I decided two weeks ago that I was going to start a blog. On that day, I walked around composing blog posts in my head, making the ordinary sound extraordinary. I've been writing my entries in longhand in a notebook when I can get a minute at work or at school. I've kept a list of topics that I'd like to explore in the future, lest I find myself lacking something to say (hey, it could happen!)
In the meantime, I've been writing essays. I've been taking an on-line course, English 101, toward my Associates Degree. It's the first class outside of my 'specialty' courses that I've taken, and I was not looking forward to it. I've got to say that I've been enjoying it. I thought that I'd have to write in response to questions posed by the instructor on topics that I'd know nothing about, and have to argue my opinions and research facts to back them up. But no. To my surprise I've only had to open up the depths of my memory to come up with some stuff to put down on paper (screen) to pass off as my assignments. Well, I gotta say that even in doing that, I've had a really good time.
So far I've turned in three essays, and the instructor has been very generous with his comments. And I was so happy when I read his comments today on the most recent assignment: "I have really enjoyed reading your essays, but I have to say that this one is my favorite so far." How cool is that?
I've always been able to write well enough to pass my stuff off and get good grades on my papers. I just have the knack of knowing what the reader needs to see (maybe that'll change when it comes to blogging). To the lay person, that means that I know how to BS. Yes, that's all it takes. Sometimes you just step outside yourself and pretend to be a columnist or a children's book author, and let the words flow. Basically you just pretend that you have a captive audience, and that the reader is eagerly hanging on every word, possibly even longing for the next column or book. Believe that the reader wants to be there, not that they have to be there, and have a good time.
My next assignment is called "This I Believe," based on a feature on NPR. I don't know much about NPR, and have never listened to it, but on their website they have a section dedicated to such essays. You can read about it here. Anyway, my instructor has required that we not only turn in the essay to him, but that we post it on the NPR website. If our essay is read on the air, we will be given a 4.0 for the course. I have to admit that I'm not real excited to have my essay posted, yet here I am writing a blog. Ironic, no? It's as if I'm raising my hand, calling "pick me, pick me," but not wanting anyone to look at me. What if I give the wrong answer and end up looking foolish?
But here I am, doing it anyway. I hope you enjoy your time here; please know that I am glad you're here having a look. And if I end up looking foolish, well, it wouldn't be the first time, and, dare I say, it won't be the last!
Update: I never did post my "This I Believe" paper to the NPR website, but ended up with a 4.0 in the class anyhow!
