Keep the Blog Train Rolling!

Or something like that. As discussed, here is the final tally, the minimum needed:

• 33 blog posts (more will help your overall blog grade, especially if some of the 33 were skimpy)
• 22 comments on blog posts of your peers

Blog post assignment:

In honor, of reflecting back, write a letter to that writer you were so many weeks ago at the start of the semester. What does she/he need to know? *NOTE: this is not the letter you will include in the portfolio.

Happy blogging!

Second Essay!

That's right the revision of your second essay is due next week. And to celebrate, you should write a post where you again reflect on the changes you will be making.

You should also...blog. That's right, blog it up. We have precious few weeks left. Go out with bang, and not a whimper.

You Can See a Light at the End

So we're still going, but let's not lose steam. And other encouraging cliches. Try this post exercise:

Write about an issue most people would find trival but you find fascinating or are inordinately passionate about. Or write about an issue most people ignore but you find controversial.

Happy blogging.

Hurray, You Turned in Your 1st Essay

And now it's time to think about that next one. This time it's not all about you. The only prompt is to write about something outside of yourself. The best essay would involve some kind of primary research: going somewhere, observing something, talking to someone. In class, we'll be looking at profile essays and immersion essays for models.

And who says public shaming doesn't work? You are blogging nicely. Keep it up!

Post prompt:

What are your ideas for your next essay?

Happy writing!

Essay 1 Due Next Week, and Why Aren't You Blogging?

Hey,

Class, first, why aren't you blogging? You know who you are...that would me most of you. A friendly reminder: Your blog is 10% of your grade and several of you are failing.

Next assignment:

In honor of your essay being due next week, write about your revision process. What are you doing to that essay? What advice from the workshop did you find helpful? Etc.

Happy writing.

Don't Freak Out

Okay, so I've heard from overstressed people and some people who are stressed about the blogging. I'll be talking about this concern in class, but let me put down in writing so you can reassure yourself.

Don't freak out. Blogging is not formal writing. You should NOT be putting that much effort into it. Certainly not as much as writing your essays. I see writing a post in 10 minutes. So that's 30 minutes a week. The length of a sit-com, if they made sit-coms anymore. And then, you can scan your peers' blogs and make two comments in 10 minutes or under. So again, don't freak yourself out. Have fun with what you write and what you read.

The next two weeks' post assignments:

1. Over the next two weeks, you'll be reading Chuck Klosterman's book Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs. For one of your posts, please respond to a specific passage in Klosterman's book.

2. Write a rant about something. Anything. Rant against blogging. Doesn't matter. Just a passionate rant.

Happy Writing

Liar, Liar

Most of us look like we're well on our way. Writing up a storm. Remember to comment on at least two of your classmates' posts (though, of course, you can comment on more) and to post three of your own. You should also have 9 followers and be following 9 blogs.

This week I have another assigned post:

Tell us about a time you lied to someone. It can be an inconsequential lie, but then the question is why did you tell it. Remember we're in public so be careful what you say. Think about how much you can reveal while not revealing everything.

Happy writing!