Our “How I Write” series asks writers from the University of Louisville community and beyond to respond to five questions that provide insights into their writing processes and offer advice to other writers. Through this series, we promote the idea that learning to write is an ongoing, life-long process and that all writers, from first-year students to career professionals, benefit from discussing and collaborating on their work with thoughtful and respectful readers.
During our 2016 National Day on Writing Celebration, we invited Watson Conference attendees to respond How I Write question prompts. In an exercise in mobility (the conference theme!), we transcribed their written responses on the blog. We also included the original responses in the photos so you can see the differences between handwritten and transcribed responses.
Tom Lavelle is a faculty member and department head at Stockholm School of Economics.
Currently reading: The Sympathizer
What type(s) of writing do you regularly engage in?
*Feedback to students
*Course descriptions
*Email (various functions)
*Scholarship (various genres)
*PPT slides
*Poetry
When/where/how do you write?
When: When I can/have time- for long projects, emails almost anytime, feedback before class
Where: office at work, office at home, café near my office
How: often under time pressure
What are your writing necessities—tools, accessories, music, spaces?
Solitude is essential- everything else is negotiable
What is your best tip for getting started and/or for revision?
Getting started: Deciding what I want to do- what I hope the text will accomplish
Revision: See writing as a network of choices, each with consequences for voicing & delivery
- What is the best writing advice you’ve received?
Make a claim and back it up.
Ashley Taylor is a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the English department at the University of Louisville.
Current project:
Rhet comp -> pedagogical benefits of elocution
Creative writing
-> dreamscape poetry
What type(s) of writing do you regularly engage in?
Poetry and prose
When/where/how do you write?
With tutoring, grad school, and raising two children, I have limited time for creative work. Most of my writing comes in bits-> notes on my phone, post it notes in an agenda, a line here and there. Then I make time at the University Writing Center or with a friend to help piece the bits together & brainstorm themes that arise.
What are your writing necessities—tools, accessories, music, spaces?
Post its (paper & electronic)
Notes on my phone
READING OTHER POETS
What is your best tip for getting started and/or for revision?
For getting inspired -> READ
For brainstorming -> talking it out
For revision-> read aloud/writing center appointment
What is the best writing advice you’ve received?
Write what is uncomfortable to write
Emily Blair is pursuing her MA in English at the University of Louisville.
Current project: Poetry
Currently reading: Maggie Nelson
What type(s) of writing do you regularly engage in?
Creative writing (poetry and creative nonfiction)
Academic literary discourse
When/where/how do you write?
Longhand in bound journals or legal pads in pencil
Usually every night, or in short bursts
What are your writing necessities– tools, accessories, music, spaces?
Background noise of a fan, familiar music
What is your best tip for getting started/revision?
A list of related words, associations, etc.
Revise in full, not always at the sentence level
What is the best writing advice you’ve received?
“Take yourself seriously” – Matthew Vollmer
University of Louisville Writing Center 