My views on writing...

    I am looking forward to this more challenging english class because I feel like I can actually do the work. I like to be challenged in my writing and I love any excuse to write. In the past, when having to write a paper, be it research or creative, I have taken alot of time and thought into it. I even have afterthoughts when I know there is no way I can change what I wrote, and I think about how I could've worded something better, or added humor here, or carried the story in a different plot turning way. I consider myself a good writer, but I am usually not confident in showcasing my writing. I do feel pride, usually, instead of embarrasment after my work is read, but in the past I haven't been too thrilled to have to read my work aloud. I think that is because I pour alot of myself into my writing; it's my way of expressing myself.      When I write for more of a research paper, I spend alot of time editing and revising. Last year I had over fifty note cards of quotes and statistics which I organized and numbered and filed into different catagories. I chose a topic that was different than any one elses and received an A on my paper. Even when it came to writing a speech about the topic you chose, I continued on my topic and felt empowered when I delivered my speech. As soon as it was over, I wanted to stand up and give it again. But beforehand, sitting there writing the speech, I remember being completely flustered because I didn't want to portray something in a way that no one could understand.        
    When I was younger, my teachers would always comment that I wrote the way I spoke....back then I didn't understand whether that was a compliment or an insult. And I saved mostly all of the things I had to write from way back then, and I understand somewhat more now. I didn't have much of a filter when I use to write, and my papers would be filled with my own opinions. I have learned to many more words since those days though, and I never turn in any writing that I'm not 100% comfterble with; otherwise I'd be up the entire night beforehand, rewriting the entire piece.

   I am mostly excited for the romance and horror sections of reading for this year. These are two generes that I read mostly and feel like I would enjoy the most. The poetry and some of the novels have me a little worried that they won't hold my attention as much, but I'm willing to try...