Nikkie Prosperini
Media and Government
11/24/08
Before this course, I really do not know what my attitudes were towards media coverage of government. I suppose, I would have thought it negative, just because then I was not at all fond of our government. All that I really heard about before hand was about scandals involving political figures or something about how Bush’s approval ratings were dropping (not exactly a shocker, but it was in the news).
After this course, I have sort of come away with a new mode of thinking in that perhaps there is some difference between government and politics. So, while media coverage of politics can be negative, media coverage of the government could be positive, or vice versa.
But even after this course, I think that our media is not doing its job as well as it should! Postman’s book and looking at so much of the election coverage brought that home for me this semester. Our media really needs to step up and take a stand in the types of stories they choose to feed our nation. It is like we have said in class: The media may not tell us what to think, but they tell us what to think about. And, I think our society needs to be thinking more about real issues in our world not celebrity gossip or rumors about political figures.
Also from this course, I learned more about politics and elections than I ever knew before. Studying everything that was talked about and looking at how things were covered and how the coverage shifted during different times of the election was interesting as well. It was interesting to look at the trends in coverage, and I think I learned how to better spot those trends from taking this course. I think we are all very lucky to have been taking this course during the 2008 Presidential Election. This course has also taught me that’s it is okay to stick to your beliefs if you have sound reason behind them, regardless of what others think.
I don’t know that I wished I had learned any more from this course. I am very pleased with what was learned. I took a lot from this course and will continue to use the knowledge that I have gained in the future. I definitely feel like I am more of a well-rounded person for having taken this course. It gave me more insight into politics and government and media, which were some areas that I was lacking sufficient knowledge in. Thanks, Doc.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
The How To Blog About How To Get Started in Freelance Writing
So, you have the degree, that little piece of paper that's hung in a nice frame on your wall or suffocating under books, bills, and spare change on your desk. You're out of school, and nothing in the local classifieds seems to be calling your name. What's the next step? Well, for you, and other professionals looking to make it in the writing world, my advice is to consider freelancing.
What? You don't know how to get started? Well, here are my top 3 tips on how to get started in freelance writing.
1. Make sure you have everything you need to stay on top of the game. And you don't even have to spend thousands of dollars on top of the line gadgets, leather brief cases, or cool looking fountain pens. (Although any of those things could make fantastic holiday gifts, so spread the word to your family around shopping time.) Still, you need to find what works for you. What is the best way for you to organize your ideas, emails, contact information, drafts, etc.? Once you consider those things, check out dailywritingtips.com for a list of what every freelance writer needs to get started.
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/top-tools-to-get-started-in-freelance-writing/
2. Practice writing. I know you've just got done writing all those papers and projects from college, but this is the real world now. And you if you don't practice, you're freelance writing career will fall faster than Little George Bush's approval rating. Start off small and talk to your local paper. Also, don't be afraid to practice writing different versions query letters for your stories. Then ask a friend or colleague what they think! Do some exploring on Aboutfreelancewriting.com for some more information.
http://aboutfreelancewriting.com/articles/gettingstarted/bestwaystogetstarted.htm
3. Consider all of the different types of writing opportunities available. Sure, everyone wants that Time magazine cover story, but you need to think realistically when just starting out. There are tons of different writing jobs out there. You just may need to think outside the box a little bit. Consider writing for free or writing greeting cards to build up your clip file. Associated Content and E Working Women both have excellent information on various types of writing that could get your started in the freelance world.
What? You don't know how to get started? Well, here are my top 3 tips on how to get started in freelance writing.
1. Make sure you have everything you need to stay on top of the game. And you don't even have to spend thousands of dollars on top of the line gadgets, leather brief cases, or cool looking fountain pens. (Although any of those things could make fantastic holiday gifts, so spread the word to your family around shopping time.) Still, you need to find what works for you. What is the best way for you to organize your ideas, emails, contact information, drafts, etc.? Once you consider those things, check out dailywritingtips.com for a list of what every freelance writer needs to get started.
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/top-tools-to-get-started-in-freelance-writing/
2. Practice writing. I know you've just got done writing all those papers and projects from college, but this is the real world now. And you if you don't practice, you're freelance writing career will fall faster than Little George Bush's approval rating. Start off small and talk to your local paper. Also, don't be afraid to practice writing different versions query letters for your stories. Then ask a friend or colleague what they think! Do some exploring on Aboutfreelancewriting.com for some more information.
http://aboutfreelancewriting.com/articles/gettingstarted/bestwaystogetstarted.htm
3. Consider all of the different types of writing opportunities available. Sure, everyone wants that Time magazine cover story, but you need to think realistically when just starting out. There are tons of different writing jobs out there. You just may need to think outside the box a little bit. Consider writing for free or writing greeting cards to build up your clip file. Associated Content and E Working Women both have excellent information on various types of writing that could get your started in the freelance world.
Associated Content
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/382589/five_tips_on_how_to_build_your_freelance.html?cat=3
E Working Women
http://www.eworkingwomen.com/experts/writer.html
Finally . . . . think positively about the baby steps you may have to take to get to where you want to be with your writing career. Everyone walks before they run. You just may write greeting cards before your Newsweek cover.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Feature Story Query Letter
Jane Doe
Editor
Woman’s Day Magazine
1633 Broadway, 42nd FloorNew York, New York 10019November 14, 2008
Dear Jane Doe,
Proposed Article:
Ballot for the Unborn: The Story of One Mother’s Vote
A little over a month ago, a young woman stood behind a small, black voting booth to cast her ballot for the next President of the United States. To anyone else, this ballot, with its bubbles colored in meticulously with black ink and then hidden within a confidential folder, didn’t seem at all different from the ones cast before it and the tens of thousands to be cast after it. To 26-year old Elizabeth Kerns, however, this vote meant much more. This is because it was cast not for herself, but for her children.
My article will feature the decision behind one woman’s vote, while also looking at how different aspects of society have changed over the course of her life. This section will include information on economic changes, such as food and gasoline prices, and cultural changes such as the #1 television shows and movies.
I believe that my article would be a great addition to your “Family” section in Woman’s Day. This is because, in addition to my story, I will include a sidebar with money saving tips for those families looking to stretch their paychecks in our currently struggling economy.
With my article, your readers will find themselves learning about another family like theirs, one that shares many of the same values, concerns and hopes for the world as they do. They will also be able to take comfort in knowing that families all over the nation are trying their hardest to give their families the love and support they need to thrive in our world today.
As your publication prefers electronic correspondence, I will be in touch via email within the next few weeks to see how my proposed article was received. Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Nikkie Prosperini
1111 Street Ave.
Springfield, IL. 62704.
123-456-7890
Editor
Woman’s Day Magazine
1633 Broadway, 42nd FloorNew York, New York 10019November 14, 2008
Dear Jane Doe,
Proposed Article:
Ballot for the Unborn: The Story of One Mother’s Vote
A little over a month ago, a young woman stood behind a small, black voting booth to cast her ballot for the next President of the United States. To anyone else, this ballot, with its bubbles colored in meticulously with black ink and then hidden within a confidential folder, didn’t seem at all different from the ones cast before it and the tens of thousands to be cast after it. To 26-year old Elizabeth Kerns, however, this vote meant much more. This is because it was cast not for herself, but for her children.
My article will feature the decision behind one woman’s vote, while also looking at how different aspects of society have changed over the course of her life. This section will include information on economic changes, such as food and gasoline prices, and cultural changes such as the #1 television shows and movies.
I believe that my article would be a great addition to your “Family” section in Woman’s Day. This is because, in addition to my story, I will include a sidebar with money saving tips for those families looking to stretch their paychecks in our currently struggling economy.
With my article, your readers will find themselves learning about another family like theirs, one that shares many of the same values, concerns and hopes for the world as they do. They will also be able to take comfort in knowing that families all over the nation are trying their hardest to give their families the love and support they need to thrive in our world today.
As your publication prefers electronic correspondence, I will be in touch via email within the next few weeks to see how my proposed article was received. Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Nikkie Prosperini
1111 Street Ave.
Springfield, IL. 62704.
123-456-7890
Feature Story
Ballot for the Unborn
The Story of One Mother’s Vote
By Nikkie Prosperini
SPRINGFIELD, IL - - A little over a month ago, a young woman stood behind a small, black voting booth to cast her ballot for the next President of the United States.
To anyone else, this ballot, with its bubbles colored in meticulously with black ink and then hidden within a confidential folder, didn’t seem at all different from the ones cast before it and the tens of thousands to be cast after it.
To 26-year old Elizabeth Kerns, however, this vote meant much more. This is because it was cast not for herself, but for her children.
She and husband Matthew, who works with home mortgages at Wells Fargo, reside in Chatham, Illinois, just a few miles south of Springfield.
The two are awaiting the arrival of their second child, who they affectionately refer to as ‘Peanut,’ in April of 2009. Their first son, Caden Matthew, is just over a year old.
“I want them to be able to look forward to a long, healthy life without worrying if money will be there when they retire,” Kerns said. “I also want them to be able to afford to go to college.”
And college is something that holds a special place in Kerns’s heart.
Both of her parents were college professors, and Kerns herself works part time as a communications professor at Springfield College-Benedictine University in Springfield, Illinois.
“I’ve just grown up around it,” she said. “And I really love working with the students I meet.”
But mother and college professor aren’t the only time cards Kerns punches throughout the week.
She is also the Director of Local Chamber Relations and Event Coordinator for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce as well as the incoming President for the Illinois chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
However, it’s not only Kerns’s love of keeping busy that has her taking on so many posts.
“It all helps because day care is so expensive, especially with the second baby coming,” Kerns said.
And perhaps it was her busy schedule that had Kerns voting earlier for Barack Obama as our next President.
“I’m a registered Democrat, but very independent in my thinking,” she said, going on to describe herself as “fiscally conservative, but socially liberal.”
And it was her “socially liberal” views that had Kerns relating more to Illinois Senator Barack Obama than Arizona Senator John McCain.
“Personally, I feel that he (Obama) represents me better if you look at the large scope of things,” Kerns said.
“I’m not for big government, but, I especially believe in issues like education and our image to foreign countries and companies,” she continued. “I think Obama will represent our country better than McCain.”
While some questions had risen during the campaign about Obama’s qualifications to be President, Kerns does not see his lesser amount of experience as an obstacle to his adequately governing the nation.
“His passion spoke to me first,” Kerns said. “I then looked at where he had done in the past and where he wants to take us. That’s what qualifies him for me.”
Even if the amount of Obama’s experience was an issue for Kerns, she believes that his choice of Joe Biden for his Vice President was a wise decision.
(Although, she was hoping that Hilary Clinton got the part.)
“It was a good choice with Biden because Obama’s weakness is foreign policy,” Kerns said. “Biden is established in Washington, but forward thinking. They compliment each other well.”
It is the Obama/Biden approach to foreign policy that makes Kerns want to vote for that ticket.
“I think their approach to foreign policy will get us on the right track,” she said. “Within the last ten years, Middle Eastern and Muslim hatred toward the United States has grown.”
And even Kerns’s own career has been disrupted by this tension between the Middle East and the United States.
“They pulled an internship to Prague that I was supposed to go on.” Kerns said. “And, I was supposed to intern in Alexandria, Egypt in 2002, but they pulled that because of fears that I could get abducted.”
Along with foreign affairs, Kerns lists the current economic situation as the biggest problem or challenge facing our country today.
“This is a global recession, and we need to bring the country back to equal ground,” Kerns said. “If we can’t play nice with the rest of the world, no one will help us. And this is when the whole world needs to come together.”
And Kerns admits that she isn’t exactly sure what needs to be done to help our country in the midst of the recession or to help the United States rework the image it projects to the rest of the world.
“I do know,” she said. “It will take the whole world working together.”
And while it is uncertain, at this point, if the whole world will be able to work together for change, it is certain that virtually the whole world has changed since Kerns was born in 1982.
There have been changes in everything from life expectancy to the rate of inflation to the price per gallon of gasoline.
But what do all these changes mean in terms of the type of world ‘Peanut’ Kerns will be born into in 2009?
Well, Peanut can expect to live a little longer than his or her parents as the average life expectancy has increased a few percentage points since mom was born.
But, Peanut’s parents will be paying more for food than his or her grandparents did. Eggs in 1982 cost $.84 per dozen where now they cost over $2. And the price of a gallon of milk has increased from $2.24 in 1982 to around $4.28 in 2008.
Peanut will grow up with the Internet, and probably prefer WALL-E over E.T.
He or she will probably be bombarded with more reality T.V. shows than ever, while only encountering Cheers and Taxi in reruns on channels like Nick at Nite or T.V. Land.
Kerns will most likely be the first to admit that the world her children will grow up in will be different from the one she knew in the 1980’s.
The voting of this past presidential election has already told us that.
On November 4th, 2008, the citizens of the United States of America elected the first African American president to office.
And Kerns helped that historic moment come to fruition.
It was done quietly and alone.
It was done by the darkening of an oval on the Illinois ballot next to the name that read: Barack Obama.
Even as prices change and rates for this or that increase or decrease, Kerns believes that Barack Obama will lead our nation to a better place, where we as a nation will be economically stable and in better standing with the rest of the world.
In short, the hope Kerns sees in the presidency of Barack Obama runs deep.
She sees hope for her family’s future: for herself and her husband, for their son, Caden, who toddles around exploring his world with bright, blue eyes, and hope for their Peanut, the one who still awaits his or her entrance into these changing times.
The Story of One Mother’s Vote
By Nikkie Prosperini
SPRINGFIELD, IL - - A little over a month ago, a young woman stood behind a small, black voting booth to cast her ballot for the next President of the United States.
To anyone else, this ballot, with its bubbles colored in meticulously with black ink and then hidden within a confidential folder, didn’t seem at all different from the ones cast before it and the tens of thousands to be cast after it.
To 26-year old Elizabeth Kerns, however, this vote meant much more. This is because it was cast not for herself, but for her children.
She and husband Matthew, who works with home mortgages at Wells Fargo, reside in Chatham, Illinois, just a few miles south of Springfield.
The two are awaiting the arrival of their second child, who they affectionately refer to as ‘Peanut,’ in April of 2009. Their first son, Caden Matthew, is just over a year old.
“I want them to be able to look forward to a long, healthy life without worrying if money will be there when they retire,” Kerns said. “I also want them to be able to afford to go to college.”
And college is something that holds a special place in Kerns’s heart.
Both of her parents were college professors, and Kerns herself works part time as a communications professor at Springfield College-Benedictine University in Springfield, Illinois.
“I’ve just grown up around it,” she said. “And I really love working with the students I meet.”
But mother and college professor aren’t the only time cards Kerns punches throughout the week.
She is also the Director of Local Chamber Relations and Event Coordinator for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce as well as the incoming President for the Illinois chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
However, it’s not only Kerns’s love of keeping busy that has her taking on so many posts.
“It all helps because day care is so expensive, especially with the second baby coming,” Kerns said.
And perhaps it was her busy schedule that had Kerns voting earlier for Barack Obama as our next President.
“I’m a registered Democrat, but very independent in my thinking,” she said, going on to describe herself as “fiscally conservative, but socially liberal.”
And it was her “socially liberal” views that had Kerns relating more to Illinois Senator Barack Obama than Arizona Senator John McCain.
“Personally, I feel that he (Obama) represents me better if you look at the large scope of things,” Kerns said.
“I’m not for big government, but, I especially believe in issues like education and our image to foreign countries and companies,” she continued. “I think Obama will represent our country better than McCain.”
While some questions had risen during the campaign about Obama’s qualifications to be President, Kerns does not see his lesser amount of experience as an obstacle to his adequately governing the nation.
“His passion spoke to me first,” Kerns said. “I then looked at where he had done in the past and where he wants to take us. That’s what qualifies him for me.”
Even if the amount of Obama’s experience was an issue for Kerns, she believes that his choice of Joe Biden for his Vice President was a wise decision.
(Although, she was hoping that Hilary Clinton got the part.)
“It was a good choice with Biden because Obama’s weakness is foreign policy,” Kerns said. “Biden is established in Washington, but forward thinking. They compliment each other well.”
It is the Obama/Biden approach to foreign policy that makes Kerns want to vote for that ticket.
“I think their approach to foreign policy will get us on the right track,” she said. “Within the last ten years, Middle Eastern and Muslim hatred toward the United States has grown.”
And even Kerns’s own career has been disrupted by this tension between the Middle East and the United States.
“They pulled an internship to Prague that I was supposed to go on.” Kerns said. “And, I was supposed to intern in Alexandria, Egypt in 2002, but they pulled that because of fears that I could get abducted.”
Along with foreign affairs, Kerns lists the current economic situation as the biggest problem or challenge facing our country today.
“This is a global recession, and we need to bring the country back to equal ground,” Kerns said. “If we can’t play nice with the rest of the world, no one will help us. And this is when the whole world needs to come together.”
And Kerns admits that she isn’t exactly sure what needs to be done to help our country in the midst of the recession or to help the United States rework the image it projects to the rest of the world.
“I do know,” she said. “It will take the whole world working together.”
And while it is uncertain, at this point, if the whole world will be able to work together for change, it is certain that virtually the whole world has changed since Kerns was born in 1982.
There have been changes in everything from life expectancy to the rate of inflation to the price per gallon of gasoline.
But what do all these changes mean in terms of the type of world ‘Peanut’ Kerns will be born into in 2009?
Well, Peanut can expect to live a little longer than his or her parents as the average life expectancy has increased a few percentage points since mom was born.
But, Peanut’s parents will be paying more for food than his or her grandparents did. Eggs in 1982 cost $.84 per dozen where now they cost over $2. And the price of a gallon of milk has increased from $2.24 in 1982 to around $4.28 in 2008.
Peanut will grow up with the Internet, and probably prefer WALL-E over E.T.
He or she will probably be bombarded with more reality T.V. shows than ever, while only encountering Cheers and Taxi in reruns on channels like Nick at Nite or T.V. Land.
Kerns will most likely be the first to admit that the world her children will grow up in will be different from the one she knew in the 1980’s.
The voting of this past presidential election has already told us that.
On November 4th, 2008, the citizens of the United States of America elected the first African American president to office.
And Kerns helped that historic moment come to fruition.
It was done quietly and alone.
It was done by the darkening of an oval on the Illinois ballot next to the name that read: Barack Obama.
Even as prices change and rates for this or that increase or decrease, Kerns believes that Barack Obama will lead our nation to a better place, where we as a nation will be economically stable and in better standing with the rest of the world.
In short, the hope Kerns sees in the presidency of Barack Obama runs deep.
She sees hope for her family’s future: for herself and her husband, for their son, Caden, who toddles around exploring his world with bright, blue eyes, and hope for their Peanut, the one who still awaits his or her entrance into these changing times.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Query Letter 11.12.08 or Sparkle and Three-toed pandas!
Query Letter:
- Sparkle: Will more often than not look a lot like your story lede. Could be a rhetorical question. To hook interest and demonstrate that your story is right down their alley. This should be the best example of how you can right, throughout the entire query letter.
- Credentials: Mention the previous publications in which you have been published.
- Showcase your skills: - Rite reall good Your query letter should sparkle without.
- Close letter: Set a follow up
Other helpful tidbits that will no doubt help you and your query letter sparkle:
- Before writing your query letter, read two or three copies of the magazines to which you wish to submit.
- Generally, keep query letters to one-page in length.
- For email queries, write no more than a single screen, and do not send email attachments. (Doc recommends copying and pasting any attachments into the body of the email.)
- Include date.
- Should be addressed to the appropriate editor.
- Stay away from, if at all possible, from titles such as Mr., Ms., Mrs.
- Use formal address, such as Dear Mike Smith, but not Dear Mr. Smith because hey, Mike Smith could be a girl named Mike.
- Don't stress if perhaps they "steal" a story idea you sent to them. Just don't query to them anymore. They aren't worth it.
- That void where unanswered query letters go is the same place as where the lost socks from the dryer end up. Who knew!
Links to helpful websites about query letters (that sparkle!):
http://www.poewar.com/how-to-write-a-query-letter/
Friday, November 7, 2008
Media and Gov. 11/7/08 discussion - draft
1) How much of the election news has been packaged as entertainment?
I think the majority of the election coverage has played off of emotions rather than as entertainment value. Their were many ads that were negative while there were few ads that actually had the candidates telling America what their policies were or what they were going to do as President.
2) Whose fault is this? The candidates? The media? Everyone else?
Media chooses to show certain things. But, the cadnidates also choose to place negative ads on TV that tells you why NOT to vote for the other guy as opposed to why you should should vote for them. Still again, it is also the fault of the Americans who do not take the time to do any real research into the candidates's policies and ideas or do not take the time to research any attacks on the candidates to see if they are grounded in truth or not. Certain people in my family are an example of this. I don't want to get into all of it right now, but: They have only read the emails with excerpts from Obama's book that supposedly show he is evil; they have never read the whole book in context. That makes me sick.
3) What does this do to America's ability to gather information?
4) How important were the debates to the election turnout?
5) How did the media do in covering race within the election?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Postmodernism (Med. and Gov)
Postmodernism:
Jon Margolis – Instead of a definition, it has attributes, one of which, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is an air of “ironic self-reference and absurdity.”
Nikkie's research - Reacting against modern attributes and style by returning to classic and traditional perspectives or taking modern practices to extremes. (That's what I took from dictionary.com's definitions)
I think it's a word people throw around without really knowing what it means. But, here is a link to a favorite little book of mine by Andrew Boyd. It's called Life's Little Deconstruction Book:Self-Help for the Post-Hip. And it is a bunch of quotes and one liners to get you thinking and smirking.
CLICK: "Read the book" for excerpts! It's wonderful fun, it is!
Jon Margolis – Instead of a definition, it has attributes, one of which, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is an air of “ironic self-reference and absurdity.”
Nikkie's research - Reacting against modern attributes and style by returning to classic and traditional perspectives or taking modern practices to extremes. (That's what I took from dictionary.com's definitions)
Katie's research gives us - decline of absoulte truth . . . fragmentation . . . no answers . . . playful celebration of chaos.
Began at 5:29 a.m. July 16, 1945 when first atomic bomb went off? i.e. end of mondernism, decline of progress, death of progress. Interesting tidbit for thought.
Studs Terkel Assignment
In reading the obituary from the Chicago Sun Times, I felt as if I had come away knowing a lot about Studs Tekel, not only about his life about his personality and ideals as well.
This something that has to be done in writing obits. You need to get to know the person by talking respectfully with his or her family, and then present that information in a way that honors and remembers them and makes others feel as if they knew them or what kind of a person they were. The obit writer for Studs Terkel did this wonderfully, but part of me thinks that Studs Terkel was just the kind of guy that made eveyone feel good about themselves andwas just a guy that everyone would love to be around.
A qoute from Terkel that I really liked in the Chicago Sun Times article was:
"A tape recorder is a revolutionary instrument. It's no good for a talk with a movie actress or a politician, because they're so plastic. But a tape recorder on the steps of a housing project is something else again. There a person who a moment ago was just a statistic starts talking to you and becomes human, becomes a person."
~ This shows me that you really need to consider who you talk to for an interview for a story. I reaffirms that you need to look at from where you can get your own, different angle on the story. And, Studs is saying that you need to be the voice of those who may not know how to be a voice for themselves or their own people. He also shows in this statement that some of the best stories come from the places where you least expect them. And, I think that it is the journalist's job to look beyond the normal interviewees with their packaged quotes and talking points. This is because you have a job to not only get the truth to the poeple, but to be a voice for those people who want to speak the truth and have a story to tell. And, in doing this, I think it can add to a greater understanding between people of different cultures, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds as well. I tihnk people need to listen to others more, to people who are different than they are in some way because, in the end, the things that bring us together are that we are all human and every human has a story. Studs Terkel devoted his life to telling those stories.
In my own writing and interviewing, I know I have to look deeper for my sources and for the ones I interview because those are the stories that need to be told. Also, I believe that Studs Terkel understood the art of really listening to someone and hearing what they had to say. And, when someone knows that you are taking a genuine interest in what they have to say, they will be more open towards you. You also need to show respect for all people, and I think that can be done as well by true listening and honest, decent communication skills. In my opinion, that is one thing that our society is lacking today: Decent communication skills that show respect for someone else's opinion.
Another interesting qoute that taught me something was:
Studs credited his blacklisting experience for his future prominence as a writer.
"In a strange way, it helped me," Studs recalled. "I probably would never have gotten into writing books otherwise, or into WFMT. I was never publically pilloried; I was able to continue to make a living."
"In a strange way, it helped me," Studs recalled. "I probably would never have gotten into writing books otherwise, or into WFMT. I was never publically pilloried; I was able to continue to make a living."
~This helps me as a writer. It sort of connected with me, in that, Terkel never (as far as I can tell) regretted any associations or outcomes because of those situations. I think he realized that he would do what he was meant to do, and that he would do great things. Studs Terkel has then taught me that you have to live your life the way you want to, by your own standards because only then will you be lead you to where you are supposed to be. Basically, you have to learn from evey point in your life and know that, if you are true to yourself, you will end up where you were meant to be. (I think I just said the same thing twice). Anyway, back to how this connects with me: I was born three months premature with a 30% chance of survival. I am here to do something great. I know it. I am supposed to be dead right now, but I am not! So, therefore, I have to have faith in myself and my abilities to know that I will get to where I am supposed to. And, if some people do know agree with my ideals or decisions or values or anything else, that is okay. I will live my life, learn from my mistakes, and basically hang on for the ride knowing that things will happen as they are meant to and that everything makes good copy.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Creative Non-Fiction Analysis
Link to story:
My Analysis:
For this analysis, I chose a piece entitled “Screaming Mornings: Living with Autism.” I found this story on the Internet when I searched for creative non-fiction essays. Written by Leslie Bonner, it was published in the online literary magazine Literary Mama, whose core audience is, well, mothers. Also referred to as an E-Zine, this publication caters specifically to creative non-fiction written by mothers and the “maternally inclined.”
According to the characteristics found on Wikipedia, pieces of creative non-fiction differ themselves from other types of non-fiction, such as technical writing, in that they contain accurate facts while the story reads as a piece of fiction. This story includes both of those elements. It is written as any fictitious short story might be written, but the information in the story is true and factual. Wikipedia goes on to say that this subject matter is something that can be verified as existing in the natural world. However, I believe this is a bit too vague because even events written about in pure fiction stories can happen in the natural world. Therefore, in the creative non-fiction realm, the subject matter is that which has been experienced first hand by the author. And, the creative non-fiction pieces recount a specific event in the author’s life.
Bonner’s subject matter comes from her everyday life and experiences and is not something that she, as the writer, made up in her mind. A blurb ran in the magazine, before the piece itself actually begins stating that this story is a “snapshot of a typical morning” for the author. Thus, it is something she experienced, not an event she created. This characteristic is one that, as Wikipedia suggests, distinguishes creative non-fiction from regular fiction and other types of writing.
Wikipedia states that in creative non-fiction, “the narrative form and structure disclose the writer’s artistry." In regards to literary style and technique, the story is beautifully written. Bonner uses an interesting tense and tone that sets it apart from other pieces of creative writing. The reflective, thoughtful tone is strong throughout the length of the story. There is an almost a haunting, surreal feeling throughout the work as she only uses simple nouns and pronouns, such as “I,” “you.” and “Daddy.” I think that when you are reading this piece, you can tell that the author has really experienced these crazy, intense mornings with her husband and son. It is as if the story was written with Bonner speaking to her son. To me, it almost feels like a memoir, like it could be a part of a larger work.
Bonner also uses very little dialogue, except to emphasize the emotions felt by herself and her son. Also, I think the lack of dialogue was used to emphasize, perhaps symbolize, the lack of communication she has (or had) with her son and possibly with her husband. In longer pieces of fiction or creative non-fiction, this technique could be a very dangerous one. This is because most audiences, or readers, expect a story to be told, and for dialogue to occur between the characters. However, there are certain situations where this is acceptable as long as the author can keep the readers engaged. Bonner does this with ease. She grabs you attention with two simple, yet intense sentences in the first paragraph. And Bonner holds your attention throughout with her delicate imagery that paints a picture dripping with many different emotions such as despair, guilt, anger and resentment. All in all, her lack of dialogue does not take away from the story. It, in fact, is used in such a way that its scarcity only adds to the overall tension.
I feel that the way Bonner chose the best way to write about her family’s struggle with Autism. Instead of just writing an informative, researched based article about the symptoms or signs of the Asperger’s Syndrome, she really captured what it was like to live day to day with her autistic son. She was able to use literary styles and techniques to delve into what she experiences and, in turn, draw readers into those same experiences. Also, short story writing has greater emotional appeal and more chances for readers to put themselves within the story.
Still, Bonner’s story has many of the elements Donald Murray says belong in effective pieces of journalistic writing. Her story is rife with tension and conflict, which both fiction and journalistic writing should have in order to be compelling stories that the intended audience will read until the end of the story or article. The main, external conflict within the story – between Bonner and her 7 year-old son – as well as the various internal conflicts are the obvious forces that drive the tension until the very end of the story.
Bonner’s work, “Screaming Mornings: Living with Autism,” shares many of the characteristics of creative non-fiction writing as described by Wikipedia. Her story deals with a topic that could happen in the natural world, and it is based on actual life experiences rather than something Bonner created in her mind. Also, this actual life experience gives Bonner credibility, just as relevant, logical examples lend opinion pieces credibility.
One thing I have learned in class and that I have learned in reading about creative non-fiction is that it, like other pieces of writing – journalistic or otherwise – is often hard to define with certain set of boundaries or characteristics. Also, any given characteristics must be taken more as guidelines or boundaries as opposed to steadfast rules. However, all pieces of writing generally need to have tension and conflict and impact in order to hold reader’s attention or make connections with readers.
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