Reflective Dialogue
This I Believe: Writing Process
Sabatino: Can you describe the scene(s) where you wrote the This I Believe (TIB) essay. Be descriptive. Is this sustainable?
Writer: When I was writing my TIB essay I was in my bedroom. It was about 7 in the evening. I had soft music playing low and I was alone.
Sabatino: You wrote a blog post about six strategies to become a better writer. Have you used those strategies when blogging and writing the TIB essay? Please discuss which of these strategies helped you the most when you wrote your TIB essay?
Writer: Yes I do use the strategies every time I write. I made sure I was in a quiet place where I could concentrate, I was patient and open minded. I began by writing down ideas about some things I would mention in my essay. When I was done writing it completely I felt pretty confident.
Sabatino: Describe your process for writing and revising the TIB essay (freewrite, list, found poem, etc.). What helped you the most?
Writer: The found poem helped me the most. I was able to put everything in order and just by reading my poem I understand what my entire essay is about.
Sabatino: How has the blog impacted your writing process?
Writer: The blog has impacted my writing process because it helps me stay consistent in my writing.
Sabatino: Please share your thoughts about the revision techniques we've used in this course (peer review, show and tell, five senses, found poem, etc.)
Writer: I think that these techniques were very helpful. It showed me what my essay should and shouldn’t have had or if I wasn’t thoroughly covering everything I needed to for it to be complete. These techniques also helped me organize my essay.
Sabatino: What specific revisions have you made to your TIB essay?
Writer: Well, honestly I actually rewrote my essay because the first one was terrible and I thought that my TIB essay should atleast be about something that interests me. I revised the order of some of the sentencing not to much of anything else.
Sabatino: What is your plan for future revisions to your TIB essay?
Writer: I am actually sort of pleased with my essay so if I do revise it it’ll be because you pointed out something I am not aware of or didn’t notice.
Sabatino: We have used a farming metaphor to conceptualize a sustainable writing process. What metaphor would you use to illustrate your writing process thus far?
Writer: I would say my writing process was like shopping for my prom gown.
This I Believe: Writing Product
Sabatino: What is your belief statement (word-for-word)?
Writer: “I believe in facing my fears".
Sabatino: Do you think your belief statement grabs the audience’s attention? Why?
Writer: Yes because everyone is afraid of something. I think that reading about someone overcoming their biggest fear should be interesting to most.
Sabatino: What is your scene?
Writer: My scene is me being afraid to get on an airplane and everything I had to face within my own mind.
Sabatino: How does your scene illustrate your belief?
Writer: My scene illustrates my belief because it shows how important facing my fear was to me and how afraid I really was.
Sabatino: What questions do you have for me about your TIB essay?
Writer: Do you think my essay is proficient and if not, what can i do to make it better?
Personal Website:
Sabatino: Discuss your experiences with creating and maintaining a website for this course?
Writer: At first, I was so confused and I was feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes I would look at you and think “How the hell does he expect me to do this”? After each class and assignment it became easier and more interesting and now I actually enjoy it.
Sabatino: Do you think your site is organized and easy to navigate?
Writer: Yes, I believe so.
Sabatino: What type of identity have you constructed through your site?
Writer: I think that I am viewed as a young, outgoing, aspiring, fun, and mature person. Well atleast I hope so.
Personal Blog
Sabatino: What are your thoughts about creating and maintaining a blog? Is your blog organized and easy to navigate?
Writer: I love the blog, this half of the semester I had a lot going on so I didn’t really have time to add as many blogs as I wanted to but I know that’ll improve by next half. I feel more determined and I really enjoy it.
Sabatino: What are your thoughts about blogging? Please consider the public, social network nature of a blog as well as your initial thoughts in the beginning of the semester as compared to now.
Writer: Well honestly at first I was alittle unsure how I felt. I mean, I always loved writing and I always loved English as a subject. I didn’t think it would help me become a better writer at first but I feel like I’m growing already.
Questions for Midterm Conference
Sabatino: Parting comments? Questions for me?
Writer: I think that I deserve no lower than a b. I completed all of my assignments with a couple extra blogs and I actually enjoyed it. I worked really hard so I hope i did a good enough job so you can feel the same. Oh, and not to try and butter you up but you are my favorite professor and a very good teacher. Keep up the good work.