A well written piece can be as much a work of art as gallery in the MoMA. Different personalities produce many different forms of writing. If art is your thing (And it's mine as well. so I understand your perspective) think of writing as an art-form, and you may find you already have the tools within yourself to produce works than we can all enjoy and admire.
ReplyDelete"A word fitly spoken is as apples of gold in pictures of silver" -Proverbs 25:11
I am completely opposite. I can better explain myself with words rather than art. I have no artistic ability whatsoever. I wish you the best with public writing and don't feel intimidated by what others have to say about your writing. I know, easier said then done.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way except for me it's music instead of art. I've never had any problems playing in front of people, but for some reason I've always thought writing for an audience was terrifying. Hopefully this class will help with that.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, wonderful post. It's very honest, as well as conversational and engaging. You've got a great sense of the proper blog voice.
ReplyDeleteJust remember, everyone in this class has to do this. There are plenty of people who feel weird about writing publicly, (a lot more than there are people who seek to discourage you), so don't worry about it. Keep up the good blogging. :)
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