Discuss an “Aha” from Creative Writing class.

This isn’t so much an “Aha” but more so something that has changed my life for the better. This semester, we got the chance to interview the elderly at Bow View Manor this was an instance in my life that changed my life because I realized the importance of the elderly voice. We often neglect our elders, but when we do this, we are silencing and repressing a voice. We are losing a voice that can offer a plethora of wisdom and knowledge. I guess my “Aha” from Creative Writing is the importance of voices, especially the elderly.

What have you accomplished as a reader? What is your PLAN to read next?

My reading has been more stable this semester as I finally found a balance between school, friends, and my personal desires. This newfound balance allowed me to focus on my reading when things got busy! Also, I have tracked my reading for an entire year! This in itself is an accomplishment, as I am able to go back and look at everything I read in 2017. Being an AP ELA student I often found that I was reading and enjoying novels for the sake of the class, not necessarily enjoying novels for what they had to offer or say. With this in mind, my plan for reading is to read books that I want to read and to not be scared to put a book down when I don’t enjoy it.

Discuss the best book you read this semester.

The best book I read this semester was The Handmaid’s Tale. I loved this novel because it discussed feminine repression, which I am a strong advocate against. Margaret Atwood helped solidify my stance of a feminist through Offred and everything that the other handmaids go through.

How does reading improve your writing?

Reading is the best thing you could do for your writing because you are exposing yourself to another author’s voice and style, which you can emulate in your own writing. Through reading, you are also able to explore ideas and experiences that you wouldn’t otherwise have, this creates empathy which is an important emotion for a writer. Empathy, as a writer, connects you to your audience.

 What have you accomplished as a writer? What is your PLAN to write next?

As a writer, I have come to realize that writing is for yourself and not for anyone else – which is an accomplishment because it eliminates the fear associated with sharing your pieces with others. I plan to continue to use this blog; however, I most likely won’t be publishing full fleshed-out posts but instead, posting or creating a page where I can post my poetry which is a growing interest of mine. I also want to write in my journal every night to sustain and improve upon my writing in terms of voice and style.

Will you take Creative Writing again? Why? Why not?

HECK YEAH. I would because it is a safe place that allowed me to explore my voice and who I am as a person. It was a place without judgment, which is hard to find in high school.

What are your next steps to improve as a writer?

• Read 20 minutes a day (at least)
• Write for 10 minutes a day (at least)