College Writing Review

In advertising, we work directly with public relations and marketing disciplines. These three combined provide many opportunities for writing. Whether that is from social media to press releases to annual reports. There are areas for creative and professional writing.

For example, when branding a company, you have to create their “voice.” This must be incorporated into everything they produce, from emails to articles to copy on the website. This opens the door to writing with personality. Through this class, I have gotten the opportunity to really let my personality bleed through my stories. The assignments have allowed this because we are required to put a twist on a published story.

(Writing a Paper - Photographer Julia Rymut)

Before this class, I only wrote research papers or executive summaries for advertising campaigns. These were more straightforward and rigid assignments because storytelling was not incorporated.

At work today, some of my coworkers were reading an article about storytelling, and it got me thinking about how even corporate businesses can use this technique. I work for a nonprofit, so storytelling is the heart of our writing because we are trying to pluck the heartstrings of our supporters. However, a business can also use this method because there are plenty of success stories that can be used as promotional materials.

Typing Test Tech Tip

I used TypyingTest.com for my typing test tech tip this week. I was able to choose what type of information I wanted to type for one minute, so I chose Aesop's Fables. I thought it was fitting for this class. With a score of 72 percent, I was pretty happy with myself. I took a test like this last year, and I don't think I scored this well, so it was good to see improvement!

Famous Last Words: Week 11

This week, I read the Looking-Glass unit, which had many stories about the Disney movie Alice and Wonderland. For example, one of my favorite stories was Tweedledum and Tweedledee. I have always referred to them together, but with Tweedledee coming first in the pattern, so that was an interesting formatting difference I picked up on. The story was a funky one because to be honest, the characters were quite odd. They talk so quickly and “poetically” that the reader has to really hone in on each sentence to fully comprehend.

My other classes are going well. I took a test this morning for my Languages Across Cultures class, which went pretty well. I mean, I haven’t gotten my grade back yet, but I am feeling pretty confident about my performance. We read a book this past month about languages dying out. We went through the different aspect about endangered languages that make them so incredibly unique. For example, some languages have 60 words to describe different types of reindeer. This is necessary because they are traditionally reindeer herders so while these names require more memory, they make life easier and more efficient when it comes to working the field.

(Grazing Reindeer - Photo by Dean Biggins)

I also took a major point away from this reading in my Languages Across Cultures class. I was misinformed about something, so the book set me straight. I thought one of the main differences between languages was that you couldn’t communicate all of the exact same thoughts because of language differences. I was wrong though because the book explained that you can express the exact same thoughts in every single language. You might have to use 20 words to express a thought that takes only one word in a different language, but in the end, you can express it as well as comprehend it.

Essay: Looking-Glass

The Looking-Glass was a fun unit to explore because it brought me back to my childhood. I haven’t seen the Disney movie Alice and Wonderland in years, so the stories were a good reminder of the plot and characters. I liked how this unit was split up into little sections so some stories were all connected while all of the stories fit into the same theme. My favorite story of the unit was Tweedledum and Tweedledee because the two little men were so clever with their poetry and remarks. At points, they were a little annoying and immature, but that is what made the story so excellent. I understood who the characters were after just one or two stories about a simple conversation.

(Tweedledee and Tweedledum - Illustrator Ward Kimball) 

After read the title of the unit, I would have had no idea what the stories were about unless I had read the little description under the title. When I read there would be some stories about Tweedledee and Tweedledum and Humpty Dumpty, I knew I wanted to read more.  I read the author’s note and realized the title comes from the world Alice explores. This was a great piece of information to include because I would have been unsure what the title meant without it.  

I also noticed in the little summary of the unit, the name “Tweedledum “ is spelt with an “e” at the end. I am pretty sure that letter that needs to be deleted. That is the only part I would change though, and even that isn’t a huge deal because I still understood who the character was because of his outlandish and memorable name.

I left the unit wanting to go watch the cartoon version of Alice and Wonderland. I actually haven’t seen the more recent version with Johnny Depp, so now might be the best opportunity for me to watch it since the story is on my mind.

Reading Diary A: Looking-Glass

Looking-Glass

Looking-Glass: Tweedledum And Tweedledee: I haven’t watched the movie Alice and Wonderland in so long that I almost forgot about Alice’s encounter with the two twin characters, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. The two little men seemed so mischievous and cunning with their directions and poems. After reading the line, “But the little men only looked at each other and grinned,” my view of them was confirmed because their pesky personalities were revealed through their simple grins. I also liked that the story inserted bits of information about Alice’s feelings after her journey. It gave the story a deeper, holistic summary.

(Tweedledee and Tweedledum - Illustration by John Tenniel)

The Walrus and Carpenter: It was cool to read another unit where some of the stories were connected to each other. I almost felt like I was reading a short novel about Alice.

In this snippet of the little men’s poem, I started realizing how purposeful each word was placed. For example, the moon was not referred to as an “it” but instead a “she”. Here is the section of the poem:

The moon was shining sulkily,

Because she thought the sun

Had got no business to be there

After the day was done —

"It's very rude of him," she said,

"To come and spoil the fun!"

There was a friendly war between the moon and the sun that reminded me of some of the Native American stories I had read a few weeks ago for this class. After reading this story, I also looked up the word “sulkily” to confirm its meaning. That then led me to look up words in the definition, so I now know more synonyms for the word “sulkily." These include ‘sullen,’ ‘morose,’ and ‘resentful.’

Reading Diary A: Blackfoot Stories

Blackfoot Stories 

Two Fast Runners: This story had its own unique writing style that was slight, but noticeable because of the short length of the story. For example, this sentence shows the style I am referring to: “So they agreed that they would have a race to decide which could run the faster, and on this race they bet their galls.” Instead of simply saying, “which could run faster,” the word the is inserted to give attention to the word faster. It made me realize how small changes can really make a difference to a reader, even if you think it is too minor to notice.  

I also had to look up the word gall to make sure I knew what the two animals were talking about as they bet who could win the race. I was correct that the word gall stood for gallbladder, but I never knew that when the name of that organ is shortened, it is referring to an animal’s gallbladder instead of a humans’.

(Antelope - Photographer Unknown)

The Wolf Man: I noticed the author mentioned what a piskun was in the author’s note. This was a helpful hint because I find myself constantly looking up the meaning of words sprinkled throughout different texts.

The man moved away from his wives to a butte. When taking Geology last semester, I learned about buttes, so if you can believe it, my Geology class helped me better understand my Mythology and Folklore class.

Man, those two wives were brutal and clearly possessed seared consciences! It made me happy though to see animals come to man’s rescue instead of the other way around. The idea of a punishing society makes me think it was the Indian’s primal form of a government or court system.

Famous Last Words Week 9

I keep writing this every time I do a Famous Last Words post, but I think my best writing for the week came from my Bible Women Storybook. This week, I revised my second story, and when I read back through it, I was super proud of my writing! I had a few corrections to make, but overall, the story flowed well from top to bottom, and it fit seamlessly with my overall theme.

When I want to get into the writer’s groove, I usually try to write all of my thoughts down, not worrying about the grammar or correct formatting. This way, I can let my mind breathe and rest from the anxiety of looking at a blank page. Once I get on a roll, I keep writing until I see an ending point. After I complete all of my thoughts on a Word document, I read back through the story to correct the spelling mistakes, complete confusing sentences or omit empty thoughts. I want to start looking for images on Pinterest instead of just Google Images because I like it when I can find paintings of the objects or people.

I went to Cancun, Mexico this week for spring break, which was so much fun! I went with three of my girlfriends that I used to live with when I lived in Oklahoma. Since I am graduating in May and getting married in June, I wanted to have one last trip taking advantage of my spring break. When we were there, we had a lot of great conversation and most of it was about the books we were reading. I decided to re-read The Screwtape Letters because the first time I read it I only reached the half way point before I switched to a new book. It was full of so many intelligent and convicting thoughts. It opened my eyes to the ways I can be tricked into thinking I am being righteous when really I am being a hypocrite.

(Turtle in Cancun, Mexico - Photo by csp_lunamarina)

Google Timer Tech Tip

I had no idea this feature even existed with Google, but it will be handy for cooking or baking. I usually just use my phone, but if I am using the Internet for a recipe, this version of a timer might be a better option.

I could also use this timer when I do freelance design work for people because I will know exactly how much time I spend on their projects so I know how much money to charge them for each design.

Just type in Google timer into your Google search and it will pop up!

Storytelling Week 9: Neen-i-zu's Adventure

(Fairy - Artist Unknown)

In the great sate of Michigan, the Obbydooby forest was located. It was also the home to a quiet young lady named Neen-i-zu. She loved the outdoors and spent most of her mornings strolling around the beautiful landscape. Once noon hit, Neen-i-zu would trek over to Lake Superior to visit her friends. In most cases, the word “friend” would refer to other young women like herself, but not in this story.

Being the daughter of an Indian chief, her roots were in royalty, but her heart was with nature. After the womb, she had an instant connection to the greenery and animals around her. This curiosity frightened her parents, giving them a more anxious walk of life than they would have hoped. However, these emotions didn’t hinder the love they possessed for their only child. They loved her greatly and told her that as often as they could.

Neen-i-zu means “My Dear Life,” which was a more than fitting name for this lass. She had vigor flowing through her veins and bones that didn’t stay still. Always on an adventure, Neen-i-zu found creatures almost unimaginable to most humans. Her open mind allowed her to fully believe what she saw.

The first time Neen-i-zu journeyed to Lake Superior, she walked along the shoreline by herself. For hours she walked. The sun was about to set when she heard a few faint voices coming from behind her. She immediately entered fight-or-flight mode. Unsure where these voices were coming from, she became determined to find the source.

“We admire you Miss Neen-i-zu,” the child-like voice said.

Neen-i-zu immediately replied, “Who are you? Show yourself.”

“You must believe in order to see us Miss Neen-i-zu,” the voice told her.

“I do believe. You are frightening me though, so please come out from your hiding! I will not hurt you,” Neen-i-zu said.

With fear, the voices gathered together to decide their next move. The Puk-Wudjies stepped out of the bushes and walked to the feet of Neen-i-zu.

She was looking up, trying to spot the creatures that had been talking to her when she felt a tingling on her feet. Right when she peered down, she saw the little creatures. They were almost fairy-like, but she had never set eyes upon something this magical.

The Puk-Wudjies quickly spoke to calm her frightened face and told her they were fairies of the Obbydooby forest, but that she shouldn’t be scared. They were there to teach her about the spacious woods.

Author's Note: I chose this story because I wanted to change it up and almost create a completely new story! The original tale has the same characters and locations, but the plot was focused more on Neen-i-zu’s adventures with the little fairies. I wanted to create a story that focused on the beginning of Neen-i-zu’s life and her initial meeting of the fairies. My version also leaves the reader hanging at the end!

Bibliography: The Fairy Bride. Native American Stories. Mythology and Folklore UN-Textbook. American Indian Fairy Tales by W.T. Larned, with illustrations by John Rae (1921). 

Reading Diary B: Native American Stories

Native American Stories

The Fairy Bride: This line caught my attention: “Her eyes had the look of one who has dwelt in secret places, and seen things strange and mysterious.” It made me curious to see what would distinguish eyes that have seen secret places from normal eyes.

When the hills (made by the grasshoppers) were mentioned, the Native American culture came to life. When I took Cherokee, I noticed there were many connections with nature and animals. Also, we probably learned more animal names than any other subject. Anytime another animal was mentioned, the same carefree attitude was expressed.

This comparison was simple, but creative: “Puk-Wudjies would vanish in the woods, but their footprints, no larger than a child's.”

(Michschievous Little Fairies - Artist Unknown)

The Fairy Bride (cont.): In my Languages Across Cultures class, I have been learning about some endangered languages that still use the moon to tell time. They are either nomads are live primarily in the woods. This line made me think of that method of telling time: “An Indian would say he could hang his powder horn upon it (moon), and that it meant dry weather when the leaves crackled under the hunter's feet and the animals fled before him.”

The conversation between the mother and daughter reminded me of a modern movie. I feel like fighting to be the most “wise” is an argument that commonly happens between a mother and her child. I know in my own life, I would tell my mom that I was smarter than her with driving even though I had only been driving for less than a year.

Reading Diary A: American Indian Fairy Tales

American Indian Fairy Tales

Iagoo, the Story-Teller

(Iagoo, the Story-Teller - Author Unknown)

This was the first story of the bunch, and I thought it did an excellent job at setting up the story. The first few paragraphs were intriguing because of the use of words. For example, I thought this description of the Earth was beautifully said, “ He knew the fairy tales and the wonder stories told him by his grandfather, who had heard them from his grandfather, and so on, away back to the time when the world was young and strange, and there was magic in almost everything.”

My expectations were also met after reading this bit of the unit because I was expecting the Native American stories to have natural significance and meaning.

American Indian: Shin-ge-bis Fools the North Wind

As a child, you feel like everything is so much bigger than reality shows to adults. I thought it was cute when the little timid girl thought the North Wind could hurt her. Iagoo had a peaceful, yet powerful response that as long as she is brave and cheerful, the mighty wind would not hurt her.

The North and South Wind seem to be significant pieces in many of the stories. I read this one right after I read Iagoo, the Story-Teller, so I saw the use of the common use of the wind back to back.

The names were so odd in this story, which doesn’t truly surprise me! They were actually fun to try and pronounce. For example, the King of the Land of Ice was an old man named Ka-bib-on-okka, and the South Wind’s name was Sha-won-dasee.

Famous Last Words of Week 8

I really enjoyed this week for two main reasons.

First, the review writing assignments were both insightful and relaxing. Instead of stressing to read all of my stories to complete each reading diary assignment, I could just reflect on my experience in the class thus far. I didn’t get to read much of my classmate’s posts, but I did gain some tips on my own writing and commenting opportunities.  The commenting post forced me to read comments I had not gotten the time to read, so I was able to get some helpful tips for my storybook.

In my other classes, I had my second Introduction to Marketing test and completed my mid-term paper for my Introduction to Human Relations class. So that was nice to get out of the way. We just have one more week until spring break!

My friends and I are going to Mexico in exactly a week! We planned the trip so long ago that I almost forgot I was going until recently. Thankfully the online classes give time for spring break, so all I had to figure out was taking off time from work. I am getting married in June, which is less than one hundred days away, so I am excited to hang out with my girlfriends for almost a full week!

(Mexico Beach - Photo by Danielle Petrie)

I spend most of my days listening to music in some form or fashion, whether that is in the car or while I am working or even working out. This week I feel like I haven’t gotten to listen to much music though. I want to change that next week by finding a new band through Spotify radio. This way I might even find some songs I can incorporate into my wedding!

I hope everyone reading this is having a splendid day!

Commenting Review Week

Many of the storybooks or assignments I chose to comment were written by friends I made before the class. There are about five people enrolled in the course that I have had previous classes with, am in the same sorority with or are great friends. That previously established rapport helps me to take their critiques less personally.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Candle Lighting with Annie Tucker (another student in the class)

Photo by Kara David

When people comment on my work, I love it when they encourage first or give me praise for something they enjoyed, and then broke down their critiques. Because I have enjoyed this format, I try to do the same for them.

When I leave a short comment, I usually focus on the big pictures, so more from a holistic perspective. When I leave the longer comments on people’s storybooks or portfolios, I like to start off with the holistic perspective then get down to the nitty-gritty.

For my storybook, I received some helpful comments that noted the positives and negatives. For example, I tend to create run-on sentences when I am creatively writing. So some of the critiques were to separate those thoughts out into two sentences.

Writing Review Post

Before I started journeying through my old storytelling posts, I knew where my most successful writing was located. My storybook writings have been my most creative, concise and purposeful stories. Even though there are only two, I see the cohesiveness already forming. The writing style I chose helps the stories seamlessly flow together. By having God narrate the whole storybook and randomly, but purposefully, input his opinions throughout the stories, the compilations become unified.

One writing goal I have for myself is pushing the limits on my traditional predisposition. I have already tried to put personality into my writings, but I think I get timid when trying something new because I fear sounding dumb.

(Boy Hanging off a Slide - Photo by ImaSwedeStock)

I chose to include this picture because it was the image I used for my first storytelling post, The Mean Bully and the Child. By reading that post and comparing it to my more recent storytelling posts, I see the improvement.  

By looking at other people’s writings, I have been inspired. There are a few students that have a knack for storytelling, so I seek to mimic their styles and use of their principle of meaningful vocabulary.

When I start to write a story, I have entered the hardest part. I hate the beginning when you are just staring at a blank sheet of digital paper. After I get an idea down though, it is so much more fun to write.

Reading Review Week

As I reminisce over my past reading diaries, some of the stories jump back out at me. I had completely forgotten about the Tales of a Parrot collection, and I am not sure if that is because I didn’t enjoy it as much or because I simply forgot. One reason might be because I had an instant connection with both collections in the Biblical Unit, and the African Unit were fresh on my mind. Tales of a Parrot was also more complex and written with a higher level of vocabulary, so it took more time to understand the bottom line.

I have already started using the Adam and Eve and Bible Women collections for my final storybook because I fell in love with the stories. This is an image from my first post that comes from the story of Eve in the Bible Women collection. It represents both mistakes and grace. 

(Garden of Eden - Artist: Lucas Cranach)

I usually connect my reading diary posts with my storytelling assignment because the stories I enjoy the most are the ones I want to recreate in my own words. As I look over my summaries for some of the stories, I tend to forget the stories with shorter descriptions. In the beginning, I wrote lengthy paragraphs about my favorite stories so that helped me to remember the plot, characters and purpose of the story.

It is so interesting because I do see overlap with this class and two of my other classes. One is my Languages Across Cultures class because we delve deep into the cultures that are lost when languages die. Many cultures are preserved because of folklore and songs. My other class that it overlaps with is my Introduction to Human Relations class where we talk heavily about discrimination. By reading mythological stories and folklore from different culture, it helps you appreciate other people’s roots.

Famous Last Words Week 7

With all of the snow and ice this week, I have been cooped up in my house because of work being canceled. It has given me a lot of free time to get my homework done though! I mean, with all of my classes being online, I am use to being at home most of the day working on my computer. My sister has had to do much of her homework from home too, so we have done work together and played some cards in our free time.

This week, I read stories from the South American Unit. I enjoyed the Nigerian Unit so much last week that I wanted to choose a similar one for this week.

Today in Texas, it is very snowy outside so my sister had her school canceled, which means we get to watch movies together all day! Her friends recommended us watch the movie, “The Good Lie,” because they came across it earlier this week when school was canceled then. It is about a few Sudan children escaping their tribe that was attacked by soldiers. They walked all the way to the Kakuma Refuge Camp in Kenya (almost 1,000 miles away), barefoot. They ended up staying there for thirteen years until they are sent to the United States. So far, I have really enjoyed the film so I do recommend it.

(The Good Lie - Designer Unknown)

My other classes haven’t been too stressful because I have had enough time to finish my homework. Next week, I have my second test in my Introduction to Marketing class, which I plan to start studying for this weekend. I had to read 100 pages in my book for my Languages Across Cultures class, which was called, “When Languages Die.” We are studying about the importance of keeping endangered languages alive because we loose information about the capabilities of human beings when different languages die.

Essay: Exploring the South African Unit

I read the South African Unit this week, and I really enjoyed it. Last week, I read the Nigerian Unit and like it very much, so I wanted to pick a unit that was similar for this week’s assignments. I started reading the More Brer Rabbit Unit, but the writing style was hard to follow, so I immediately switched over to the South African Unit after reading just the first story.  

(Elephant - Photo by Proimos)

In terms of my overall goals for this class, this unit did not fit in directly, but it did give me insight on how to end my stories with a short lesson. For the storybook project, I am basing my stories off of the Bible Women Unit and other stories from the Bible. My faith is a passion of mine, so I am very happy the Biblical units were assigned at the beginning because I think those first few reading really influenced the direction of my final project.

After reading the Biblical Unit, I formed some goals for the class. I wanted to read about different religions and cultures to expand my current knowledge base. I have already accomplished some of that goal, so I decided to switch over to a new type of unit. The Nigerian Unit helped open my mind on the different types of options out there for me to read for this class. I now see how I was limiting myself by strictly sticking to my original goals. I have now expanded my goals to incorporate a diverse set of stories. This way I can learn about different writing styles attached to cultures from around the world and explore funkier, less traditional writings. I still want to read about religions when they are options, but I do not want to put myself in a box.

This class can help push my routine-like, traditional nature.  

Storytelling Week 7: The Wisest Lion

In the open prairie, Lion and Bloke (the Only man) were wrestling with each other along with the animals that slowly arrived to watch. They were having a gay ol’ time when the rain came pouring down. Not a second when by before the droplets of water were coming down like bullets instead of fairy dust.

(Lion - Photo by Namibia)

Both Lion and Man knowing exactly where they needed to go, ran their separate ways without daring to tell the other their ingenious plan. Lion first ran to discuss his plan with his Mother to get one last ounce of confidence.

She immediately asked him where he had been playing all day. To which he responded he had been wrestling the Bloke, the Man. Startled by his response, she gave him some insight about the creature of the man.

She said, “Be on watch when around the Man for he has evil intent swimming amongst his thoughts. He acts, walks and thinks differently than you and I, so keep your guard up and never visit him again.”

With his eyes rolling and his head held high, the lion refused to listen to his mother’s advice for he knew he was far wiser than his senile mother.

Not long after this conversation, the lion ran to the rain-field to hide behind a bush, in the hopes of beating Bloke to the secret spot.

Whilst this occurred, the mother of lion quickly met with Bloke to finalize their plan. Bloke was going to give lion a scare to make him listen to his mother for her gut told her that her son would not obey her command, which is why this trickery was a necessity. Finishing their conversation with a short, but meaningful handshake. The two grasped the other’s hand or paw and said a short prayer.

Lion had already made it to his bush where he anxiously awaited the arrival of Bloke and his white dogs. A whistling sound was coming from the distance, but it was so faint, lion couldn’t make out what it was. Before he could think much longer, Bloke was just feet away from the bush. Lion pounced for the Man’s head, but was struck by the white dogs in mid air. Immediately, the Man let off a shot with his pistol, hitting lion in the right shoulder. Leaving the animal to fend for himself, the Man informed the lion’s mother to go look for him by the secret bush. She met him with a helping hand and carried him back to their den.

While on man is a rarity, not all men share the same love for the lion. Be careful who you trust and hold on to your mother’s teachings.

Author’s Note: Lion Who Thought Himself Wiser than His Mother was a story from the South African Unit in the Mythology and Folklore UN-Textbook. The story is very similar to the one I just wrote, but it does not include a friendship with the mother lion and the Man, Bloke. I wanted to give the story more of a background so you see the relationships the characters have with each other even if all the characters in the story don’t know about it. The voice of the two stories is similar, but the lessons are slightly different.

Bibliography: Lion Who Thought Himself Wiser than His Mother. South African Unit. South African Folk-Tales. Mythology and Folklore UN-Textbook. James Honey (1010).

Reading Diary B: South African Folklore

South African Folklore

When Lion Could Fly: I learned what a kraal was by reading this story – an African village of huts. Without even knowing the story came from the South African unit, you can pick up on hints like the word kraal and take a very educated guess what unit it is from. Coming from the knowledge I do have about lions, the story gives an interested twist to the history of the creature. Once being able to fly, but now since the frog broke his prey’s bones, he must hunt on all fours. This is how I picture the lion in his most majestic stance, hunting for its game to devour, on all fours, not flying.

(Lioness and Cup - Photo by amychyde)

Lion Who Thought Himself Wiser than His Mother: This one line comes from the mother lion:

"My son! That Man whose head is in a line with his shoulders and breast, who has pinching weapons, who keeps white dogs, who goes about wearing the tuft of a tiger's tail, beware of him!"

The way she describes the Man is fascinating. We look at animals by their features, but hearing a description of a human from an animal sounds quite odd. It is something I have never really thought much about. What do humans look like to animals?

In the end, the mother was right, but the Man showed mercy on the younger lion by letting him go after he had been shot. The Man’s white dogs were about to tear him apart, but instead of killing the lion, he taught him the lesson of listening to his wise mother.