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May 3, 2007
Thoughts on writing (big) papers
Writing the big 20-pager for literary criticism makes the third paper I've written just this school year that's longer than the usual "8-10 pages, double spaced, with 1" margins and a 12 pt. font."
My fear always orients itself around organization. I began to get the hang of outlining these "monster" papers (as Tiffany likes to call them), and that helps... but there are other things concerning writing larger papers for undergraduate courses that occupy my mind, too.
Like that search feature built in to web browsers and word processors--what a beautiful thing... Now if I could only get my eyes to do that with the copious notes I take and the articles I highlight and demarcate...
I am also beginning to think that a good ergonomic chair is essential to good, focused writing. I don't have one of those at the moment, so I'm at a loss for what focus might consist of without severe back pain at the onset of my typing.
Shutting off communications is imperative. It might seem "rude" to my friends and I might not open my email within five seconds of its arrival, but shutting off my instant messenger and mail programs (and sometimes my cell phone) is a must. Sometimes unplugging my laptop from the internet altogether is what it takes... Most of the time I can't even listen to music while I write academic things. Music without words is okay... sometimes... but concentration piggybacks silence in my experience.
Nice weather is a tease. I open my dorm room windows to get fresh air and keep it from getting stuffy and I'm rewarded with chirping birds, sunshine, blue skies, loud passing cars, and sometimes the scent of flowering trees. Darn you, nice weather! How dare you be so wonderful while I'm inside!
Sitting outside to do work is impossible--especially on such a dainty campus. If I perch myself on a bench or swing with a notebook and laptop not only will passers-by serve as indirect distractions but friends and acquaintances certainly may take it upon themselves to serve as direct distractions and "say hi." Nothing wrong with talking to people, but out of sight out of mind and I have peace for my writing time... sort of.
I truly appreciate silence (well, as close as one can get in reality without the buzzing of one's ears or mini fridge), but within the limits it's difficult to obtain. It never ceases to amaze me how certain individuals find it absolutely necessary to turn their speakers out the window and turn up the bass so that everyone might hear--and feel--the pulse of their latest "jam." Even earplugs don't do it sometimes with the search-and-destroy (my concentration) vibrations.
Finally, and this is a positive one, it is such a great feeling to know that the topic I've chosen will work. When I begin to write sometimes I have a mini-panic as I struggle to reassemble the brilliant thoughts that dragged me to research this to begin with. But as I work my way through the first draft, get along to revising and building upon that draft, and eventually have a final copy I usually feel better and better about my topic and my argument.
Best of luck to everyone in EL312--we're under the writing gun now.
Posted by KarissaKilgore at May 3, 2007 7:52 AM
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Comments
You'll make it. Keep it up, m'dear!
Posted by: Amanda at May 4, 2007 11:18 PM
*sigh*
Karissa I know all too well what you mean. But you know, Monday at noon will be like the biggest party we have ever had!
Posted by: Tiffany at May 5, 2007 10:09 PM