Here are the guidelines:
- Reading responses must be AT LEAST 200 words.
- Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
- From the "Comment As" drop-down menu, choose Anonymous, then click "Publish."
- Reading responses are due by midnight on the night PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.
After reading “Creative Writing” by Wallace Stegner, I realized my understanding of the real definition and purpose of this style of writing was much clearer than before. The author truly opened my mind to the endless possibilities to express oneself through vivid writing. I could not agree more when he mentioned that the importance is in the use of language and in other words, appealing to the reader’s senses. One thing I like about this type of writing is the freedom that the writer is given to write about what they know and express it the way they want. It is unlike other types of writing that is simply explaining direct facts. Although, with freedom comes great responsibility and that is the writer’s purpose to convey what they are trying to say by painting an image for the reader. The goal is not to merely tell a story but to engage the audience with the descriptions created by the use of the right words. Stegner made the excellent point that a good writer can make the reader not only see but feel their point of view. With that in mind, it is not enough to just have something to say but to have the sense of control to communicate your point to the reader. Moreover, that is exactly what Stegner meant when bringing up the fact that having a weapon does not make someone a hunter. It is about how you use the weapon and the same goes for creative writing. Using the gift of words and imagery will bring to life the experience for the reader and create a timeless story to be remembered.
ReplyDelete-Natalia Martinez
This reading blew my mind in so many ways. Most of the things Stegner was writing about in this reading I can relate. I want to talk about two points that really stood out to me and I felt were inspiring. First, the exact definition of writing when Stegner says “we need only define. Creative writing means imaginative writing, writing as an art.” I’m no different from anyone and I get self-conscious about what I write at times. Sometimes I feel my work isn’t good enough, and other times I feel great joy in my work. Stegner meaning of his words really brings me hope and realization that there is no wrong or right way to attack creative writing. I feel he was very uplifting in the freedom that we should take as writers and not to be afraid to explore and be different with our words. Second, Stegner talks about the prayer that should be made by anyone hoping to be writer. This prayer took how I felt and put it into words perfectly. It talks about teaching love, humbleness, respect of different human emotions, and finding the right words, so your words do not get overlooked and forgotten. This was very touching and inspiring to see. I love writing and I want to be creative and make an impact with my words, so when others read they will respect and have an idea of where I am coming from. This reading has brought ease to my mind and has brought my creative juices to the for front. It is very different from “standard academic writing” that focuses more on grammar. This is what I feel writing should be about to reach creative communication in a different level meant to inspire. This was refreshing to read in the first week of class!
ReplyDelete-Gilbert Sanchez
One thing that really caught my attention was when the author Wallace Stegner mentioned the prayer that anyone wanting to be a writer should consider praying to the Lord about, (seeing as if the author believes in the Lord.) Although prayer is not my cup of tea, the words expressed in the prayer really spoke to me in my beliefs on how humans should be. “Teach me to love and teach me to be humble and let me learn to respect human differences, human privacy, human dignity, human pain. And then let me find the words to say it so it can’t be overlooked and can’t be forgotten.” I agree with Stegner when he mentions that creative writers are useless if gone unheard. And being a writer who writes dangerously and ready to aim, ALONG with following the prayer, it excites me to be a writer. Another part of the article that shook me was the part when mentions a writer who cheats or is prideful is less than nothing. It not only speaks about writers but as all humans. This man knows what he’s talking about since I believe it can be applied to everyone. The article really made me think of what kind of writer I aspire to be.
ReplyDelete-Miguel Garcia
According to Wallace Stegner, creative writing means imaginative writing, writing as art. Creative writing is meant to bring pleasure to the readers, provide an aesthetic experience, and uncover form and meaning. I agree with Wallace Stegner’s definition and meaning of what creative writing is and how it should be used. Creative writers have a different way of expressing their feelings and emotions through their use of language throughout their creative writing whether it be in a poem or short story, etc. Wallace explains how a hunter does not become a hunter simply because they hold a firearm as a comparison to how a creative writer is not a creative writer simply because they read or write. Becoming a creative writer is something that will take time and practice. A creative writer should be humble because they should be able to accept criticism from others and they should also be assertive because they know what work they have accomplished, however there is always room for improvement. A creative writer should be able to allow the reader to feel what the writer is trying to convey. This will make the reader want to continue to read to stop there. The way a creative writer will grow is through reading and creating art and learning through the mistakes.
ReplyDelete- Maria Ramos
The reading has made me comprehend a bit more about what creative writing truly is. I found the way he explained the way the writer is supposed to have the reader image and feel whatever he writes about the perfect way to explain what this type of writing is. He goes into detail and uses people as examples; one that sticks out is how he always goes back to ‘senses’ and how you should use those to write something good. If you want to write something that will really capture your audience what he says is “you have to know” have to really make the person feel whatever emotion the writer is trying to convey. Stegner really had me double reading some lines of this because he spoke freely, talked about the way a writer should write, and even talked about several topics many people wouldn’t even think of correlating to creative writing. Writers who still have trouble with the works of a good story or poem could really get some great advice from Stegner because he gives great advice on how to find your own writing style and just work on it. To get good writing so to say is to basically make the readers experience whatever is in front of your eyes.
ReplyDelete- Yaretzi Diaz
After reading the chapter, “Creative Writing,” by Wallace Stegner, I definitely gained a better outlook on why creative writing should not be looked down upon. Creative writing is an art as it is imaginative, making many think more than the obvious. Writing for one’s pleasure gives many the liberty to express one’s self without many restrictions. Creative writers have freedom to write what they like as creative writing does not have many rules as to writing formally. One can mention their opinion and feelings whereas writing academically, it isn’t really right to include one’s thoughts—but an analysis. One point I thought Wallace made was that when he was mentioning Yeats, Eliot, and Joyce, he declared, “…these writers deliberately conceal as much as they reveal… (22)” For instance, interpreting a poem is not as easy as reading an essay because a work of literature includes only what the author wants it to include. Those forms of literature can be interpreted numerous ways—as that’s the beauty of it! Another great point Wallace made was the issue point of view is in one’s writing. How one will understand and follow through literature is crucial to understanding the stance and perspective the author wants us to take.
ReplyDelete-Karen Lamas
Wallace Stegner most certainly described and informed of his ideas on creative writing very well and clear. I’d say that I agree with most of his concepts pertaining to the importance of a writers use of language, symbolism, senses, etc.; for, I too believe that a good writer (or one who pursues to be) should delve into the variety of these tools of literary art in order to specifically create their own art through writing without limitations. Stegner stated, in page 27, “For the young writer there is no rule on language, there are only warnings, and they concern the extremes of choice. Bookish and literary language, the kind that half embarrasses its author when it is read aloud, is obviously a mistake; but so is the affected overmasculine toughness that some young men adopt in the belief that it permits them to love literature without being called effeminate”. I agree with that statement in the sense that no writer should feel ashamed if their writing isn’t as grammatically correct as another writers’ work, doesn’t suit their particular style/reputation, or any other fear. Also, in page 23, Stegner says, “No young writer needs to worry whether he [she/they] is going to be a naturalist, realist, romanticist, impressionist, surrealist, or anything else. The intellectual currents of time will carry him [her/them] into contact with most of them, and his [her/their] own enthusiasms will lead him [her/them] to follow one or another, or perhaps several in succession, before he [she/they] finds his [her/their] own way”. With that said, one can agree that every writer should have the freedom to experiment with and truly express their thoughts into their story with no regrets or worries.
ReplyDelete- Jasmine Hinojosa
After reading, "Creative Writing" by Wallace Stegner, I realized a much better understanding about how creative writing is really viewed in the real world and how It can be expressed through different styles. Being able to express oneself through writing without restriction could be something that many writers could find difficult to do but writers that have a certain style/form of writing will manipulate the words through their writing, which in this case, creative writing would be of great benefit to them. This reading helped me see how different writers’ have their own style and way of writing as well as making their readers understand different forms, they can also express themselves through creative writing styles. I was very intrigued on how certain similes were used to express the writer such as,” A good writer is cocked and aimed like a gun.” “If he isn’t a little dangerous, both to himself and others, he is not living up to his calling.”, both quotes, I strongly feel describe a very good style of how creative writing can be used. Creative writing is not only a form of writing style that can be used to tell a story, but it can be used to portray images through writing as well.
ReplyDelete-Ana Silvia Mears
I do believe that creative writing is a form of art that lets us express our emotions and thoughts through different forms of writing. Through creative writing we have had the privilege to read and see many forms of creative writing such as poetry, plays, movie scripts and even television scripts. What I really found interesting was the prayer that one should do if they want to become a good writer. I do believe that this is an excellent prayer because it mentions everything that an excellent writer would want such as being humble, having respect for others, finding the right words and many other important things. What I really learned though was that we should not worry about what type of writer we want to become. Throughout time we will experience most writing styles such as naturalist, realist, romanticist, impressionist, surrealist, and many others and from their our own interest will lead us to one form of writing or we may pick-up many forms of writing. After reading “Creative Writing” by Wallace Stegner I now know that in order to become an excellent creative writer I must use creative language, write about experiences, be selective with my words and make the reader see, hear and feel the words I am writing.
ReplyDelete-Noe Ramos
Wallace Stegner defines creative writing as art and different from the typical form of communication. And because it is so different, the purpose of creative writing is about writers bringing imaginative actions, feelings, and thoughts to readers for an aesthetic experience whether it’s in the form of poetry, a book, or a play. Creative writing is a long process of learning and accepting criticism, it takes practice. We should be willing to grow. The use of language and words are important for creative writing in order to persuade readers of the writer’s truth or at least make them care. Stegner explains that a good writer must question, doubt, and test. He advises to “see straight” and have “endless patience” when it comes to figuring out what to say. He expresses that creative writing begins with the senses, but with words. Without it, the writer doesn’t posses the power to orchestrate images, when images is all the reader has to hear, feel, and see. The writer must know the quality of things, observe, and communicate voice, gesture, and emotion. Stegner explains how a pearl is worthless when it’s taken from a dead oyster because it has no sheen. And that it’s the same with words, the words we value have sheen. I really liked that example, because it’s true. When words lose their value, there’s no meaning to what the writer is suggesting. Stegner’s view on creative writing had me reflecting on what type of writer I want to be and to figure out my writing style. His guidance really helped put creative writing into perspective and how I want my writing to be. It inspired me to continue learning and to not be doubtful over my work since there is always room for progress.
ReplyDelete-Bethzaida Ayala
This article was really mind drawing and it had me wondering a lot. It made me think about my path as a writer because it's no secret that I have always loved to write and literally about anything under the moon. Although its fairly easy to get discouraged I enjoy writing and all the challenges it comes with. I believe writing allows everyone to express themselves as the unique individual they are. Registering for this class had me questioning myself if I had what it took to be "creative" but I am sure I wasnt the only one whom overanalyzed creative writng. I began to think if it was anything I have ever written before. I agree with Wallace Stegner when he puts a magnifying glass on word choice because I believe word choice is crucial for ones work. Word choice to me is always significant to writing because your word choice could really alter ones thoughts and can make someone uninterested. Using words to allow them understand and relate to my work. Even when describing a feeling I use experiences that are followed my a feeling everyone will be able to relate too.
ReplyDelete-Natashia Mata
I think what stood out to me the most in Stegner’s work was the idea that while everyone may have the ability to use their words, it takes a certain level of finessing and artistic ability to be a truly effective creative writer. The writing produced through the genres that fall under the creative writing umbrella should be works of art, portraying something a writer felt so strongly about that they had to share with the world. Through this method of writing one should be able to take the mundane and turn it into something precious, using their words to paint a picture that doesn’t only allow the reader to see something, but allows the reader to see, feel, and experience something from a perspective that they may not have originally had. Now with all that being said, what I took away from this reading was that there isn’t quite one right way or one wrong way to go about this practice. While working through this reading I was introduced to several different examples of works from writers through time whose styles seemed to directly contradict each other, some focusing more heavily on metaphor while others try to do without entirely and so on and so on. The one thing these authors seemed to have in common though was a need to portray their version of the world and the beauty and the evil and whatever else they saw in it, encouraging others to take a second look. It reminded me that even if I feel that what I need or want to say may not seem important enough for someone else to read, it still feels important enough for me, and that may just be enough.
ReplyDelete-Raven Quintanilla
The way that Wallace Stegner brings up the definition of how creative writing begins in the sense of your aspirations towards your imagination, actions, experiences, and feelings. You as the writer can uncover some forms of meaning when it comes to creative writing. Wallace explains how some famous writers became good creative writers not by setting a standard but by practicing and learning what mistakes they made. The main purpose is for us to understand the process of expressive work and know the different types of styles that you can use. We can use that to learn how to knock down our readers and shock them, by creating a magnificent story. We need to have this in mind always to keep our audience. Learning how to keep our readers in our seats is a intellectual exercise that we need to practice. Wallace says that "Nothing is so likely to let the window of a young writer’s enthusiasm for creation as the rigid, genteel correctness that schools often try to impose. I believe that he is right when it comes to how schools set so much standards with our writing that we lose the imagination towards what we truly want to implicate. Language is the best thing we have created, and it makes us be able to express ourselves. I love also how we have such variety of choices to choose from which are different points of views that Wallace is genially trying to expose the attributes that we can obtain as good writers. This article helped me understand how there are many ways that creative writers can approach and also what kinds of writers we can be. We all make mistakes and we can learn how to grow throughout reading and being able to obtain a strong foundation when it comes to creative writing.
ReplyDelete-Max Garcia
In the end of the of the chapter, Wallace Stegner wrote “creativity implies both talent and hard work” and in my opinion it is true you need to be able to do work for what you are writing. You need to be able to read a lot of genres and see the many different techniques other writers use. "A good writer is cocked and aimed like a gun; when he pulls the trigger, he is not worrying about the caliber of his bullet or the special sound of the report.” When writing you need to be able to take your chances and not settle for something that will barely get you by. You need to be happy with your writing by taking chances and not be generic like other writers. I could use Stegner’s words on creativity writing when I become a teacher because I would like to see my student’s imagination and how they interpret their feelings about their writing. I hope to get better in writing my essays by adding more creativity because this chapter helped me realized that I should analyze the meaning to readings and poetry. To be a good writer is to have to creativity and be able to listen.
ReplyDelete-Melissa Garcia
Subsequent to reading creative writing, I understood my comprehension of the genuine definition and reason for this style of composing was much more clear than previously. The writer genuinely opened my psyche to the unlimited potential outcomes to communicate through distinctive composition. I can't help but concur when he referenced that the significance is in the utilization of language and at the end of the day, speaking to the reader's faculties. One thing I like about this kind of composing is the opportunity that the author is given to expound on what they know and express it the manner in which they need. It is not normal for different sorts of composing that is essentially clarifying direct realities. In spite of the fact that, with opportunity comes incredible duty and that is the essayist's motivation to pass on what they are attempting to state by painting a picture for the reader. The objective isn't to only recount to a story however to connect with the crowd with the portrayals made by the utilization of the correct words. Stegner made the magnificent point that a decent essayist can cause the reader see as well as to feel their perspective. In view of that, it isn't sufficient to simply have a comment however to have the feeling of control to impart your point to the reader. Additionally, that is actually what Stegner implied when raising the way that having a weapon doesn't make somebody a tracker. It is about how you utilize the weapon and the equivalent goes for experimental writing. Utilizing the endowment of words and symbolism will enliven the experience for the reader and make an immortal story to be recalled.
ReplyDelete-Julian Marroquin
After I completed reading "Creative Writing" by Wallace Stegner, my confidence and and determination for writing has risen now that I have read from a professional. Most of the writing and art I do is self-taught, so being able to view someone's ideals about the same profession I share is, to say the least, fascinating. Beforehand, my only comprehension/definition of creative writing was, "To write fictional narratives with inspiration from outside sources or through creativity." So, when I read that Mr. Stegner thought that words held an importance in language and even more to the reader's sense, I understood that every little piece of dialogue has importance to the bigger picture. Another piece of importance is painting a picture for the viewer though text alone. If authors are capable of creating a vivid image inside the audience’s imagination, then they in my eyes, have succeeded as an author. Finally, one line that struck to me was, “Creativity implies both talent and hard work.” To add on to my previous statement, this quote has a large amount of importance to becoming a good creative writer. If someone wants to be seen for their greatness they must put in the time, dedication, and improve their own creativity in order to stand out above the rest.
ReplyDelete-Raul Salazar
In reading "Creative Writing" by Stegner, I could relate to how we wrote and described creative writing itself. Part of taking this class was because I feel it will help to unlock imagination in my own personal writing. I personally loved "no rule for the student, except that he should read, and read, and read and fill his mind". Basically there are no rules, no limit you can reach, you read more, you learn more, your mind is then filled with more ideas as you continue to, so the possibility is limitless. There are no guidelines to follow, no information that can be falsified, its ultimatley what you choose to make it. "Every word is a symbol" because the writer makes it a symbol, whether its a color, an item, a person, an animal, the meaning for what it stands for is what the author wants it to be. One of my favorite books Huckleberry Finn was used as an example, and I don't think its ironic that I instantly could recall the book, and how Mark Twain, used the "inventive playful language" gave the book life. You can vividly picture what he was trying to get through, reading the book you could close your eyes after and imagine what he was seeing from how well he used the language to portray it. Which is a perfect example of there are no rules when it comes to creative writing.
ReplyDelete- Michelle Rodriguez
I completely agree with Wallace Stegner when he says that creative writing is a form of art. Creative writing can be interpreted differently by the audience who’s reading it and that’s okay. What you might think is romantic another might feel is a tragedy, and that’s okay! I also agree with Stegner when he says that because creative writing is so different we have to be strategic in the way with imagery, thoughts, and feelings. Creative writing is also a unique experience for everyone, and what I mean by that is what might come easy to others may be a challenge for me but as you continue to write you learn what your strengths and weaknesses are. You also learn to accept criticism because as I said before, people can interpret things differently from what you were trying to portray. After reading “Creative Writing” by Wallace Stegner I understand that to be a good writer you should talk about things you know and have experienced, use creative language to help picture what I’m trying to portray, and be selective with the words I chose so that my audience can feel and see everything that I write.
ReplyDelete-Daniela Rios
I did not have to read the whole thing to begin writing my post! I thought it was awesome how he discussed, compared, and contrasted several different writing styles. The one main part that really resonated with me was when he wrote "The best practice for finding the style that naturally fits him is to follow Hemingway's method, and simply try to state purely whatever is before his eyes." I feel like although know we are all in college and capable writers, it is important for us to stick to the fundamentals of writing. I feel like sometimes writers will make an attempt to write a very creative and (for lack of a better word) fancy sentence and in their attempt to do so will make it hard for the reader to understand exactly what they were trying to say. I also enjoyed the beginning where he was explaining creative writing. He was stating that creative writing is an art form. The beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder. We are all subjective to the writing we choose to read or write. Stegner really helps us understand that there are infinite ways to be a creative writer and that we as writers should not really push to fit a mold of a genre but just write how we feel and then the rest will take care of it self.
ReplyDelete-Alex Rodriguez