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I can tell you whyI write, and I'm not a writer-writer. Just a blogger. I think at this point in my life, I've experienced a lot. So by writing, I can look back on some of the experiences and put them in perspective. Like yesterday's blog. I wrote about being keyless. It was based on a conversation I had with a friend who is going back to the states, has sold everything and now has one key to her name. I related to her in that, and the transition issues it implies.
At this point, I also am not thinking about the big picture...just events as they are brought to mind and the lessons learned. Or maybe just reflection. What I do know is that I can now go back through things I have written, and see patterns of growth, or lack of it, and it spurs me on to do better and learn more. Plus, reliving some of those experiences is just fun. :)
Why do other people write? I'd love to hear other reasons! (Sorry Mark...it's off topic from editing, isn't it?)
I don't know how well I write as a writer, but I'm reasonably good as a scientific writer so they say. When I work with grad students this is exactly what happens to me also - I kill myself with editing. The looks on their faces when they get the first draft back is always priceless because if they have any potential at all, the paper looks like an axe murderer has visited! I always tell them that this is a good sign - there is actually something there to work with - they should only worry when it comes back blank with the exception of "try again" written at the top.
I think your advise is great - write, edit, read - and then do it all over again - and read across disciplines. There is nothing new under the sun and somewhere someone will have "turned a phrase" exactly in the way that you have been looking for but just haven't found!
Vygotsky says that language actually creates thought. That is, a thought isn't fully formed in a way that can be communicated until it is put into words--either words we speak, words we think, or words we write.
In the beginning was the Word. And so I write. And so I edit to help others write.
as to eharmony - may as well be light-hearted. it is kinda funny and so very God to set up the "coincidence" just to make sure I know that He's paying attention to my life.
In any case, this must be why I talk and write all the time. Must be that I need more thoughts!
Actually, I think it is so cool to consider how thought interacts with language and vice versa. Now, could the same be said of music, of art?
I also recommend Critters.org for editing training /practice.
Mark, I am extending my A.A. in Liberal Arts to pursue my B.S. in English starting next month. I'm really pumped, though admittedly nervous about all of that American and Brit Lit. :)
That's the wonder of online publishing, right?
Jesse, good to hear you're pursuing English! I really think it is the most versatile degree. I've known English majors who went on to med school, business school, law school, you name it. Knowing how to analyze a text is a skill that applies to any text.
And feel free to ask my 2 cents on lit stuff. I live for that kind of thing.