I would like to say that my term paper is going really well. I would like to say the words are simply pouring out of me every time I sit down to write and that I place my full concentration into it at all times. Sure, I'd like to say these things. But...I can't. Because, honestly, it would be one huge lie. Instead, the paper is daunting and looming over me like some create that would take up residence under my bed.
My problem is having too much information. I know what I want to say, and I have my outside quotes to explore it, and....I have no idea how to organize it. I've thrown out my initial outline from the presub, so now I sit blindly staring at my computer hoping for answers. It took me ages to write my introduction. I think the idea of the paper is intimidating me and causing me writing anxiety every time I try. Maybe tonight I'll have a burst of inspiration...
Term Paper First Draft -- Jerz EL312 (Literary Criticism)
Posted by VanessaKolberg at May 1, 2007 8:41 AM | TrackBackWhat would you say to a student who came to the writing center with the same problem?
You might not be ready for the drafting stage -- if you're still feeling information overload, you might need to spend more time filtering and focusing.
Don't worry about getting it right the first time... what's due on Thursday is a rough draft, and you'll have an opportunity to revise... don't try to write it all, give your self permission to write one paragraph (and then do something else).
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at May 1, 2007 10:36 AMI made an outline! A real one this time! I just needed to look at it with fresh eyes.
Posted by: Nessa at May 1, 2007 3:44 PM