Explain: Why Do Writers Write?

Before moving on, click Download here

to check your answers from the previous section:

Next, consider where we house the stories we tell ourselves.

How many compartments or rooms safely encapsulate the memories, whether positive or negative, that make us who we are and stream personal narratives in our heads?

As writers, when we tap into the raw emotions in our own lives, we have the ability to escort our readers on a journey through the rich landscape of the human condition. As you prepare to set and accomplish writing goals in this course, take this opportunity for introspection.

The image above is an analogy representing five ways we compartmentalize stored information that, if we are willing, we can tap into to create vivid, powerful, and therapeutic writing. Each number on the image represents a single compartment, and below are five series of questions associated with each. Think about the associations between the locations in the image and the questions posed, and take the time to record answers to those questions in your interactive notebook. You are welcome to draw the image of the house and record your responses there if the image will help you. Transferring these memories you have housed in the theatre of your mind to descriptive language on paper will serve as your catalyst for composition throughout this course.

1. Attic

Are there hardships you have experienced that you are willing to share with certain audiences on occasions when it seems appropriate? How difficult is it to initiate the sharing? Does it feel somewhat cathartic once you have shared? Have you found that sharing these feelings creates a deeper connection with the person with whom you have chosen to share them?

2. Bedroom

When you are alone, do you often think about one particular incident? One particular person? One possibility? One dream? Do you share these thoughts with others, or do you keep them to yourself? If you do share, is it easier to do so via text, telephone, or in person? Why?

3. Kitchen

Are there certain events that have occurred within the family that are shared with family only? Why does the family discuss these events? What usually prompts the discussion? Why are these events so supremely private?

4. Living Room

Are there moments that outshine or eclipse other memories, moments that you openly share with those you know well and those you barely know because they do not expose your emotional vulnerability?

5. Basement

Are there circumstances or events you have overcome in life that you would find difficult to share with others? Does keeping them to yourself make them seem less real or does it keep them preserved like a documentary never aired?

*This is a major part of your pre-writing process. Make sure you have a saved copy of this reflection to submit at the end of this unit.

When you have carefully considered and recorded your answers to all of the questions, move on to the next section.