The first extended essay we will be writing is called a literacy narrative, which is a kind of autobiography of how you feel about writing, its processes, its challenges, and its trials. (Don't worry --- much more information about this will follow!)
To begin, read Joan Didion's "Why I Write" at:
http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/ktully/docs/Senior%20Journal/Why%20I%20write,%20Joan%20Didion.doc
Next, use the [Comment] feature to attach to incredibly engaging paragraphs about why you write to this blog. Didion claims that she write to impose herself on other people. What does this mean? Why do you write?
Remember your audience (two of my WSC 001 classes!) is reading. These comments are a homework grade worth 25 points.
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Didion writes to affect others. She has had many experiences, therefore she tries to show readers what she knows. She claims she is a writer, neither good nor bad. She just writes how she feels. Her writing is based on what she "absorbs." She translates the pictures in her mind into words.
ReplyDeleteI write to better express myself, not to influence others. Writing can sometimes be a more effective method to translate emotions or opinions. Similarly, I transfer pictures from my head onto paper.
When Didion says she writes to impose herself on other people, she does not mean that she is writing to answer other peoples questions or to satisfy others. By imposing she means that she is writing to answer her own personal thoughts and ideas with the intent of sharing them with others. At the end of the article it says "had I known the answer to any of these questions I would have never needed to write a novel", meaning that her purpose of writing is for her own personal benefit and through writing and not simply thinking about answers to these questions, she is able to share her thoughts with others.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I write? I write when I need to share my views on a subject. I do not write for others because by expressing your own ideas you are not aiming to please everybody, but merely to try and express how you feel about something. Since I am the writer I feel that I have a right to say what I want to say on a topic and not necessarily hold back any ideas. This is because everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
In Joan Didion’s personal essay, “Why I Write” she explains her purpose as a writer. She states that she is “not in the least an intellectual” and makes it clear that she does not write because she wants an audience to preach to. For Didion, writing is much more personal than that. She does not write to impose herself on others, but instead uses writing as a means of organizing her thoughts and understanding her subconscious mind.
ReplyDeleteFor me, writing is a form of self-expression. I use writing as a means of explaining myself and allowing others to see how I truly feel, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
I usually write myself notes and stick them in blatant places around my room so that I won’t forget to pick up my laundry at 5 o’clock or return those blockbuster DVD’s by Tuesday. Other times I find myself writing about an argument I had with my mother and the hundreds of other idiocies that we are all so bombarded with.
But sometimes, writing becomes more useful than speaking. When you write something down, it exists and cannot be forgotten. Isn’t that what we all want anyway? To not be forgotten.
Joan Didions, Why I Write, was written to explain to her readers that it is not her want to write, but her need to write, because she has no other way of obtaining the story if there was no reader. The stories that Didion writes are not only to entertain and inform a reader, but also to inform herself. The knowledge her mind contains will only be shared with her and with others as conscious words on paper. She writes to show others the story that is being created for lack of a better outlet.
ReplyDeleteAs I write, my emotions become unveiled to me as well. I do write to find out not what I am thinking, but how those thoughts make me feel. When the writing is only for my own eyes, I can be completely open with how basic events have an affect on my heart and soul. Reading the words of my daily observations evokes a deeper feeling with in myself. Flowing reflections from my pen bring out emotional reflections from my heart onto paper to be viewed. Honesty in life is a thin line to walk, and as a writer honesty may be unleashed better on paper than in words. I write to be honest with myself, and learn how my emotions react to every day life.
Didion mainly writes to understand her experiences and thoughts more clearly and vividly. She takes the pictures that "shimmer" in her mind and writes them down. She also writes not only to inform herself, but to have other people view her thoughts the way she sees them.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I write is quite similar to Didion's. I write to better visualize my own experiences. I take those experiences and write them down with great detail so that when I look back at my writing, I am taken back to that experience. I write to better understand myself and my ideas. I do not write to please others or to let others know how I feel about certain things. I only write to let myself know how I feel about those things.
didion mainly writes to help himself to understand what he saw and tho help him better understand himself. most of his writing is about physical aspects of things. like on his trip to San Francisco he writes mainly about the physical description of the diner car he ate in and the taste of the butter on the bread.
ReplyDeletehe also writes about how he sees things differently than other people. he discusses how he seems the shimmer of objects. that he sees the background of pictures as the focus and the focus object as the background. he also talks about how writing is not done to appease the readers but to express a point of view that the writer thinks people should believe
When Didion says that she writes to impose herself upon others, it means that she wants people to know what she is thinking. Not all writers write just because they can or they like to, some write to express their feelings or opinions to others. When people write, they show different views on issues in the world and brings people to possibly think twice about their own views on those issues.
ReplyDeleteI write mostly because I am assigned to. I find writing to be something they I am not strong in. The problem that I have learned over time that prevents me from doing better is because I can not put my words on paper without there being mistakes. It is not that I hate writing, it is just that it stresses me out sometimes.
In "What I Write," Didion says that she writes to impose herself on others. Didion’s inspirations for her writings come from tangible and personal events that she has experienced in her life. These events form images in her mind that are completely unique. Writing is her way of making sense of the concrete images in her head, and thus, Didion feels like she is forcing herself onto readers through her writings.
ReplyDeleteThe reason that I write is normally just because I am assigned to in school. I let some of myself come through in my writings, but I feel like that I can only express concrete images and feelings; there are times when I can’t explain how I am feeling through words alone. My main outlet of expression is not writing, but music.
Didon writes to make an impression on other people. There are images that Didon sees that sometimes appear to stand out. She compares writing to photography saying that “the arrangement of words matters and the arrangement you want can be found in the picture in your mind.” Didon expresses what she sees in her head as a picture and writes down her thoughts into well structured sentences. The more that Didon expresses what she is thinking through writing, the more she seems to understand her purpose to write.
ReplyDeleteI write to articulate the thoughts in my head. When something is written, such as a memorable event or something important, it can never be forgotten once it is down on paper. I also write because it helps me to organize my thoughts when I can visually see it written down.
Joan Didion in "Why I Write" states in the beginning of her essay that writing is the task of imposing oneself on others. Joan writes all of the pictures in her mind on paper. Her mind is absorbed with images that "shimmer" and she wants to be able to express these images in her writing. Using imagery, Didion is able to invoke her reader's senses. She was born to write and writing is her way of engaging others with her thoughts and expressions of herself. I myself write to free my mind of my thoughts. Writing is a therapeutic exercise in which to organize my ideas. However, I also write to instill emotions in others whether it be laughter, sadness or happiness. Writing is one of my ways to communicate with others.
ReplyDeleteDidion writes not only because she likes to control the reader's mind, thoughts, and feelings for the amount of time they read her stories and writings, but because she uses writing as a way to understand the multiple ideas that float around her head. While writing them, she creates an understanding of her thoughts as a whole as she shapes the ideas into stories. Writing to her is a thrill and form of self-accomplishment as she finds a particular event, idea, or scene in her mind and tests herself to find a way to shape it into a story. To see the progress that one little scene in her mind can make through creating a story allows her to feel self-accomplished. This is proven by the questions that she wanted to answer, such as “Why have the night lights in the bevatron burned in my mind for twenty years?” and “What is going on in these pictures in my mind?” As she began writing, she found that she was able to answer them, which caused her to write even more when she began forming even more questions. By the time she felt that she had all her questions answered, she had created a story; a story that she could be proud of.
ReplyDeleteThrough my personal experiences in writing, I found that I write to understand my thoughts in a very similar way to Joan Didion. I begin writing about the emotion that has been lingering in my mind, and to my amazement, after a few minutes, I find that I have filled up the page. After I have finished writing, I found that I become more aware of my feelings and am able to come to peaceful terms again. I do not write in this matter very often, but when I do, I seem to mentally benefit from it, as I understand myself more each time. Most of the time, I write to fulfill school assignments. And through these assignments, I find that I have been able to help myself progress as a person by using the information that I just learned and writing in my own words.
The reason Joan Didion writes is to find out what she is thinking. Before the words are on the paper, Didion doesn't actually understand her own thoughts. She writes to not only impose on others, and persuade people to agree with her ideas, but also to find out what her ideas really are. Even though Didion says that writing a tactic of a “secret bully, an invasion, an imposition,” writing can also just be for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI write for similar reasons as Joan Didion does, but I don't publicize my words. I write out my anger, my grief, and my everyday thoughts. I write to preserve my memories and to be able to look back on my views.
I completely disagree with what Joan Didion is saying. Writing is not an invasion of the reader's private space. It is there to give the reader the author's point of view. The reader can stop whenever he or she wants, therefore the writer is not forcing his or her ideas to be read. Also, writing can be used as a way to convey someone's point of view that the reader wants to hear. It can be non-fiction, and can include information that the reader wants to hear or know more about. In these ways, it is in no way an aggressive act.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I write so that I don't forget. I always fear that my thoughts will be forgotten, so I put them down on paper for me to see later, and for others to read. I don't even care if they agree with me, but at least they know my opinion on the subject that I am writing about. I believe that Didion's claim that she writes to impose herself on other people shows her to be similar to me, as she wants other people to understand how she is feeling when they read her writing. She wants them to see her side, and ignore how they might think about the topic themselves. (In this way, her thinking differs from mine.)
Joan Didion's essay, "Why I Write", guides the reader through the mind of a writer. In her essay, Joan explains her journey into her mind and discovering of her ideas. She allows the reader a free ride on her thought and access to her thought process. Didion explains of images that cycle through her mind and how she studies her mind by simply writing. She expresses herself and her ideas through writing establishing a connection to her reader. She examines her writing to uncover her actual thoughts and being. Didion instructs readers to allow imagery to captivate them and to question images. Like Joan, I also find myself scrambling through ideas and grasping them through writing. I believe writing is a great technique of discovering who you are and your purpose here.
ReplyDeleteI write to this blog in order to make my voice heard. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I sit in my writing class waiting to voice my opinion about the topic for the day. But I never get my chance, I never speak up, I never know what to say. Writing to this blog is the only way I am able to get my true thoughts out, and it's the only place where I feel my voice is actually heard. I write in this blog because I want my thoughts and ideas, even if they are nonsensical, to affect every person who reads them. When Joan Didion says she wants to impose herself on other people she means that she wants her thoughts, and her ideas to affect everone else who reads them. I guess Joan and I have something in common, maybe I'm not so hopeless afterall.
ReplyDeleteDidion says that she likes to impose herself on others when she writes. She wants people to see whats shes trying to say in her own uniqe way. She starts out by coming up with pictures that realy get her mind going and help her come up with ideas to write about. She dosnt start with plots or charactors it comes to her as she thinks about her pictures.
ReplyDeleteI never really write. I only write for school because I feel that it dosnt really help me out of it right now in my life. I dont want a career out of writing so i never put much effort into it. I dont find it hard to express my feeling or anything i just perfer not to.
I understand how writing can be a form of self-expression for some, and an instrument for organizing thoughts for others. I love to write, but I do not enjoy it without a purpose. I need a reason to put my pen to the paper, or else I will have no motivation. I’ve tried to write personally in journals and such, but it’s painful to me. I’m writing about things after they have already happened so I really see no sense in it. I already know how I feel about it, and I especially don’t want to go back a read it later. Writing is a form of communication in my perspective. For this, I feel like I understand Joan Didion’s claim that she writes to impose herself on other people. She explains how she is not an intellectual, not an abstract thinker. She writes about concrete things, and makes an observation into a relevant thought. When she writes out of her imagination, she writes to answer her own synthesized questions. To make something tangible out of an abstract idea. Didion plainly states, “had I known the answer to any of these questions I would never have needed to write a novel”, which is the same reason why I don’t see the need in writing in a journal. I already know what happened, as she has already answered her own questions.
ReplyDeleteIn "Why I Write," Didion explains the purpose behind her writing. She states that she writes to impose herself on people. This does not mean that she writes just for others, but that she writes for herself as well. Writing helps her collect her thoughts and find the meaning behind them. Didion expresses what she is thinking through writing and so through writing she could share her thoughts with others.
ReplyDeleteI write mostly because I’m assigned to in school. Writing has never been one of my strong points. I always find myself thinking that writing down words never fully helps me express myself.
Writing is somewhat of an outlet. As Didion says, "you can disguise its aggressiveness all you want with the veils of subordinate clauses..." and "setting words on paper is a tactic of a secret bully, an invasion, an imposition..." She means that when something is put on paper, it is forever imprinted in society. It is a way of imposing thoughts and opinions onto others in a more quiet manner. Although it isn't an obnoxious way of getting your point across, it's still there. Just like her comparison to a bully; the bully may not always be in your face, but at the end of the day, they are still present.
ReplyDeleteI write mostly for myself, although sometimes, when writing for others, words can come across stronger read than said. There's a comfort in writing that one can be as nice or as rude as anything, but it's still accepted. I write because putting ideas on paper makes sure I won't forget them, or if it's something i wish to forget, writing can be used as an outlet, as I said before. If i am confused about something, writing it out can make it easier to understand also.
Joan Didion uses writing as a way to examine herself and in doing this she also attempts to gets her point across to her readers. In her essay, she writes about her past and how she struggled through getting her degree. One main problem she stated was that she would continuously lose focus on any subject. However, this is a positive thing since she questions what she sees which would allow her to get a better insight into what she was thinking when the matter gets cleared up.
ReplyDeleteI don’t really relate to the author because I only use writing for my basic necessities like writing down homework, anything school related, noting out of the practical. However, I do have the tendency to question many things as well, particularly myself. I critique myself and work towards how I can be better.
Didion claims she writes to impose herself on other people. This means her purpose for writing is to forcibly place her ideas into other people's minds. Writing is Didion's media to get her thoughts and feelings out into the world. Personally I write for two reasons. One, like Didion, I write to impose myself on other people. Any time I write a paper for a class that is me imposing myself on another person. I also write for communication, whether it be texting or email or some other source.
ReplyDeleteUpon my completion of Joan Didion’s “Why I Write”, similarly to what she had explained, my mind was filled with the “shimmer”. And it occurred to me in the several brief moments after, why one would use writing as a way to impose oneself to another. This “shimmer” as she had so accurately explained, was almost like a taxicab transporting my thoughts on a ride through the countryside of my mind. Continuously driving on and on stopping only to refuel with more thoughts and concepts to ponder over. Now, being the type of person whose writing is usually the byproduct of some “teacher-given-assignment”, trying to comprehend my own definition to “Why I Write” was almost easier than I could have ever believed it to be.
ReplyDeleteI write to give a “destination” to the taxicab driving around in my brain, as a method to organize my thoughts in a way that it makes sense and has meaning and purpose for not only myself, but for others looking in. I write as way of finding the sanity amongst all the madness that my mind can be consumed by. As my thoughts and jumbled concepts filled lines and lines on what was once blank paper, the clarity that is in my brain is almost like a euphoric-coma. The sensation of sanity is overwhelming and addicting, and the more I continue to pour out the thoughts in my brain the more I understand why, I understand “Why I Write”.
Joan Didion say she writes so she can impose herself on other people. What she means by this is is likes to give her opinions to people when they read her stories. When she writes she tries to focus on something that she has seen before. This helps her get started. She doesn't like to know how she is going to finish something or all the details before she starts. She wants to be able to build off something that she sees.
ReplyDeleteI write most of the time because it is an assignment. Writing isn't usually something i enjoy doing. I usually will get stuck and not know what to write or i will start day dreaming or get completely off topic. The only reason i will write outside of school would be to remember something. If i need to remember something like a date of something im doing or something someone told me that is about the only time ill write something down
Joan Didion writes to express her innermost feelings, feelings that her conscious self doesn't even know about. She talks about beginning with random sentences, without knowing where her ideas will end up. However, as she writes, her mind unleashes itself upon the page, creating characters and places and a story to tie everything together. Didion writes to discover herself, and to discover where her thought are at the time.
ReplyDeleteI write for different reasons. I write because it is necessary, in order to appear intelligent. If not for english classes or writing classes, I would most likely refrain from writing altogether. My mind just doesn't have the imagination that some others have...I don't have a story exploding at the seams in my brain. However, I do believe that there is creativity somewhere in everyone. Though I would prefer not to write, I will often sit in class and doodle, nothing in particular. I just draw whatever comes to mind at the time, and if my mind travels elsewhere mid-drawing, the doodle will somehow transform itself into something new. Be that as it may, I would not consider myself an artist (just as I would not consider myself a writer simply because I write when it is required of me). As I said before, I would prefer not to write, because it just isn't as enjoyable for me as it is for Joan Didion.
Asking "Why I Write" is nowhere as easy as it sounds. Writing is as much of a necessity as speaking, or for today's generation text messaging. Not only is it a form of communication, but it is a form of inspiration and thought. One can project a limitless amount of information on paper just as easily as he can in speech. Joan Didion claims that she writes so that she may impose herself on others. Every writer draws their words from their own perspective. You can't write what you feel from an objective stance. Joan Didion claims that she writes so she can send a "listen to me" message to the writer. She claims that the art of writing is brought about from aggressive purposes.
ReplyDeleteI, on the other hand, don't write to mold the minds of readers. In fact, in most cases I don't care what others think. I feel that everyone should be entitled to their own opinions. I write merely to organize my own thoughts into physical form. I picture the human mind in the form of a giant whirlpool. Every thought, phrase and image floating around endlessly until it is put into use. When my thoughts are projected into writing, it's almost like pulling those wild thoughts out of the water and truly expressing them. I haven't seen anything yet that is too much for words to describe. Even the most spectacular events can be shared with others once logic and organization have been added to the mix. While it can be used to make an impression on others, I'd rather keep my thoughts to myself. After all, whose going to listen to a kid like me anyways?
Didion describes her life and how she realized that she wanted to be a writer. She states she is neither a "good" nor a "bad" writer but just a writer. She recieves most of her ideas from images and imagining pictures. As she states "The arrangement of words matters, and the arrangement you want can be found in the picture in your mind." She likes writing about these images and that is why this is called "Why I Write".
ReplyDeleteJoan Didion imposes herself on others because she cannot do it in any way that she would deem effective. Through her fiction, she can show others the “pictures” in her mind. She attempted to in this essay, but her fiction may be more understandable. She can add more to build up the image she wants to be seen.
ReplyDeleteI write because I sound more intelligent than when I speak. I want people to see that I am more intelligent than I may sound. It is not even that I consider myself a good writer; I just know how to. Being able to correctly use punctuation, grammar and spelling is something I pride myself on and strive to better an it is a necessity in today’s world.
I think it’s interesting how Joan Didion describes writing as a way for us to impose ourselves upon other people. She explains that writing is not to tell her story, but rather make sense of the everyday questions and thoughts in her own head. This means that she isn’t trying to impose or force her words on us, but simply share her experience as she figures things out for herself.
ReplyDeleteApart from assignments, my writing is mostly used as a form of expression. In the past I have written songs and simply doodled words on the back of my notebook. There are some people who are better at expressing themselves via speaking, but I find writing to be much more forgiving. I am the kind of person who must think before giving an educated answer. With writing I can add more, erase some, or re-start completely. For me, writing is the best way to convey what I’m thinking or feeling.
Writing is used to express ideas; in no way, shape, or form should it be a controlled art. Didion explains how writing is for personal enjoyment and everything that she was told to learn that wasn't of interest.. well, let's just say, it's no longer kept in the filing cabinet in her brain. In my opinion, all writers should write to impose others and Didion's use of translating scenes of her life into non-related stories is definitely a great way to captivate readers.
ReplyDeleteWriting, to me, is so many things, but, first and foremost, it's a release. I enjoy writing as soon as an idea comes; if I wait too long, my mind rushes by without giving me a chance to remember what I wanted to say. Writing has no boundaries so I prefer no structure. Ramble on and keep it upbeat and worry about the punctuation later. Your thoughts are yours alone and when given the courage to put them out there, nothing should get in your way.
Joan Didion's purpose of writing is not to benefit other people, but to benefit herself. She writes in order to express the ideas and thoughts that are trapped in her mind. She uses it as a tool to define the things she is looking at and to decipher what they mean. For Didion certain images stick out in her mind, which she describes as "shimmering." It is these shimmering images that Didion puts down onto paper. This is her way of imposing herself on others.
ReplyDeleteThe main reason I write is to clearly express what is going on inside my head. Sometimes my ideas get all jumbled up and it is complicated for me to understand what I am truly feeling. When I write things down, it gives me time to think and sort things out so that I can better express what I am trying to say or do. Puting my thoughts down on paper also helps me organize my thoughts.
Didion writes not to please others but in order to please herself. Didion focuses her main concerns on the little details and lets the rest of the book work itself out. She takes all her emotions and vaguely outlined ideas and images trapped in her head and expresses them on paper. Didion wants people to read all her thoughts and walk away asking themselves the same questions she does. Ultimately the only reason she writes is because she doesnt know the answers to the questions she has.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever gotten an overwhelming emotion and at first you don't even know what it is? Whenever I cause myself to be overwhelmed by an emotion I feel a desire to express it in some form. Writing for me is about capturing these emotions that are dancing throughout my head in total chaos. The best writing is the writing when you evoke so many emotions and can't write fast enough to keep up with your thoughts. When an emotion hits its the most amazing feeling in the world to be able to fully express how they make you feel. It's like the first time you road a bike down a hill or the first time you jumped out of a tree, its a thrill like no other. Its like a euphoric high, its one of the best feelings in the world. I write for the same reason I do anything else, I love the way it makes me feel.
Joan Didion claims to write for herself. She expresses the thoughts that swirl in her head so that others may read them and potentially see what she sees. By writing, Didion imposes herself onto the audeience through a "listen to me, see it my way, change your mind" process. It is a very strong and forthcoming way to convince the reader that she views this topic passionately.
ReplyDeleteI write for a similar reason, but with a more passive style. Generally, I write to express my thoughts, but prefer to have a smaller, more targeted audience. Often when I write I am trying to let my thoughts flow into words to ease my mind. I enjoy reflecting on the events of my life with a few daily paragraphs for memories. Writing, for me, is like a sibling who is always there for me, but I tend to feel hatred toward. When I write for an audience other than my future self, I prefer for my writing to be personal so that it truly connects with the reader because I belief words without personality are meaningless.
When Didion writes, she is writing to get her own thoughts down on papaer, but also to answer questions. It seems like she has a smal, general ida of what she wants to write about, but as she continues to write her ideas grow. More questions pop into her mind and she writes to answer these questions, which creates a story.
ReplyDeleteI tend to qrite in a similar fashion. Ill have a gernal idea about the topic at hand, but when i begin to get my thoughts down more ideas pop up. I ususually struggle with my first opening sentences or arguments, but once i get going, more ideas come to mind.
Joan Didion writes because it is what she sees in her life. It is what she is good at. She referenced several moments in her life when she would be seemingly procrastinating on what a lot of people would call important work by instead seeing the "peripheral" things like the lights in the bevatron or the flowering pear tree. This incessant curiosity about the state of everything around her lead her to construct a further study of them through writing. Just as an artist will sketch a model in an attempt to study it, Didion writes descriptions of things to reveal new information about them.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't claim to write a lot, the times when I do are usually for one of two purposes. The first an probably most obvious being writing for a school setting like a research paper or an in-class essay. This writing I use to convey ideas and present information. The second and less public writing that I do is journaling. I generally do this to organize thoughts and get a clear order of whatever it is I feel like writing about. Other times when I journal it is more of an actual story that I feel is compelling and would entertain others who could read it. In short I write both out of necessity and to relax.
Didion writes to know. In her introduction she discusses the writing
ReplyDeleteprocess as an aggressive one in which the writer imposes themselves on
the reader. However, as Didion writes, she learns what it is that she
is imposing upon the reader through the actual writing process. She
writes to think, to understand, and to find the value in what she
conceptualizes to the reader and in turn, herself.
I write out of necessity. Writing is essential for the preservation
of thought and is fundamental in both the academic and nonacademic
world. Despite my personal preference of verbal expression over
written, I understand that writing is necessary in fully expressing
myself in our society.
RE: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteWriting is one of the only ways to truly express ones feelings. When writing, no one is judging you. You can say anything you want without consequence, and you can choose with whom you wish to share your writing with. You can take time and think about how you really feel. Whereas, when talking you are rushed, you don't get a chance to think about what you say before you say it. It's almost like a FFW.
RE: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteThe writer doesn't completely understand his/her emotions until she writes. He/she can be completely open when he/she writes. This way those emotions can be interpreted. It also teaches a lesson; "...learn how my emotions react to everyday life."
RE: queenoftalk27
ReplyDeleteThe writer claims writing is a necessity. In this day and age it is important to write. The writer understands the need for writing even though he/she prefers verbal expression. He/she adapts to what is essential.
RE: coliva3
ReplyDeleteIn the author's opening sentence he/she says they need a purpose to write and cannot enjoy it otherwise. Isn't there always a purpose to writing? Whether it be to organize your thoughts or to just express what you are feeling. No matter what you write there is always a purpose to it.
RE: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteWriting can be a source of expression and freedom. The author describes how writing is a release for him/her. It is a way to get the thoughts out of your head and on to paper where you can make sense of them. Sometimes I write in order to express the ideas running around in my head. When I feel overwhelmed it helps to channel what I'm thinking into writing rather than keep it inside.
RE: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this writer's idea that writing for your own eyes is something of great importance. It allows you to explore yourself in a judegement-free environment. I agree that, "as a writer honesty may be unleashed better on paper than in words," because there is a sense of vulnerability when you speak. You are not given the time to re-write or revise, as you are in writing. When you give yourself the freedom to write to any audience, on any topic, you don’t feel the need to hold anything back.
RE: violynn12
ReplyDeleteThis person makes a valid point that writing is, “a necessity in today’s world.” I think it reminds us that we are lucky to have this alternative form of expression, because many prefer writing over speaking. I also agree that we should look at being able to spell and use proper grammar as a gift. Not everyone is so fortunate enough to have been given education and again, writing is a tool that is used everyday.
RE: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that Joan Didion does not have a need to write because writing is the only way for her to get her points across.. She writes for her readers. Her technique is basically just publishing her own thoughts and ideas once they are written down. She is definitely a writer who is aware and conscious of her audience. Also with regards to why you write, I have the same outlook. Most times when I start writing my personal feelings and thoughts begin to flow onto the paper. However I usually end up editing it a lot, not to try to avoid offending people, but merely to weed out the feelings that are written down which I feel are not necessary for my audience to know.
RE: ryan
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though you are saying that Joan Didion writes like the bully that we mentioned in class on friday, the one who writes so much of their own opinions that the writer feels that they are being told what to think about. Joan Didion writes to share her ideas with people not to bully them into thinking like her.
About your idea of writing, I completely agree. I write for myself and to express my own personal ideas on a subject matter. If people do not like what I am writing then they simply do not have to read it. Put it down if you don't like it, but either way they're still my thoughts.
RE: bborresen
ReplyDeletei understand how you feel, in the sense that writing can be a task, especially since usually writing is usually for some school assignment. It takes a great love of the art to appreciate composition for what it is. And sometimes not being able to have that love can be quite advantageous.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRE: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteI like the way this writer connects writing to sort out their thoughts to emotions. The sentence where they discuss writing for their eyes only is particularly relateable and moving. It is easier to be open and honest with yourself when no one else will see it. Your writing will be a true reflection of your feelings because you don't have to worry about what other people may say about it.
RE: kishan
ReplyDeleteI really like the ending of this entry, where this writer talks about writing only to realize how they feel about things, not to let others know how they feel. I agree with statement and feel that most of the writing I do on my own is motivated by a similar notion. At the end of the day you can't be concerned with trying to make others share the same opinions as you, it is far more important to know for sure your own feelings and opinions and stand by them no matter what.
In response to bbarro3:
ReplyDeleteI find myself writing when I am confused about something. I agree with bbarro3 that “honesty may be unleashed better on paper than in words”. When you don’t have to speak aloud, it’s easier to say what you really mean because you can let go of all insecurities and just write. It’s also easier to organize thought, which helps bring focus and meaning to what you are trying to convey through your writing. Its interesting how writing is helps us understand our feelings. Maybe writing is more important than you think.
In response to dan:
ReplyDeleteLately, I’ve been writing to organize my own thoughts. When I get stressed out, I make lists and it relaxes me. I primarily use writing as a way to remember my thoughts and organize my feelings. Like dan, I also fear that my thoughts will be forgotten. I don’t usually write things down because I want them to be read by others, unless I am writing for something academic.
RE: kishan
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this paragraph, I felt that there was this strong sense of certainty that the author takes in his writing. He mentions that he only writes for himself. He doesn't care about what others think, nor does he try to please them with his writings. It is simply about how he feels, what he wants to write. There is a raw passion in his style that almost captivates the reader and makes you feel a part of the piece.
RE: bborresen
ReplyDeleteI like how honest you were with admitting that writing is not appealing to you. The only time you are writing is if it was forced as an assignment. I feel the same way at times. I would not write if my writing was not going to be reviewed. I would not know what to write about if I was not given a topic.
In response to bbarro3:
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of what this person is saying. It is much easier to be honest when writing on paper rather than speaking outloud. I find that many people, even if they consider themselves outgoing, they say things that aren't one hundred percent honest because they are afraid of people's reactions. When something is written down, you can think about it for a longer period of time, and erase things that you've said.
In response to dan m:
ReplyDeleteYou said that you write because "it is necessary in order to appear intelligent." I don't completely agree with that. As we have learned through George Orwell, it is completely possible to write and not look intelligent at all. However I do agree that Didion writes without knowing exactly what she is going to say, and that, "as she writes, her mind unleashes itself upon the page." Joan Didion writes for herself, and to understand her own thoughts and feelings like you said, that her conscious self doesn't know about yet. You and Didion are similar not in the ways of why you write, but how your mind works. Didion creates stories by allowing her mind to run freely, just like how you doodle: drawing whatever comes to mind, and then as your thoughts travel elsewhere, it is transformed into something different, and more complex.
re :thennmikesaid:
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this person in a way that writing is an expression of a particular thought or feeling. Although we can't express exactly what we are feeling all the time. If we tried to put that on paper, much of the time it wouldn't make much sense at all. Music, on the other hand, speaks volumes on its own. Music allows one to express thoughts or feelings that they can't explain but can also be interpreted in many ways.
re: kishan
ReplyDeleteI like kishan's thoughts of writing for oneself. Writing to please others almost defeats the purpose;writing is a way of sharing thoughts, opinions and ideas, and if it isn't one's own thoughts and ideas then it isn't honest writing. Also, there are things that people think, but can not say, however writing is like thinking- anything written down is fine, obviously depending on what you do with it. But if writing is a record of one's own thoughts, there is nothing wrong with that.
Re: queenoftalk27
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is true that a writer learns what he/she is imposing upon the reader during the process. There are times where that is not true because not all pieces of literature can not be learned while writing, there might have to be knowledge known before hand.
Re: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteI do not understand "...because she has no other way of obtaining the story if there was no reader." What exactly does that mean? The story has to be written in the first place in order for there to be a reader because she does not even know if anyone would read it to begin with.
RE bbarro3
ReplyDeleteIn rereading my entry I see changes that may be made. The words may be confusing as they rush out too quickly and sometimes it might pay to slow it down in order to get my point across. However, I was honest in my last blog and that was how I felt. I understand that some may have disagreements with how I feel, but they are my feelings and I have the right express them. That’s why, after I read one or two of your comments, I stopped reading, because what you say doesn't affect my ideas ,and because that is… why I write.
RE Chelsea
The comparison made between writing and photography is an interesting thing to think about as a reader. The sentence structure really does have an effect on the picture the author is trying to portray. The story begins in her mind and forms pictures on paper through words. I agree with Chelsea and I can relate to organizing my thoughts on paper.
Re: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteThe writer acknowledges in their passage that their writing makes them honest with themselves. But whether or not the writer shared that information, their honesty is sensed throughout the passage. The words incorporated in their piece evoke inspiration, as if writing is as necessary as water. In the same sense, it can be inferred that reading is equally dire, as the writer derived such honesty from Joan Didion.
Re: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteThe writer uses a strong vocabulary and her sentences and ideas flow well together. I like it when the writer says "writing is for my own eyes and I can be completely open." I agree with this statement because it is easier to write how you feel if you know no one else will be seeing or judging it.
RE: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteWriting can be used as a technique to help individuals reflect on their own personal feelings when they want to conceal them from others. These expression writers write so they can understand their emotions and self-examine their feelings. Bbarro3 explains, “When the writing is only for my own eyes, I can be completely open with how basic events have an affect on my heart and soul.” Writers around the world have created many pieces of writing that express themselves, mainly because emotion is one of the main driving forces of a human’s thoughts and actions. Bbarro3 also illustrates a concluding thought about honesty when stating, “Honesty in life is a thin line to walk, and as a writer honesty may be unleashed better on paper than in words.” Honesty is not usually conveyed in society on a regular basis. Most individuals fear the thought of expressing their true personality to others because they do not want to suffer from others judging them. This fear causes them to transform their emotional thoughts into words on paper so they can self-examine their feelings and attempt to find a conclusion to their dilemmas.
RE:Josh
ReplyDeleteThis writer is able to stir up emotion within their readers through this piece. It makes the reader feel in sync with the writer because the emotion is easy to relate to. It concentrates more on the experiences of the writer, which I personally find more intriguing, then just the standard evaluation of the text. This writer should try and make their thoughts heard more in class, as it is apparent by this blog that they have something of importance to say.
Re: lauren
ReplyDeleteI agree that writing is much easier than speaking. It is easier to write a well thought out answer because writing gives you more time to organize your thoughts. Writing can easily be edited, unlike speaking. After something is already said, you can't take it back.
Re: violyn
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that Didion imposes herself on others. She is simply writing to freely express herself. She writes for herself only, not for any audience. I would write in the same way if I wrote for pleasure. It is an expression of your emotions and an unveiling of ideas. But, when writing academically I believe that one must write with the audience in mind in order to achieve a better grade. Didion's writing was not academic, therefore she can write with no audience in mind and write what she wants.
Re dan
ReplyDeleteWriting for me becomes much more enjoyable when I am writing for myself. When writing for school it is harder to express thoughts and emotions in the same way. I can relate to this writer in that way. I also agree that writing is a helpful tool in the organization of ideas. Putting something down on paper helps express the topic much clearer. Writing to better understand a subject is not always the easiest task. It can be troublesome to learn about something and write about it simultaneously. It can force the writing to become an experiment.
Response to bbarro3:
ReplyDeleteI agree with the writer that writing can help organize your feelings and thoughts on paper. The author, however, makes a point of saying that she can be completely open “when the writing is only for [his/her] own eyes.” The author should not be afraid of the audience’s opinion; like Didion, he/she should just impose herself on the reader. He/she should not only be honest with herself; he/she should also be honest with the reader.
Response to violynn12:
I agree with the author that an important aspect of writing is the use of correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. However, it is like saying that all that matters in music is proper technique. Like music, writing is an art; the words must conjure up vivid images and intense emotions that allow the reader to connect to what you are trying to say. The rules of grammar are important, but they alone will not allow you to become a good writer.
Re: Bbarro3
ReplyDeleteDidion tries to clear up the shimmery images in her head and then share them after she understands them. Writing is expression, like music, and art. Writing is an outlet that some people take full advantage of. Others do not when they know someone else will be reading. Didion takes advantage. She does not write to share knowledge; she writes to gain it first, and then share it.
This post is in response to kishan. I think that writing down events is a very good way of keeping track of things that happen to you. If you need to access certain memories from your past it would be a lot easier to remember because you wrote down all the details when it happened. I also agree that writing things down is also a great way to help people to understand themselves. It is one thing to access events in your head but it becomes a lot clearer to the writer when they read everything that they put on the paper.
ReplyDeleteThis post is in response to Chelsea. I thought that this was a very good summary of why and how didion writes. However I also think that the first paragraph could have been arranged a little differently to make the writing stronger. Now I will end this on a stupider note by saying that a memory can be forgotten once it is on paper if you lose the paper.
ReplyDeleteRE:jtomlinson8149
ReplyDeleteThe exhilarating feeling that jtomlinson8149 possesses for writing is one that is very similar to the emotion that Joan Didion experiences while she writes. After observing their writing accomplishments both gain a feeling, as jtomlinson8149 would say, “…like the first time you road a bike down a hill or the first time you jumped out of a tree, it’s a thrill like no other.” They both are able to overcome the barrier in their minds that deny access to their inner-most thoughts through the process of writing. For them, this accomplishment is a very self-fulfilling one. Both individuals have the ability to produce outstanding pieces of writing even if they do not have the intentions of writing for any audience, or any other reason at all but just to write. For them, it is something that the both enjoy doing.
RE: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteIn bbarro's personal version of "Why I Write", he or she writes for a different purpose than Joan Didion. As stated, bbarro3 doesn't write to find out what he or she is thinking. This individual expresses on paper how those thoughts make them feel. Writing is a time of personal reflection for this writer, where this person intertwines with his or her emotions. As the writer states, "honesty in life is a thin line to walk", and the writer uses writing to be true to his or her self. I was impressed with this writer's use of imagery and detail in the text. I could tell that the words really interpreted their emotions.
RE: Lauren
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this writers use of writing for artistic purposes. Writing a song takes just as much if not more skill than writing a paper for school. I also agree with this writer in the case that sometimes it is easier to prepare one's thoughts in writing rather than in speech. It's easy for one to stutter or say something they didn't mean to by accident. But in writing you have all the time in the world. I feel that if lauren puts that artistic spark into her writing for the class, she will surely succeed.
RE:bbarro3
ReplyDeleteI like how you make your paragraph a little personal and how reader's can respond to it. As suggested in class, i think that you should maybe try and change up that "honesty is a thin line to walk." Also, we discussed how your choice word really reflects you as a person, you have a deep connection with your emotions. However, im not sure if Didion really needs readers to make her writing more meaningful; she writes that she writes more to affect herself. You have a very well constructed paragraph with a more informative section on top and a more personal piece to end it.
RE: coliva3
ReplyDeleteI disagree with coliva3 in the sense that she tinks journal writing is pointless because she knows what happened already. I think journal writing is important because one can not remember the same exact feeling that they have once the event they experience is over. For example on ones graduation day one most likely feels overwhelmed, sad, and in awe at the same time. During this day they might cry because they never thought those four years would finally come to an end. They also may feel overwhelmed because they have finally noticed another chapter in their life has closed and a new one will soon begin. However months after they have graduated they can not fully feel those same exact feelings or may not even recall exactly how they felt but if they had those feelings recorded it will be easier to have a feeling of nostalgia.
RE:bbarro3
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this response to Didion's "Why I Write", I draw a significant connection between Didion's work and bbarro3's. Both writers seem to express themselves through their writing and uncover a lot about their thoughts. I value bbarro3's honesty, where she/he explains "When the writing is only for my own eyes, I can be completely open with how basic events have an affect on my heart and soul.". I agree with the writer because one finds great difficulty to express himself/herself when he/she is pressured by reactions and perspectives.
RE:xalusiax00
After reading your response, I found that you delivered a great summary of Didion's work in few sentences. You emphasized major details of the text and organized them in a way that made it easier for the reader to grasp. I also agree with your personal response to Didion's work because I also find writing a weakness and difficult to express myself through it.
re: kelsey_qt
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though this author's writing method is similar to that of the author from the video we watched in class. Both write without boundaries and allow their thoughts to flow directly onto the paper. This type of writing is bold and can often be the best way to write an honest paper.
re dan:
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though the author writes to preserve his own thoughts. His objective for writing is personal. Therefore, his work is not fueled by the opinions of outside readers but instead is self-motivated.
This is a response for bbarro3. I don't understand why you say "Honesty in life is a thin line to walk". You say you write to be honest with yourself, so does that mean your willing to walk on thin ice. I mean sometimes yes its good not to spill your heart out on a piece of paper but most of the time it is good. In high school the last thing I was told by my Campus ministry teacher was watch out which piece of paper you write your heart out cause it might be the wrong one. It might hurt a person deeply.
ReplyDeleteRE: queenoftalk27
ReplyDeletequeenoftalk27 makes a valid point when she says that writing is imperative. It is a simple way of communication that can be produced in large masses. It can transfer throughout cultures because it can be translated. It is better than verbal communication because writings can be preserved and kept forever as a reference.
RE: ecarr2
ReplyDeleteIn your original post you said that "Didion claims she writes to impose herself on other people. This means her purpose for writing is to forcibly place her ideas into other people's minds." I would have to disagree. I think that the point Didion was making in that section of her essay was that ALL writing is imposing your ideas onto other people, not just her own. Simply due to the fact that people read your writing, they must take your words and ideas into your minds, thus imposing yourself onto them. The two examples of writing that you also mentioned in your post both qualify as imposing onto others.
RE: polishboi212
ReplyDeleteI very much agree with polishboi212's post about what qualifies Didion as a writer. He mentioned that she says that she is neither a good or a bad writer, simply a writer. This is true. She is an inspired writer. As an inspired writer she can see different situations and places in ways that most people wouldn't think to think of. At it's most basic level writing is used to tell stories, stories require inspiration to craft scenes and setting that will vividly resonate in the minds of the audience. Without inspiration there would be no interesting writing at all.
Re: stephanieladida
ReplyDeleteDidion says she writes to impose herself on others in the essay, so how can she not want an “audience to preach to?” According to this writer, Didion doesn’t really know why she writes because there is a contradiction in Didion’s reasons: to impose on others and to understand herself. Does Didion write for herself or for others?
I agree with kelsey. I ramble on without structure too. That is the best way for a writer to express what he wants to write about. I like to write and write just how I feeli like writing. I feel like that is how you find the truth about the person. You can learn more about a person better like that.
ReplyDeleteRe: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteJoan Didion uses writing as an outlet in which to share her stories. I agree with bbarro3 that Didion needs to write. She is without doubt a writer. Joan entertains and captivates her reader with the use of vivid images from her mind. Writing is an honest and vunerable experience. One is taking their true feelings and sharing them with a stranger. It is sometimes nice to know that no one is reading or critiquing your work.
Re: josh
On a personal level I completely understand what josh is talking about. You may have wanted to say something, but the right words never seemed to come. Writing becomes a unique form in which to express one's feelings. I think you and Joan Didion are very connected in why you both write.
RE : bbarro3
ReplyDeleteI agree with babarro3 that writing is a way of expression. Many use it to release their innermost feelings and thoughts. Most of us find it to be way easier to write our thoughts down on paper rather than have to get up in front of a crowd and speak. It gives you the opportunity to be completely honest and know that no one is there to judge you. Also when you write, you get this sense of freedom. What I mean is once your pen touches that paper; you have the ability to write about anything you want. It helps you collect and organize your thoughts.
RE: vivlagrek12
I agree with vivalagrek12 that Joan Didion uses writing as a way to discover her own thoughts and ideas and find the true meaning behind them. Throughout her essay she describes images that float around her head and then she questions them. “Why have the night lights in the bevatron burned in my mind for twenty years?” And as she writes them, she begins to understand her thoughts as a whole. I could also relate to this writer because I do at times find myself questioning my own thoughts. Writing helps me better understand myself and my ideas.
RE: Ryan
ReplyDeleteI completely respect this author's words. Although structure's not for me, I respect how writing for him is a form of organization. I also respect the fact that everything for this author is able to be described, even the most spectacular of sights. I often find many things undescribable and why not want what you lack?
RE: queenoftalk27
This writer may be extremely talented in the vocabulary department, but it seems as if she sat and wrote this with a thesaurus tight in fist; writing for self should be a little more relaxed. When actually broken down, this writer expresses complete validity and I agree 100%. Big words are just a little much for my laziness.
Reply to bbarro3:
ReplyDeleteThis writer is comparing herself to Didion, and explaining the traits that they have in common. She writes to reveal to herself a greater meaning in what she is thinking about. She describes how one can write truthfully when one knows that no one else will read it, unlike communication in real life. She wants her truthful thoughts to lead her to change the way she thinks in real life.
Reply to: stephanieladida
I agree with her stephanieladida's reasons for writing. I often write notes as well so as to not forget things that I need to do. I always seem to forget the necessary chores that need to be done, or specific places I need to go to. I also feel the same way about writing, in that I know that I can always go back and look at it again (unless of course I throw it out), and in this way, it will not be forgotten.
-Dan Schneider
RE:Ryan
ReplyDeleteRYan says that he writes to put his thoughts in a physical forms. I also sometimes do this. I will write down things i do so that i can see what they look like in the end.
RE: thomas
ReplyDeleteThomas says that he only uses writing for two things for assignment and for making a journal. e says when hes writing a journal that he will either use it to collect his thoughts or to write what happened that day. Assignment is also one of the only reasons i write. It is to get an assignment done and show information
re: Bbarro3
ReplyDeleteIn response to bbarro3's reflection of Joan Didion's "Why I Write", I would like to comment on the strong sentence structure and flowing organized paragraphs. Bbarro3 explains how Didion shares stories through writing then leads into how he comparitively puts his own experience and emotion into his work and gives evidence through his confident sentences. I believe this is one of the better refoections on our class blog of "Why I Write."
re: ferry3323
Alternatively ferry3323 states that Didion's writing is a free flow of thoughts and questions that come to her as she jots down her ideas. Ferry3323 explains that her writing is almost a clutter of words and unrelated sentences just falling out of her brain.
re: bbarro3
ReplyDeleteYour emotion is very powerful and it's obvious you are trying to be true to yourself. Not many people are able to be as honest as you seem to be but then again maybe you're just very good at lying and decieving people. Whichever the case may be, you did a splendid job. You should become a politician or atleast write speeches for a handful of politicians.
re: Dan m.
I enjoyed how you compared writing to drawing and art. If you think about it art and words go hand and hand, one describes the other. So in my mind this was a brilliant reference. At the same time you look at writing as a chore and art as a way to free your mind. Why not use writing the same way you use drawing, as an escape. Let the words consume you; the words will do all the work the same way you let your pencil guide your drawings. Don't force things, just go with the flow.
re: bbarro3- Bbarro3 has written a strong blog post. It is clear that he or she has a very strong, emotional bond to writing. For example, (s)he says, "Flowing reflections from my pen bring out emotional reflections from my heart."
ReplyDeletere: josh
ReplyDeletethis was a depressing post, though well written. i totally disagree with everything though, from my own personal standpoint. i'm not saying joan didion didn't force herself on others, i personally just believe that writing should be a way to express yourself without having to twist others thoughts into your own.
re:josh
ReplyDeleteJosh, you are not the only voice that is begging to be heard. In a world which is so fast paced and self absorbed, it may be intimidating to voice your opinion for fear of being ignored or cast aside. However, I believe you are an intelligent, enlightened young man that has much to offer the classroom and the world. Don't be afraid to voice your opinions because while it may seem that they are overlooked or ignored, chances are some one is listening, and some one agrees. Step out and be the voice that encourages other people who fear rejection to be brave and voice their opinions.
re: bbaro3
ReplyDeleteWhile your comment was very well written and relatable I must disagree with your main point when it comes to the purpose of many writers. Writers do not write in order to spread their words and opinions throughout the world to share with readers. Rather, I feel writers are more cowards, hiding behind the masks of their characters. I feel as though writers often use language as an outlet to share and work out their problems, while still being masked by the characters they create in order to avoid humiliation or appear vunerable. They are not able to share these problems and questions with fellow human beings, and so resort to spilling their innermost thoughts on a paper for others to read. Writing is a selfish act, usually performed to merely help the writer and its first intentions are not usually to entertain an audience. My intention is not to discredit or put down writers, for I am a writer myself. But to open the audience's eye to the fact that the words written on that page are the innermost secrets and problems of the writer themself, and should be read accordingly.
re: jpotts1391
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post, i realized that the way you describe your wrting style was very simila to mine. I like to reflect on events and write in a passive style. Once i start writing the words flow through my mind and onto the paper almost effortlessly.
re: Kelsey_qt
I liked how you described writing as an art that should never be controlled. Its like the paper is an art canvas and you can create any story you want on it, either for yourself or an audience. I also found the metaphor you used about her ideas being kept in a filing cabinet in her brain. A writers ideas are free flowing stories that shouldnt be contained.
RE: ryan
ReplyDeleteI liked how you described writing as a
"picture the human mind in the form of a giant whirlpool. Every thought, phrase and image floating around endlessly until it is put into use." I agree that this is what it feels like, when you have so many different paths that a piece of writing can take. It can sometimes be difficult to organize the thoughts in the whirlpool, but just letting the pen move freely over the page in random flowing, you can try to sort out the ideas that you would like to use from the ones that are just there for your mind's enjoyment.
RE: bbarro3
I agree with you that honesty is more easily expressed on paper than in words. When speaking to someone face-to-face, one must be cautious and conscious of the feelings of that person. However, writing, while being personal to you own feelings, is impersonal to a reader's reactions. Writing is not changed or redirected by a reader, because the reader is experiencing a finished work.