Magazine Reflection part 2

1. Overall, when you think about the big picture of your writing, what improved? How did it get better? Why?

Throughout this entire project, from the early stages of writing, to the advanced stages of copy editing and layout, I feel my writing has improved mostly by making my message clearer. I focused on emphasizing on the "so what" aspect, because I feel that idea is what I am usually lacking in my writing. I wanted my writing to have a point, that was easy to relate to, interesting and clear. I learned that by using personal narratives, which I chose to do for my writing, this was easy for me to accomplish. It was better writing because my writing had a purpose, rather than a bunch of words formed together to create a sentence.

2. Overall, when you think about the big picture of your writing, what still needs work? What do you think will help you improve? Why?

Although I feel that I improved in all aspects of my writing, one way I could further improve would be to fix my sentences in more than one way, each time. For example, instead of taking three drafts to find the -ing words, turn my writing from pancakes to concerts, and use the third draft to add verbs, I would like to be able to turn my sentences into all three of those things, in one or two drafts. By doing this I feel that my sentences will be stronger, and my "so what" point will become clearer. I won't be changing the message and sentence structure in every revision.

3. Specifically, show us something that improved and describe the path it took to get better. You can quote your article, your drafts, link to evidence, etc.

I worked towards making my writing stronger, with the words I chose, the structure of my writing, and the overall message. The thing I focused on specifically, was my -ing words. I changed sentences like, " I wanted to know if I am better at working with a group or working individually within a group," to sentences like " I wanted to know if I am a better worker with a group or individually." This helped condense my writing, simplify it, and say my messages sooner. I started manipulating this sentence by changing "working" to " better worker." Once I did that, I felt like I was very repetitive, and that my sentence ended weak. "Working with a group or working individually within a group," How can I make this part better? I realized that I didn't need the last within a group. Overall, once I made all of my changes, I felt my sentence improved in the three main aspects I was looking for.

4. Describe something specific (or a few things!) that you learned about writing.

Before this project, I didn't realize how powerful my writing could be if I didn't use -ing words. I used them frequently, and as a way to minimize the number of words I used, thinking this would make my writing simpler. To me, it sounded better to say, " She was outside playing," rather than " She went outside to play." At first I personally didn't see the difference, but once I changed all my -ing words, and reread my sentences and paragraphs, I noticed it made my sentences and meaning stronger. I also noticed this changed my writing from pancakes to concerts, which I wasn't hoping to do till my next draft. This provided an example for me to use when I changed my other sentences to start and and strong.

Ampersand: The Magazine

1. What went well for you during the process of creating this magazine?

Throughout this entire process, I was aware of my deadlines and the amount of work I knew I had to do. Because of this I was always prepared in advance. This enabled me to help my classmates if they needed the help. I was able to use all of my resources, such as the other teachers that came into class, to further the quality of my work. I was always asking for ideas, sharing my own, and taking their ideas into my own perspective. Instead of doing exactly what they told me to do, I modified it, starting with their idea, and ending with something that also shows my ideas.

2. What challenges did you face as you moved from an early draft or idea to a final product?

At the beginning, I knew I wanted to submit my internship mentor interview. The problem was, my interview was 8 pages long, and I was having a hard time condensing it so that it still made sense. Instead of subtracting parts, I decided to start all over and submit a different article. It took me a while to think of something to write about, but once I had an idea to do a personal narrative, it was clear to me what I should write about.

3. What other examples of work—student and professional—stood out as exemplary and served as a good model for your own work?

I based most of my layout, and writing skills off of published work that I saw. I read many magazines and catalogs, such as National Geographic and Anthropolgie catalog, to see how they balanced their words and pictures. Also, I used Unboxed, the HTH graduate school's publication, as an example as well, because it was easy to get my questions answered.