After spending a week in the mountains of Colorado, I can't help but think of the huge role nature plays in telling a story. Setting grounds the reader and give important background information. #engl3220

As I contemplate what to write my next essay about, I keep falling back on short pieces done during class. The small exercises may had seemed unsubstantial during class, but after putting it away for weeks, a second look makes it seem much more appealing. #engl3220

In "Last Taboo," Wesley Morris uses examples from the media to show the inequality that stems from black sexuality. The use of the media gave this topic tangible topics that I was able to recognize and empathize with. #engl3220

Symbols are often used in writing to reference back to earlier moments in the story. I plan on bringing one of these elements into my next piece to tie it all together in a way that is not repetitive. #engl3220

I've found it very interesting to write and read about memories from a long time ago, as one may not remember every detail. It is tricky to balance believablity and reality in these works. #engl3220

While reading manuscripts today, I've found it so interesting how different writers write about their families. Family seems to be an easy topic for nonfiction writers, but it can be taken and used in so many different ways that can bring so much depth to a story. #engl3220

I've been thinking a lot about nonfiction writing lately and how it really serves as a special window into the writers' lives. I feel very privileged to read and get to know my peers through this technique; our friendships have become very unique and special to me. #ENGL3220

thewritepractice.com/second-person/ I've been thinking a lot about the use of second person point of view, and I think this explanation really helped me understand the usefulness of it. It really pulls readers into the story more by making it more personal through 'you.' #ENGL3220

A new year of life always makes me think about memoir writing and how much more substance is to come in the future for my story. It excites me, yet scares me. I never know what I will add to my story next. #ENGL3220

Revising my work has always been difficult for me. How do I create a balance of keeping what I think is good and what my editor thinks is good? #engl3220

The lyric essay is one that "give primacy to artfulness over the conveying of information." I am excited to experiment with they form of writing in one of my next pieces! #engl3220 hws.edu/senecareview/l…

The use of dates in Diane Seuss' "Anniversary Disease" gave me a lot of information about the narrator in the brevity of the piece. They connected traumatic moments in order to keep the reader grounded and create a very callous tone. #engl3220 brevitymag.com/nonfiction/ann…

Flash pieces are always difficult for me to write as I love to expand and describe things in depth. But "for this writing genre to succeed, meaning is reduced to its essence" which means I have to 'go for the jugular' immediately. #engl3220 brevitymag.com/craft-essays/f…

Revising my work this past week has been tough. Revision feels endless, and my perfectionism doesn't help. Trusting my peers' edits and my own judgments has been a really interesting process. #ENGL3220

I changed the title of my first piece to a line I pulled from the climax of the story. I can only hope my peers in workshop today think it captures the story as well as I do. #ENGL3220

I am looking forward to hearing what my peers have revised in our final workshop today. Learning from these incredible peers has been one of the most rewarding experiences this semester. #ENGL3220

In a little less than two weeks I will be traveling to Switzerland for a Maymester course on International Health and Social Justice. I can only imagine the stories I will be able to write from this amazing opportunity! #ENGL3220

Without a doubt, my favorite pieces this semester have been narrative family stories. My family plays a huge role in my life, so hearing others experiences with their's is something I love to read. #ENGL3220

I want to thank Joy Castro for an amazing class and semester! This class has been one of my favorites. I have been challenged and enlightened, and have learned so much about my writing. THANK YOU for bringing your wisdom and intellect to Vanderbilt ❤️#ENGL3220