While reading Write to Learn by Donald M. Murray, I realized that the word writing does not only mean literally writing. Writing is not only referring to sitting down and typing or using pen and paper. There is much more to writing then the action. Murray explains in chapter 5 that you must write before writing. Murray states, “I will see or hear fragments of language of images pass through my mind like a shooting star. It is tempting to lock on to this fragment and start to think formally about it, but I tell myself, “No thinking. Do not interfere with the subconscious.” I allow these fragments to float along in the river of my mind like a flooded river in which logs, roofs, bridge spans, trees, and cars rise into sight and then sink. I tell myself “Do not micromanage your subconscious, do not think. When I am back at my desk I will think by writing.” (2005, pg. 45)
Now I understand why my brother is such a great writer, because he “writes” all the time. By “writing” I mean he rehearses events, connections, tensions, in his head all the time so when he is in need to write, it just flows. I never knew writing was more than just plain writing. The process of writing is so essential for the final product. Within the process of rehearsing, Murray explains, just as musicians, actors, and athletes rehearse, writers need to rehearse their story or topic before they sit down to write it. (2005, pg. 44)
Yet another action to be aware of as a writer and that struck me as very important is act of truly studying images. I have always known capturing images is essential within writing but I have never been good at it. Images surround us all the time and as writers we must study them. However, I find it incredibility difficult to take an image and truly capture it, and give it the full credit it deserves through words. That is one skill I would love to expand through this course.
In the 7th chapter, Murray discusses the tool of taking note. To take note of your life; have a notepad that you take with you everywhere. Noting down your thoughts and different phrases you have throughout the day. I recently have begun noting down thoughts that come to mind or journaling at night or while reading the Bible, I have found it so therapeutic. I seem to feel more aware of where my mind is and how I can begin to solve or understand all the questions I have.
Donald M. Murray, gives me a desire to become a more advanced writer. Through capturing my everyday life and using the technique he provides I, as a writer can hopefully become more skillful and precise while writing.
I completely agree with how you thought that writing was just a simple task, but actually is so much more. I had never realized that before either! But it makes it so much more exciting that way.
ReplyDeleteAnd this will sound nerdy, but I was learning in Psychology that thinking about doing something activates the same part of your brain as actually doing it. So rehearsing and going through the writing in your head is just as effective as actually sitting down and doing it.