Former tutor and original creator of the WVU Writing Center blog -- John Thrasher -- was selected as a candidate to become MTV's first Twitter Jockey! John worked at the Writing Center from January 2008 until he graduate in May 2010. John was an excellent tutor and did much to enhance the Center. In addition to the blog, he also started the center down the podcasting path. In short, he's awesome.
Check John out here:
http://tj.mtv.com/2010/06/09/tj-bio-john
and, if you'd like to hear any of his podcasts, visit
http://english.wvu.edu/writing_at_wvu/wcenter/podcasts
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Writing Center Open for Summer I and II
The WVU Writing Center will take a week-long break between finals and Summer I and will re-open on Monday, May 17. Our Summer I and II hours will be M-F 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors, Fifth Edition
I've always been interested in new editions of books. Growing up I always thought that there was a certain immortality that came from publishing, but if you can constantly amend what you had previously said by releasing a new edition, how does that alter my childhood conception?
For example, for some time now I've been meaning to read The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman, but it seems like every time I look there is a new edition that has just been released. One could argue that this semi-episodic release form humanizes writing by further endowing the book with flexible qualities. It takes the static relationship and makes it a dialogue between readers and writers. Still, time and money are limited. If each edition is largely the same information, then what is the incentive for picking up the latest edition?
Well, in answer to that question I decided to do a side-by-side comparison of the fourth and fifth editions of The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors by Leigh Ryan and Lisa Zimmerelli. While I found much of information to be the same, there were some notable differences, both good and bad.
In the fifth edition some minor changes in "The Writing Center as Workplace" emphasize the "personal" in terms of how the tutor (to borrow from Burke) catches the tenor of writing center theory and practice. While tutors are still encouraged to learn about writing center history and to keep a personal journal, the fifth edition has opted out of proposing the option of maintaining a group journal. Still, this modification is relatively minor considering that both editions encourage tutors to participate in discussion forums, and we can see how the fourth edition pointed toward this option being eventually merged by acknowledging that much of what was being suggested, if done digitally, would be very similar to the use of an in-house writing center blog.
Other minor changes include reorganizing the information. For example, in the "Tutoring in a Digital Age" section (the new version of "Tutoring and Technology"), you will no longer find a section on face-to-face computer tutoring listed, as the emphasis of this section seems to have shifted toward online tutoring. Don't panic. If you jump over to section four ("Helping Writers throughout the Writing Process") you will see that there is a sub-section titled "Working with a Text at a Computer," and here you will find that much of the fourth edition content has been identically transferred in a numbered layout.
In terms of modifications, one thing I found interesting was the revision of language in the sub-section now titled "The Second Language Writer" (previously "The Writer for Whom English Is a Second Language"). I found the additions of "The Learner" hat for tutors to try on and exercises for the digital tutoring section to be useful expansions.
I was also pleased that the authors have kept the appendix information on presenting at a conference and tutoring or editing outside of the writing center, as these sections help tutors to recognize that the skills they gain through their work have value outside of the center and, with regards to the conference, invite them to contribute to the scholarly work that is being done in the field. For this reason, because I appreciate any attempt to bridge the gap between tutors seeing what they are doing as a job and recognizing that there is a possibility for similar work to be a career, I was disappointed that the annotated bibliography was not kept for the fifth edition.
So, while this review is in no way comprehensive, both guides are incredibly helpful for their breadth, and tutors, writing center directors, and anyone who has a stake more generally in composition will want to pay close attention to the newest edition of The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors.
For example, for some time now I've been meaning to read The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman, but it seems like every time I look there is a new edition that has just been released. One could argue that this semi-episodic release form humanizes writing by further endowing the book with flexible qualities. It takes the static relationship and makes it a dialogue between readers and writers. Still, time and money are limited. If each edition is largely the same information, then what is the incentive for picking up the latest edition?
Well, in answer to that question I decided to do a side-by-side comparison of the fourth and fifth editions of The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors by Leigh Ryan and Lisa Zimmerelli. While I found much of information to be the same, there were some notable differences, both good and bad.
In the fifth edition some minor changes in "The Writing Center as Workplace" emphasize the "personal" in terms of how the tutor (to borrow from Burke) catches the tenor of writing center theory and practice. While tutors are still encouraged to learn about writing center history and to keep a personal journal, the fifth edition has opted out of proposing the option of maintaining a group journal. Still, this modification is relatively minor considering that both editions encourage tutors to participate in discussion forums, and we can see how the fourth edition pointed toward this option being eventually merged by acknowledging that much of what was being suggested, if done digitally, would be very similar to the use of an in-house writing center blog.
Other minor changes include reorganizing the information. For example, in the "Tutoring in a Digital Age" section (the new version of "Tutoring and Technology"), you will no longer find a section on face-to-face computer tutoring listed, as the emphasis of this section seems to have shifted toward online tutoring. Don't panic. If you jump over to section four ("Helping Writers throughout the Writing Process") you will see that there is a sub-section titled "Working with a Text at a Computer," and here you will find that much of the fourth edition content has been identically transferred in a numbered layout.
In terms of modifications, one thing I found interesting was the revision of language in the sub-section now titled "The Second Language Writer" (previously "The Writer for Whom English Is a Second Language"). I found the additions of "The Learner" hat for tutors to try on and exercises for the digital tutoring section to be useful expansions.
I was also pleased that the authors have kept the appendix information on presenting at a conference and tutoring or editing outside of the writing center, as these sections help tutors to recognize that the skills they gain through their work have value outside of the center and, with regards to the conference, invite them to contribute to the scholarly work that is being done in the field. For this reason, because I appreciate any attempt to bridge the gap between tutors seeing what they are doing as a job and recognizing that there is a possibility for similar work to be a career, I was disappointed that the annotated bibliography was not kept for the fifth edition.
So, while this review is in no way comprehensive, both guides are incredibly helpful for their breadth, and tutors, writing center directors, and anyone who has a stake more generally in composition will want to pay close attention to the newest edition of The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Spring 2010 NewsPrezi
While you can always keep up to date on the Writing Center through our blog, we have a variety of other informative resources, including our biannual newsletter. This semester, rather than creating a traditional newsletter, we've decided to use the interactive presentation software of prezi.com to bring you information about the Writing Center and its community:
http://prezi.com/lgb-2zmfpf6a/wvu-writing-center-2010-newsprezi/
Here, you'll find profiles our new tutors, answers to some Frequently Asked Questions, end-of-semester tips, and much more. As you read through, please be sure to click on the links to our podcasts and other Web content (including, for those of you interested in infinite recursion, this blog!).
In order to navigate the prezi, simply click the arrow keys at the bottom. We recommend viewing in fullscreen mode by clicking "More" and then "Fullscreen."
Enjoy, and let us know what you think!
http://prezi.com/lgb-2zmfpf6a/wvu-writing-center-2010-newsprezi/
Here, you'll find profiles our new tutors, answers to some Frequently Asked Questions, end-of-semester tips, and much more. As you read through, please be sure to click on the links to our podcasts and other Web content (including, for those of you interested in infinite recursion, this blog!).
In order to navigate the prezi, simply click the arrow keys at the bottom. We recommend viewing in fullscreen mode by clicking "More" and then "Fullscreen."
Enjoy, and let us know what you think!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Wisdom: The Book
I haven't yet read Andrew Zuckerman's book/media project "Wisdom" but I'm pretty intrigued by it. For the project, Zuckerman conducted interviews with some of the world's most recognizable and revered people1, asking them all essentially the same questions: what is wisdom? and what is your wisdom? The answers were compiled into this book, in order to gift the collected knowledge of one generation to the next.
The list of contributors includes politicians (Henry Kissinger, Madeleine Albright, Ted Kennedy), actors (Alan Arkin, Judi Dench), musicians (Willie Nelson, Bill Withers), authors (Chinua Achebe) and activists (Jane Goodall). All of the contributors are artfully presented by Zuckerman in portraits, sound clips, and their writings in the book, as well as in an art exhibit.
Exploring this project has led me to reflect on what my wisdom is, and how I am contributing to the collective knowledge base. Because of its educational focus and the interactions it facilitates, the Writing Center has been a good place for me to both gain and share wisdom. And writing in general, I think, functions in the same way: the transference of world experience and insight from one to another. I was always struck by the wisdom of good old Kurtey V. I wish he was still around for the making of this book. I think his additions to the conversation on human wisdom would be, well, wise.
So, my questions: What is your wisdom and how do you share it? and Whose wisdom do you seek out?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1 The website states that the contributors are "global" and "multicultural." The authors collected wisdom from a wide range of people, but I think it's worth considering that all of them are English speakers. Just sayin'.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Our Top Five Books For Spring Break 2010
All of us here at the Writing Center thought we might try to answer the dreaded question for anyone who loves reading: "What are your top five, favorite books?"
The resulting conversations, and the diversity of our choices, made us think we should share our compiled list as a possible reference for those of you who are unsure of what to pick up next.
It is also a way for to find out a little more about all of us here at the Writing Center.
Do you think you can guess who would have picked Freakonomics as one of their top five? What about the Bible? And just how many tutors love 1984?
Do you feel confident you know who has Bill O'Reilly as a top five author? What about the tutor who loves Tobias Wolff? Douglas Adams? Ayn Rand? Kurt Vonnegut? Rita Mae Brown? Jane Austen?
Curious? Check out our list by following the link below. It will take you to our resources page on our website and if you scroll to the bottom you will see "The Official Writing Center Reading List" ready to be downloaded. Have fun reading the list and the books we recommend.
Click here to check out the list.
The resulting conversations, and the diversity of our choices, made us think we should share our compiled list as a possible reference for those of you who are unsure of what to pick up next.
It is also a way for to find out a little more about all of us here at the Writing Center.
Do you think you can guess who would have picked Freakonomics as one of their top five? What about the Bible? And just how many tutors love 1984?
Do you feel confident you know who has Bill O'Reilly as a top five author? What about the tutor who loves Tobias Wolff? Douglas Adams? Ayn Rand? Kurt Vonnegut? Rita Mae Brown? Jane Austen?
Curious? Check out our list by following the link below. It will take you to our resources page on our website and if you scroll to the bottom you will see "The Official Writing Center Reading List" ready to be downloaded. Have fun reading the list and the books we recommend.
Click here to check out the list.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Ten Rules for Writing Fiction
Ever wish you could ask an author exactly what they did to get where they are? Well, here's your chance to hear what they have to say. The Guardian, a UK newspaper, asked authors like Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood to come up with ten rules that every aspiring author should follow to write successfully. Although the article's focus is on fiction writers, that doesn't mean that the rules don't apply to any other type of writing!
My rules for writing are:
1. No internet while writing. Facebook is way too tempting!
2. Have a relaxing spot to sit in, but don't let it be in front of the TV.
3. When writing fiction, remember that the most important part of your story is the characters. Even if you have the best plot or the best writing, it won't matter if the characters are flat and lifeless.
4. When writing any kind of non-fiction, remember who your audience is. Your tone of voice is everything.
5. Edit after you've finished your first draft. Then read it aloud, edit, have someone else read it, edit again. Lather, rinse, repeat. Every sentence, no matter how good, can still be written better.
6. Write in a journal, everyday if you can. You might find yourself writing things you never thought you would, with beautiful phrasing.
7. Write when you feel inspired, and write even when you don't.
8. Write.
9. Write some more.
10. I'm being serious! Writing well is the most important skill you will ever learn. Even if you don't think you're going to use it often. Having the ability to write well gives you the ability to speak coherently and professionally and to know how to read other people when in conversation (re: audience).
Do you agree or disagree with my or any other of the authors rules? What are your rules for writing?
My rules for writing are:
1. No internet while writing. Facebook is way too tempting!
2. Have a relaxing spot to sit in, but don't let it be in front of the TV.
3. When writing fiction, remember that the most important part of your story is the characters. Even if you have the best plot or the best writing, it won't matter if the characters are flat and lifeless.
4. When writing any kind of non-fiction, remember who your audience is. Your tone of voice is everything.
5. Edit after you've finished your first draft. Then read it aloud, edit, have someone else read it, edit again. Lather, rinse, repeat. Every sentence, no matter how good, can still be written better.
6. Write in a journal, everyday if you can. You might find yourself writing things you never thought you would, with beautiful phrasing.
7. Write when you feel inspired, and write even when you don't.
8. Write.
9. Write some more.
10. I'm being serious! Writing well is the most important skill you will ever learn. Even if you don't think you're going to use it often. Having the ability to write well gives you the ability to speak coherently and professionally and to know how to read other people when in conversation (re: audience).
Do you agree or disagree with my or any other of the authors rules? What are your rules for writing?
Monday, February 22, 2010
My Writing Process
No matter the material, writing can be overwhelming and even sometimes paralyzing. However, when writing is broken down into steps of a process the task is suddenly manageable. I personally have come up with a process that not only works for me, but also makes writing a more enjoyable experience.
First, before anything else, I have found that it is important to change into comfortable clothes (sweat pants, hoodies, and fuzzy slippers are my favorites). It also helps to have a certain place reserved for writing. This will help with getting into the right mindset before starting. Now the actual writing begins. Depending on the nature of the paper the next step can be one of two things. If the paper is supposed to be specific or persuasive I usually will make an outline or web diagram. This helps to strategically organize my thoughts and points. On the other hand, if I'm telling a story, for example, I prefer to simply start writing without any structure to get all my ideas down on paper. The next step is to organize my ideas into paragraph form. Usually the first draft will be the result of this step. At this point I like to leave the paper for a couple days. When I return I like to have someone else look at my work to give a fresh perspective. Next, it is my turn to proofread the paper and make sure all my ideas are presented thoroughly. This step could take time and include multiple drafts and/or more time putting the paper aside. Finally, it is time for the last draft. Once I am confident and comfortable with the piece I will write one final copy and I'm done!
This was just a brief overview of my personal writing process but each writer may have their own unique steps and different preferences. The important thing is to find whatever works best and to make it a habit to use the process for each piece of work. By doing so writing will transform from daunting to delightful. :)
First, before anything else, I have found that it is important to change into comfortable clothes (sweat pants, hoodies, and fuzzy slippers are my favorites). It also helps to have a certain place reserved for writing. This will help with getting into the right mindset before starting. Now the actual writing begins. Depending on the nature of the paper the next step can be one of two things. If the paper is supposed to be specific or persuasive I usually will make an outline or web diagram. This helps to strategically organize my thoughts and points. On the other hand, if I'm telling a story, for example, I prefer to simply start writing without any structure to get all my ideas down on paper. The next step is to organize my ideas into paragraph form. Usually the first draft will be the result of this step. At this point I like to leave the paper for a couple days. When I return I like to have someone else look at my work to give a fresh perspective. Next, it is my turn to proofread the paper and make sure all my ideas are presented thoroughly. This step could take time and include multiple drafts and/or more time putting the paper aside. Finally, it is time for the last draft. Once I am confident and comfortable with the piece I will write one final copy and I'm done!
This was just a brief overview of my personal writing process but each writer may have their own unique steps and different preferences. The important thing is to find whatever works best and to make it a habit to use the process for each piece of work. By doing so writing will transform from daunting to delightful. :)
Tutor Talk Episode #5 - Personal Statements (feat. Dr. Brian Ballentine)
Tutor Talk Episode #5 - Personal Statements (feat. Dr. Brian Ballentine) is now available for FREE download on the iTunes store. Click here to download this episode from iTunes.
If you don't have iTunes visit the official WVU Writing Center website to stream all 4 podcasts from your web browser.
In this episode, Graduate Assistant Ben Myers interviews WVU's own Dr. Brian Ballentine, on how to write the best personal statement for graduate school applications. Dr. Ballentine offers his insights on how to write a successful personal statement.
We recommend downloading Tutor Talk through iTunes via this link. iTunes is a free download to all users both Mac and PC. If you don't have iTunes, stream any of the podcasts from your browser by clicking HERE.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Happy International Writing Centers Week: Part I
Do you know your writing Horoscope for (the rest of) the month of February? In honor of International Writing Centers Week, the tutors consulted the stars.
Aquarius January 20 - February 18
You've never liked staying within the norm, and this month is no exception! Take some time to write in a style you never have before, whether it be slam poetry, play writing, or something you've completely made up! Use your large circle of friends to bounce off ideas and get feedback.
Pisces February 19 - March 20
This month you will avoid writing the every day romantic stuff found on cards; rather, you will write something magical and fantastic - it's your time to shine.
Aries March 21 - April 19
With your creative energy, drive for excellence and penchant for risk-taking, this is the month to get yourself working on that project you've had on the back-burner! You'll have some stabilizing forces coming your way, so use them to actually finish a written piece!
Taurus April 20 - May 20
The coming month will be trying, but you will overcome. Your deep knowledge is complimented by your ability to ask for help from those around you. Don't forget that as you head into your next task, the wall is only intimidating as long as we imagine it is not made up of many, manageable blocks.
Gemini May 21 - June 20
Communication is your favorite thing, and this month that's no exception. This is a good time to write something that speaks to people, but try not to get too serious. Your playful sarcasm is likely to go right over their heads!
Cancer June 21 - July 22
Your home is your sanctuary, no matter where you believe home to be. Host a "potluck" writing party there, with your closest friends bringing inspirational items from their childhood. Make it warm and inviting, or else you are likely to retreat into your shell!
Leo July 23 - August 22
Mighty Lion, it's your time to roar. Write it out, let it out. This is your month to be the center of the stage and the page!
Virgo August 23 -September 22
Many people see you as a stingy perfectionist, but you know that's not (completely) true! This month is a great for showing others how creative you really are by writing something different. Then use your eye for details to revise to make a fantastic piece.
Libra September 23 -October 22
Your desire to be around others is amplified this month, so use that motivation to collaborate with another writer on something truly spectacular. You can harmonize and balance like no other, so the typical problems you would face with collaborating are no where to be seen.
Scorpio October 23 - November 21
Your writing is dark and mysterious, but this month you may also find yourself writing an impetuous note. The consequences could be dire. Think before you act, or better yet, write that note, but come back to it once you've had time to think things through.
Sagittarius November 22 -December 21
You are the best around. Always be mindful of the fact that nothing will ever keep you down. Take this month to gather your strength, study a writer you wish to emulate, practice your basic writing skills, and focus on the tasks ahead. When you are ready, breathe deep, sweep the leg, and take your next writing task down. You are the best around.
Capricorn December 22 -January 19
Although you may feel like everything you write has to have a purpose that will get you somewhere, this month will put you in a position where you have no "work" writing left to do! Use this chance to create a piece solely for you and not for social climbing. If you have difficulty, just remember that writing of any kind will only make you better at it when you really do have work.
Aquarius January 20 - February 18
You've never liked staying within the norm, and this month is no exception! Take some time to write in a style you never have before, whether it be slam poetry, play writing, or something you've completely made up! Use your large circle of friends to bounce off ideas and get feedback.
Pisces February 19 - March 20
This month you will avoid writing the every day romantic stuff found on cards; rather, you will write something magical and fantastic - it's your time to shine.
Aries March 21 - April 19
With your creative energy, drive for excellence and penchant for risk-taking, this is the month to get yourself working on that project you've had on the back-burner! You'll have some stabilizing forces coming your way, so use them to actually finish a written piece!
Taurus April 20 - May 20
The coming month will be trying, but you will overcome. Your deep knowledge is complimented by your ability to ask for help from those around you. Don't forget that as you head into your next task, the wall is only intimidating as long as we imagine it is not made up of many, manageable blocks.
Gemini May 21 - June 20
Communication is your favorite thing, and this month that's no exception. This is a good time to write something that speaks to people, but try not to get too serious. Your playful sarcasm is likely to go right over their heads!
Cancer June 21 - July 22
Your home is your sanctuary, no matter where you believe home to be. Host a "potluck" writing party there, with your closest friends bringing inspirational items from their childhood. Make it warm and inviting, or else you are likely to retreat into your shell!
Leo July 23 - August 22
Mighty Lion, it's your time to roar. Write it out, let it out. This is your month to be the center of the stage and the page!
Virgo August 23 -September 22
Many people see you as a stingy perfectionist, but you know that's not (completely) true! This month is a great for showing others how creative you really are by writing something different. Then use your eye for details to revise to make a fantastic piece.
Libra September 23 -October 22
Your desire to be around others is amplified this month, so use that motivation to collaborate with another writer on something truly spectacular. You can harmonize and balance like no other, so the typical problems you would face with collaborating are no where to be seen.
Scorpio October 23 - November 21
Your writing is dark and mysterious, but this month you may also find yourself writing an impetuous note. The consequences could be dire. Think before you act, or better yet, write that note, but come back to it once you've had time to think things through.
Sagittarius November 22 -December 21
You are the best around. Always be mindful of the fact that nothing will ever keep you down. Take this month to gather your strength, study a writer you wish to emulate, practice your basic writing skills, and focus on the tasks ahead. When you are ready, breathe deep, sweep the leg, and take your next writing task down. You are the best around.
Capricorn December 22 -January 19
Although you may feel like everything you write has to have a purpose that will get you somewhere, this month will put you in a position where you have no "work" writing left to do! Use this chance to create a piece solely for you and not for social climbing. If you have difficulty, just remember that writing of any kind will only make you better at it when you really do have work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
