Blog 1 - Writing Process

 Jonathan Sack

Blog 1

 

     In general, my writing process is fairly simple. However, I do have some "rituals" that I always need to do, otherwise I can't concentrate. The most important one is that I always need to close my door. If the door is open (particularly if I can hear commotion through it), I simply cannot focus. 

     I usually find noise distracting, but it isn't always bad. If I am doing a very simple, repetitive task, I may put on some music. For example, if I am following some instructions to login to some software or installing an application, then putting on some of my favorite music can make the work less boring. On the other hand, for more complicated tasks I can't have music on. I find that work is more enjoyable when I have music playing, but the quality of my work and my pace of work done is much worse. This isn't a problem for easy assignments, but if I am, say, reading a sophisticated textbook, then I can't have music on.

     Another part of my writing that is extremely important is that I need to use a computer. My handwriting has been atrocious my entire life. If I don't spend up to 10 seconds a word, my handwriting is straight-up illegible, even to me. On the other hand, I can type about 60 words per minute, so that is a much better alternative.

     While this might seem obvious, the actual location of my writing has a rather large impact on my work. There are only 2 places that I ever do homework: at my desk (in my room, at my house), and at Brookens. My desk is a fairly self-explanatory place. When I'm writing, there might be my computer, a glass of water, and that's just about it. I already mentioned that the door would be closed. I may turn on a fan or get a blanket depending on if I am cold or hot. At Brookens, I have far less control over my environment. It is a public, wide open space. Luckily, it is always more-or-less quiet there, so that's not a problem. What I find most helpful about writing at Brookens is that I am essentially forced to do homework. At home, there are distractions abound. I have the opportunity to play games, get a snack, chat with my parents, etc. At Brookens, there is literally nothing to do but do homework, so that's what I end up doing.

     One thing that I noticed in the example student profile was that Basira would check her phone. This is a big no-no for me. If I am sitting down, ready to seriously start working, I need to put my phone in another room. The temptation to check it for messages is too distracting. This does result in a few missed calls, but I think it's a cheap price to pay for focus.

     I suppose that's about it. Overall, I think that my writing environments are quite good. In all cases, I don't have to worry about safety, food, water, shelter, etc. I am very thankful for this. That's just a few of the factors in my writing process and environment, but I'm out of words ;).