8 a.m. class
Cheyene Buchanan:
When I write I am like a cloudy, rainy day. I am unsure about what is going to happen next. Will it rain or will the storm blow over? Will the words flow like flooded streets or will my thoughts be cloudy like the dark sky? As the sun peeks out from around the clouds I can tell the words I write will work.
*****
Quinn Campbell
When I write, I am like an old farm truck which runs
and most of the time doesn't. When I first sit down
to write there is a chance that I might not get
started just like the old farm truck. Once I get
started I don't know if I am going to go down the road
running smoothly or sputtering the whole way. But
there are times when that old farm truck starts up and
runs like a charm like me I sometimes can start up and
write like a charm.
*****
Zeke Carter:
When I write it is like playing the drums. When I play the drums I coordinate my feet, hands, and heart to beat a rhythm that expresses the emotions found deep in my heart. My mind wanders and different rhythms roll together to produce one united sound. A rhythm is woven that is a piece of me, a piece of my soul. Stress is released and my heart feels in balance with the universe. Of course, there are moments that my physical body cannot coordinate a rhythm that expresses the emotion found in my heart. These are tedious times. These are the times that I work, and work, and work to get my hands and feet to move together in a way just beyond their present ability. When I finally triumph, I feel a warmth come over me and new rhythms are produced unlike any that I have ever drummed before.
When I write if flows out of me. The alphabet is arranged into words, and symbols that express my aura, my emotions, and my thoughts. My fingers move and my emotions overflow. I type page, after page, after page. I cry, I laugh, I smile, I feel anger, all within the pages of my new creation. There comes a moment when I finally stop and look over what I have just created. The spelling is wrong and the grammar sloppy. I then realize that the words just typed do not express the emotions that I felt. These are the times that are tedious. I then work and work and work. I spell check, I edit, I spell check, I edit, and so on. After long hours of revising the paper there comes a moment when I finally feel a warmth in my heart. The spell check is no longer nagging complaints about the spelling. I then read it and I find that it expresses a piece of my soul, and at that moment I feel joy.
*****
Nate Christian:
When I write, I am a baby bird. I am not, however a sparrow
or a finch, but a baby eagle. Sitting comfortably and safely in a
nest with my brothers and sisters, quite content with having
nothing to do at all. No assignments, no due dates and no cares.
As I get started, I am learning to fly. My sentences are clumsy,
and I am not quite sure of myself or my abilities, but I know I
have great potential. As I observe the masters, my skills and my
confidence grow until by the end of an essay, I have worked myself
up to the point where I soar as comfortably and safely as I was in
my nest.
*****
Warren Duff:
When I write, it is like a seed. At first it is nothing special, but something small and insignificant. But gradually it begins to increase. As I brainstorm, my ideas water my writing, and my writing gradually grows. It continues until it blossoms and becomes something much bigger and better than what it was. Occasionally there are pitfalls, the writers block that batters at it like the wind, but this does not stop the process; it only continues to grow. As my ideas flow, like the sun it nourishes it until it is like a tree, grander and becoming all that it can become.
*****
Ryan Fisher:
When I write I am like an old engine on a cold morning, I begin
slow and rough, as I warm up things begin to run smoother until I
get further into the process and I am running at all cylinders.
Tally Gochis:
When I write, I feel as if I am a young boy at an amusement park, lost in the confusion of which area of thought I will explore next. When I do finally find the ride to take me on the train of thought, I feel as if I am the engine itself going on an uphill battle, struggling trying to get over that hump, for a downhill adventure through my mind.
*****
Stan Griffith:
When I write, I am like a hummingbird. My mind jets around all over the place, tasting different ideas, but never staying long enough to complete a thought. Once I have finally decided on a subject or topic, it starts all over again. Here and there: how should I start? How should I put this? Will this sound good? It seems to be a never ending journey.
*****
Tennile Griffith:
When I write, I feel like the four seasons of the year. I start off cold and not knowing what to do, like the first snowfall of winter not deciding on where and when it should fall into place. Then after awhile I get warmed up a little, like the first ray of sun that touches new beginnings. Thoughts then start buzzing around like bees and ideas start blooming like fresh new flowers in the spring. In the middle of the paper it usually gets even better, like summer and its beams of light bringing everything to life. However, the end of my writings tend to be like the fall season. Thoughts and ideas are like leaves blowing from here to there, not finding a place to stay.
*****
Jennifer Mendenhall:
When I write I am as a child, learning to walk: Having to gain the strength to stand, the courage to let go. With support and help I am able to go around and over obstacles in which I encounter. Yet with each new obstacle ,I gain more strength and courage. Slowly gaining the skill needed. With much time and practice,I gain the confidence to go on my way.
*****
Tyler Montgomery:
My writing is as the river, ever changing and conforming. As the river
goes on its way it encounters many things, from slowly winding curves to
fast moving rapids, from almost stagnant pools to gushing waterfalls, and
though these forms of the river vary they're always conforming to the lay of
the land so it would seem. However after its passage the land is always a
little more worn, and the river a bit more free. In my writing ideas come
in stages. I'll find myself with a block, struggling for ideas, when
suddenly my mind is freed and the many possibilities surge into my mind.
And although I as well am always conforming to others in my writing I always
try to stretch my bounds, and get into what interests me. The river is
always moving, changing, and adapting, and so am I.
*****
Jason Murray:
When I write, I find myself with two advocates on my shoulders. One an ignorant ogre with the pen and no ability with words or description and on the other an aspiring critic who will accept nothing but what he thinks to be academic grandeur. I just wonder when the two will settle their differences and not make the guy in the middle look so bad.
Signed,
Schizoid
*****
Teresa Sawyer:
When I write my brain gets fuzzy and out of tune. I can't find the words that I would like to use. It's like when I'm listening to the radio and I can't tune in a good station. All I get is static and choppy unclear words that builds up more frustration. I want to find my rhythm. I want to find my song, but soon I loose my patience because it just takes too long.
*****
Dayla Urlich:
Writing, for me, is like preparing a large meal. Just as I spend hours
contemplating the perfect menu, I spend hours contemplating the perfect
topic. Then I spend several more hours cutting, adding, and substituting
until the perfect result is achieved. After all the time put into this
masterpiece it is enjoyed for only fifteen minutes, just as a meal. Is it
worth the time, of course. The joy is in the preparation.
****
Molly Welles:
A menagerie of exotic imaginings dressed in wild
objectives, my words create a secret garden. It is
here that I sleep in calming quotations and bathe in
flowering ideas. Beyond my literary Eden flow raging
seas of untapped knowledge. Fast and unending move
the waters of communication where I dream of exploring
the natural passions behind the written language.
*****
Tresia West:
When I write I feel like a mountain climber always trying to reach
that desired destination. With the rough and rugged obstacles threatening
failure, the uphill battle leaves me with a feeling of despair. Although I know how
much I want to reach the top, all the elements are fighting against me.
Then the mental exhaustion brings self doubt, and I feel so alone with this
everlasting task. However, I also know that with the proper tools and guidance, I can
successfully reach my desired destination unscathed and with a sense
of accomplishment and pride.
****
9 a.m. class
Chandler Atkinson:
When writing I am like a hurdle runner. I get warmed up and then have to sit in the shoots for a period of time. Finally I get shot off. As I write I see a hurdle coming up. Every step it gets closer. There goes a heart beat, now it is even closer. My mind thinks, should I jump with my left foot or my right. It is here now..... I leap over with no problems. I think to myself that was close. As I look up I see another one. Same process over and over again. Same steps, same heartbeats. As I cross the finish line I am exhausted but proud because I finished. Maybe not in first, hopefully not in last, but finished the best that I could.
*****
Ashlee Bawden:
*****
Kyle Bell:
When I write I feel like a huge tornado spinning out of control. Thoughts bouncing everywhere that turn into fear and frustration. The fear of embarrassment of my writing, spelling, and grammar. The frustration of not having the skills and when I reach this moment, I give up.
*****
Amanda Buie:
If I am inspired writing can flow. Writing is like a link from my brain to
the pen. It's like fluid through a tube. The tube is my arm and the fluid is
my thoughts and inspired words. The process seems almost natural.
*****
Dusty Bulloch:
The way I write or what I can relate my style to is probably baseball.
When I am on deck, I study how the pitcher throws so I can be able to hit
him, or what techniques I could use to write about the subject. When I get
on a roll, I keep going. But when I am in a slump I can get really cold and
get frustrated real easy. It's harder to get out of my slump than it is to
stay hot and on a roll. To stay hot you have to do a lot of practicing so
that's what I am looking forward to about this class so I can become a good
writer.
*****
Alicia:
For me writing is like a thunder storm on a hot summer day. My ideas shoot suddenly from my head and pour out like rain onto my paper. Then as quickly as they come my ideas cease and my mind is blank again.
*****
Warren Duff:
When I write, it is like a seed. At first it is nothing special, but something small and insignificant. But gradually it begins to increase. As I brainstorm, my ideas water my writing, and my writing gradually grows. It continues until it blossoms and becomes something much bigger and better than what it was. Occasionally there are pitfalls, the writers block that batters at it like the wind, but this does not stop the process; it only continues to grow. As my ideas flow, like the sun it nourishes it until it is like a tree, grander and becoming all that it can become.
*****
Wade Forsyth:
When I write, it is like an old oak tree whose leaves won't fall until
the perfect time. Thousands of leaves turn yellow amidst the winters chill,
and slowly flutter to the ground. Very soon they melt into the ground and
are lost forever. The only way they can be saved is if by chance someone is
there to preserve them. This way they can be enjoyed all the year through,
by both me and you. If not, then we have to wait until next year is through.
*****
Nicolle Garrison:
When I write I am like a caterpillar. My apprehension and anxiety about the outcome is always the beginning state. My struggle to find myself through words is a long treacherous journey. Once I am able to overcome the awkward beginning, I am then truly able to allow myself to be open-minded. Open to any possibilities of what the future has in store for my writing. That is when I am set free. I feel as the caterpillar feels once he has transformed into a butterfly. The sensation and excitement is overwhelming. The words are pouring out of my find faster than I am able to put them on paper. No longer am I trapped inside my own mind, just as the caterpillar is no longer trapped in his cocoon. And like the beautiful butterfly, I can't help but look at my finished work the same way. The finished product is also a beautiful, polished masterpiece.
Kerry Glover:
My writing is like an old-antique car, its color dulled and faded from years of blistering sun. The edges are rusted and cracked from harsh winters, rough rains and much neglect. The un-tuned, oil blanketed engine lies sleeping while the oil settles to the bottom of the pan. From time to time, the engine is awakened from its deep sleep, and life revived to the old car, but again is put back to sleep.
The sun breaks through the clouds, and the winter chill is taken away. Brought out of hibernation by a jump start, the thundering of horse power fills the air. With a thorough wash down, tune-up, and polished inside and out, the old car transforms into an antique that turns heads as it rolls through town.
*****
Clayton James:
When I begin to write I feel like I am in a basketball game. The score is tied, time is running out and there are no time-outs left so I just have to follow my instincts and hope that all that I have learned in the past will come out to win the game.
*****
Zachary Johnson:
The way I write is exactly like my golf game. When I am hot I seem to get on a roll and keep rolling. When I am cold things tend to slow down and it's harder to get things rolling. Each day I show up with a different game, but I have learned to make the best with what shows up that day.
*****
Janice Keate:
When I write, it's as though my computer is a time machine and it chooses
to transport me to another place and time. This place is very familiar to
me. The memories of child-hood is merrily play before me as though I'm
sitting in a movie theater.
As I watch myself on the big screen I remember lazy summer days, when
your only worry was getting home before supper, and then going out to play
again. Returning to your house at dark, as your parents flashed the front
porch light, signaling that it was time for you to come in. Nothing
mattered. The world didn't infringe upon you, but you were one with the
world.
*****
David Louthan:
Like a cheetah that lays waiting for his prey, I sit awaiting
inspiration. The limping gnu hobbles across the plain and the cheetah
make quick work of it. With his belly full to the brim he slouches away
into the shade of a loan tree on the African Safari. And I... well, now
done with my writing will retreat to the oasis of my home.
*****
Kurtis Loveland:
I would describe my writing experience like a basketball player at the
foul line. Down by one with one second on the clock. Once I get the
courage and determination in my mind that I think I can do it, the opposing
team calls a time out. That is when I start to hesitate and second guess
everything. I don't think that I can do it. Then I wonder what everyone is
going to think of me WHEN I miss. Then the time comes when I have to shoot.
As the ball is soaring in the air, it bangs off the front of the rim and
falls short. I let everyone down.
*****
Skyler Miller:
I compare my writing skills to a stop light. I stop to collect my thoughts.
Ponder and think carefully before I begin to write. Quickly I transfer my
thoughts to paper. Gathering every little bit of information I can find. I
begin to slow down and analyze my work for a brief moment. Then I come to a
complete stop to collect my thoughts once again.
*****
Jacob Nelson:
When I write, I am like a pitcher in a baseball game. Before the game, I am a
little nervous, but as soon as the game starts I get in a rhythm. Just like
my writing, it takes me a while to get started, but after a while things start
to flow. But if the game starts to fall apart and I am struggling, it is
tough to get started. When I am writing and ideas are not coming to me, it is
hard to get going again.
*****
Dale Rex:
My writing is like my wakeboarding. At first it takes some time to get up and going. Once I'm finally up and going I try to do flips, and turns, but I usually land on my head. Finally after lots of wrecks, crashes, struggles, and a hurting head, I land a backflip.
*****
Brigham Roberts:
Writing to me is time away from others. This is my time to express my feelings on paper. Being away from society's grasp I can regain a sense of writing consciousness. Here in this state if relaxation, I can be at one with my pen and paper, able to freely express my emotions and thoughts. This is how I describe my writing experience.
*****
Leilani Roberts:
A thunderous rain storm would best describe my writing style. The dark clouds roll in and I become very tense. My mind flashes back and forth to different thoughts. Finally lightening hits and thrashes the intense sky. The rain begins to fall and the ideas start to flow. When the storm is over and clouds begin to thin, and I begin to loosen and the work is finished.
*****
Zane Perkins:
Writing to me is like getting ready for a plunge into the ocean
to do a dive. You check your equipment. You make sure everything is in
order for the big decent, and right as your standing on the bow of the
ship, six feet in the air, your stomach gives a little lurch. But you
know you have to take the last step and dive in. When you start and hit
the water, cold sweeps all over you, but then you relax, enjoy the area,
and the actual dive seems to be shorter than the preparation and
nervousness you had before.
*****
Tyler Schippers:
When I write, I put on a mask
and become someone I am not.
The thoughts and ideas expressed
are simply an illusion,
a fairy tale to cover up life's stories.
My imagination becomes dominant,
and the cloak of deception becomes thicker,
more cluttered with color and design.
The illusion begins to unfold
and consume all reality.
Truth and time give way,
and eternal dreams rise like mist.
Natalie Syphus:
When I am writing it is like a rose bud wanting to blossom. At first it
needs sunshine and water to grow and nurture. Once the flower has all this,
it slowly begins to open. The more it grows the more powerful it becomes and
finally the rose blossoms to full bloom.
*****
Michael Vanikiotis:
When I write I'm like a baseball pitcher, it takes a few practice throws to warm up before I can start throwing the heat, and then after a couple of innings I start to get tired and can't perform as well.