Jessica
Nelson
Professor
Holly Guile
English
2010-035
18
October 2013
My Writing Process and Zombie Apocalypse
The writing process I use, and have
found to be the most efficient is based on many different things. The first
step in my process is to determine what it is that I’ll be writing about. For
this essay, and for reasons which are not my own, I will use the example of the
apocalypse, and more specifically, the zombie apocalypse. Usually, when trying
to identify a topic (and this is due to both what I have personally discovered works
for me and due to what I have learned throughout this class) I think of three
things. First, I take a look at the world around me and while doing so I try to
be as unbiased as I can, or at least recognize the biases that I do have. I
make a note of what problems I see in the world and specific behaviors that
puzzle or challenge my beliefs and/or values. Next, I will ask questions. I ask
why things are the way they are, how can things be different, and what would
happen if they were different. These differences will lead into my third step
for determining a topic as I examine alternatives and explore just what needs
to happen in order for things to be changed for the better.
Next, after I have discovered a
topic that I would like writing about, I will move onto phase two of my
process. This phase includes narrowing down my topic and taking a stance and
firm opinion on what it is I’ll be talking about. Often, this stance/opinion is
predetermined by either my conscious or unconscious beliefs and prejudices
(which ties back in to step one of phase one). I examine why it is exactly I
have these opinions and prejudices and determine if I would like to stay with
my original opinion or broaden my horizons and alter my previous opinion. For
instance, as I was looking at the three different topics I was given as
examples to be used in this essay I thought to myself, “what do I already know
about these three topics, and what would be the best way to represent my ideas
and opinions.” These options were about the apocalypse and whether or not it
would be due to zombies, robots, or aliens. I thought of what I already knew about
each topic, I asked myself how I knew what I knew (where I have gotten my
information from), and to be honest, I asked, “what would be the coolest topic
& most fun to write about.” Therefore, I chose the zombie apocalypse.
After I have discovered a topic to
write about and determined the stance I will be taking on that subject It’s
time to start gathering data and discover all I can about the subject, my
stance, and also opposing standpoints that may arise contrary to my theses. As
I begin to gather the data I need I will often do a Google search to become
acquainted with my topic and to open my mind to the popular views of others.
Although Google does not always provide the most accurate data, it is a great
starting point for gathering the data you need and getting a general idea of
opposing views. So, in order to start off my research of the zombie apocalypse
I would simply put “Zombie Apocalypse” into Google and see what information
would come up. Then I would begin reading what I find. You may find a scholarly
article, or an entertaining website, but it is important to acclimate yourself
to the different sources you will find and be wary not to take these sources at
face value. For instance, if you search the zombie apocalypse on Google, one of
the first sources you will find will be the TV series “The Walking Dead.” This
will come up because of its extreme popularity in today’s society, and this is
exactly what you will find on Google results-popular websites. Now, this is not
to say that the TV series “The Walking Dead” isn’t a source you could use, but
don’t use it as fact or scientific evidence. Use it as a popular TV series that
may represent the views and opinions of others, because that’s what it is.
After you have become well
acquainted with your subject and have discovered the popular opinions of others
it is time to find actual evidence on your topic. The ‘cold hard facts.’ These
facts will act metaphorically as the bare bones of your paper. They are
necessary in order to convey a knowledgeable and accredited standpoint and
argument. In order to find these facts, there are many different ways to gather
information. My favorite is the online UVU database, because you can generally
rely on the validity of the information you find and often the knowledge you
potentially gather is almost instantaneous. Although the UVU database can be
relied on somewhat to provide valid information, it is important to know how to
determine the validity of the sources you find. In order to do this you will
look at three things: who the author is (what is their background and are they
accredited), who is funding them, and what their main objective is. Once you
find these three things, you will be able to determine the validity of the
claims they are making.
Once you have found the information
you need and know all you need to know about your topic you will begin drafting
your argument and paper. What is your standpoint? What are the claims that you
want to make? What will be the purpose of writing your paper and what are the
different points you want to get across to your audience? Once you are able to
answer those questions, writing your first draft will be a breeze. Personally,
I just answer those questions in my mind and have a rough draft of what I would
like my final draft to look like in my head. I start writing and constructing
just what I want my paper to be. As I write, I am constantly asking myself,
what does this have to do with my topic and what information do I need to get
across to my audience. For example, in my zombie apocalypse paper, I would have
a general outline of how I would want my paper to go before I ever start
writing. I would start out with a narrative, because that would grab my
reader’s attention. Then I would go on in later paragraphs explaining what lead
up to the narrative and what caused the zombie apocalypse. Once I have
thoroughly explained what lead up to the apocalypse I would address what we, as
a society, need to do in order to prevent such an apocalypse. As I go through
this stream of creativity, I am in a constant state of revision. Usually,
before I move on to my next paragraph, I have already read and reread my paper
5 or 6 times through. After I have finished my first draft, it is time to
revise.
Revising, for me, is the hardest part.
I have a hard time looking at what I have already created and changing it.
Because my writing process is such a stream of creativity, it is hard to put
myself back into the emotion of when I was writing it in order to improve what
I originally wrote. But alas, it is a big part of the writing process and is
needed to allow my papers to shine.
I do love writing, and enjoy the
time spent sifting through my mind in order to construct my opinions just the
way I want them to come across. This semester has given me deep insight into my
own writing style and just what I need to do to take my writing to the next
level. I have a long way to go, but have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in
this class.
No comments:
Post a Comment