Blog Assignment #7: Midterm Reflection

Throughout the course thus far, my definition of creative non-fiction has expanded. I have been able to learn more about the subject through my own writing. By challenging myself throughout the past few assignments, I have strengthened my ability to display my thoughts and ideas in my writing. In studying the writing styles of other authors, I have been exposed to take on different roles in my writing. My own writing style has strengthened because within each assignment, I have been presented a new method of creative writing. The process of becoming a creative writer has not changed for me, but instead it has allowed me to think more abstractly as opposed to writing the conventional essay.  Creative writing is not difficult in my opinion because the words I present are under my own discretion. There is no set of rules and no correct answer when it comes to the story I want to display. The blog assignments have helped me throughout the course because they have allowed me to elaborate on my own work, as well as the work of other authors. I am satisfied with the quality of my work so far, and I am looking forward to creating more of my best writing throughout the rest of the semester.

Blog Assignment #6: Author's Note- Writing About a Place

For my second assignment, I decided to write about a venue in lower Manhattan whose atmosphere delivers a sense of excitement, fantasy, and admiration. I was inspired to describe this place for my assignment because there are numerous elements that allowed me to elaborate freely as well as continuously. Whether it be emotional states, effects of music, or the ambiance itself it is a place of positivity. It allows individuals to appreciate music in an environment where the outside world is nonexistent. It creates a temporary place of escape. Below is an excerpt from this piece.

            As you pay your price, you then find yourself anxiously walking down its white walled hallway. Glancing towards the merchandise booth as you glide by, the over priced t-shirts become a blur to the eye. Suddenly, the white lights dissolve into the dark. The further you follow the dimness, the closer you are to the place of importance. Walking into the performance space delivers the vitality that life needs. Stopping at the middle of its invisible floors, a sense of peace comes about. Being here becomes psychologically healing. It is an inviting atmosphere that does not know any strangers. You become immune to its comforting darkness and musical therapy.

Upon writing this piece, I have learned how fulfilling it can be to describe a place that you constantly associate yourself with. The reason for this is because you are able to take into account all of the things that you appreciate about it. It becomes exciting to execute an environment in writing to someone that has never been there. Each detail becomes important and you become determined to display that place as effectively as you can to others. I created this piece on a word processor and a genuine mindset of being in its environment. I will be revising this piece for my final portfolio by adding on to its description to intensify its tonality. Writing this piece has now allowed me to view all environments as a possible inspiration as well as a learning experience.

Blog Assignment #5: Responding to a Personal Memoir

Frank McCourt’s acclaimed work Angela’s Ashes is a memoir based the hardship and memories of his childhood in Ireland. I believe Angela’s Ashes has gained so much popularity because of its unique storyline, and intermediate writing style which appeals to a vast amount of readers. Upon reading an excerpt of the work, I have come across many points in the story that remain indistinctive in my mind. McCourt evokes the discomfort of living in Ireland during the 1930’s by writing” Your lavatory, missus? ...Sure, isn’t this the lavatory for the whole lane. You’ll see passing your door here the buckets of eleven families and I can tell you it gets very powerful here in the warm weather, very powerful altogether.” By successfully retelling the genuine poverty of this time, McCourt is able to present sensory details to his readers. In the work, McCourt is also able to effectively display the poverty his family existed through, and the small things they had to do in order to survive each day. McCourt writes” We find bits of coal and turf stuck in cracks on the road and ion the walls of coal yards. We find bits of paper and cardboard that will be useful in starting the fire again.” Showing that life at his young age was full of worry and lacked any sort of enjoyment and positivity.  I enjoyed the manner in which McCourt was able to present relatable truth to his readers while still being able to tell his dated story. McCourt explains “I know that big people don’t like questions from children. They can ask all the questions they like, How’s school? Are you a good boy? Did you say your prayers? but if you ask them did they say their prayers you might be hit on the head.”  McCourt’s ability to display his life while remaining aesthetically pleasing allows his readers to remain intrigued throughout this work. This is the reason why his writing remains effective as well as successful.