This evening’s session not only gave me the skills I needed to start my next paper but also made me excited to begin.  Magdala, Sam, and Sara all had unique stories regarding their writing backgrounds.  Though the process of writing can be tedious and tiresome, the presenting GRFs are obviously extremely passionate about their work.

I have only ever been excited to write creatively.  Creative writing lets me be honest about what I don’t know and understand.  There is no good and proper way to be creative.  So the anxiety is never there.

Sara encouraged me to bring that energy into my academic writing.  During the session, I noted practical ways to begin that journey.  First, I have to set a consistent location and time where I can work best.  This will allow me to get into what we call a “flow state” where I can easily work continuously.  Like myself, Sara likes ambient noise in cafes etc.  Sam likes dining spaces and coffee.  Magdala always has to have a cup of water.

The most beneficial potion of the session was when we addressed the pain of writing essays for different subjects and departments, for different professors, with different review styles.  I’ve always found this difficult.  Magdala told me what she wished someone had told her undergrad.  All writing is making and argument no matter the subject.  This may have cured me.