Eye-Opener: Memo

I survived

this semester was the hardest, and I really liked it because it focused a lot in my field of study creative writing and English...

I accomplished several things....

I learned more about the publication world in my Publication Workshop-- for example- the likelihood of rejection (at least 20,000 times before you get accepted IF you're lucky), the importance of professionalism in formating, query letters, book and article proposals, personal value, critiquing (being constructive and how to take criticism), the writing life- the markets (lots of freelance possibilities, also lots of writing-related jobs such as being an editor, a book agent, publicist, art director)-- I have the sources and tools to look it up now...

In Twentieth Century Art II, I feel like I have a better understanding of "current" art movements beginning from Post world war II, art reflection of culture, also I learned (from mistake) how to be a better presenter-- talking to people and trusting my brain (because I've done the research)

In Musical Dance- similar to ART history, theater trends mirror society- also being comfortable with 'moving' and being in front of people-- this adds to a study in presenting one's self- not being so self-conscious

In History of Jazz-- the same as Musical dance about U.S. culture and geographic studies (more presenting and public speaking experience-- being creative in presentation- different sources such as video clips, and dance demonstration- my professor shared a lot of stories- this was inspiring and subconsciously I noted his effective storytelling skills (how he got story ideas from words or phrase or incident, how he build up to the climax and punchline, and of course denoument).

In the Writing of Fiction-- more on the writing aspect rather than the publication part-- so we focused on revision, story ideas, critiquing, tons of malt balls and chocolate incentives, fun exercises, several free/forced writing, reflecting in journals, reading short stories and leanring from it- in a nutshell learning to fight off the fear of writing by just start writing-- just write, if it's crap, just write, eventually something good will come out

In American Lit. II-- more revisions, more exposure to contemporary works (pluralization/democracy of literature), presentation skills (teaching the class- public speaking)-- lots of modern experimental plays and poems, short stories from different voices-- women, gays, immigrants-- approaching literature from a literal, inferential, and evaluative perspective- different literary criticism

to sum up-- lots of public speaking, and tons of writing (drafts and revisions) and more integration of past studies with contemporary culture (it's not so distant, easier to apply and relate), very related to my field of study filling the gap, answering the question of why I'm studying Englsih, in general it feels like everything is coming together....

I'm beat and exhausted, and I'm glad...I'm off to the Philippines for a well-deserved reward for the hardwork and also to do a fun project. Adios!

Happy Summer!

Posted by Michael Diezmos at May 13, 2006 1:45 AM