Reading and Writing Practice
A writing practice is carefully considering what environmental conditions help you read and write best and to try to set those conditions as much as possible when reading and writing.
Some examples are:
- What time of day do you write best?
- Do you like noise or silence?
- Do you prefer a desk or somewhere more informal?
- How do you manage distractions?
- If you like music to help, what kind of music works best for you?
For now, I just want you to think about how/when/where you do your best writing. We are going to do more on this in the next couple of classes, but I wanted you to think about this now because it is important. Writing is a fully embodied experience; it is not just your words on a page.
In future lessons and modules, we will talk more about ways to set up the best conditions possible for a good writing practice that works for you.
Task
For now, in the comments below, tell me about the last time you had what you would call a “successful” writing experience. Take that to mean what you want it to. For example: you were proud of your writing, you felt like you were in a “flow” and got a lot done, you enjoyed yourself (as much as you can if you don’t like writing that much!), etc.
Respond to these questions in your comment as well as providing a brief reflection on why your writing practice that day helped you have a successful writing session. Comment on this page before moving on:
| Where were you writing? (e.g., library, office, at home, coffee shop–probably at home if since March! If so, think about what room you were in or the location of a room)
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| What were the sounds of this environment? (e.g., noise of a coffee shop, music, silence)
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| What time of day were you writing? (e.g., early morning, late night)
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| Were you alone or with someone else? (e.g., a writing partner or group, a pet)
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| Did you have snacks or drinks to help keep you energized? (e.g., coffee, nuts, dark chocolate)
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| Any objects or rituals that brought comfort? (e.g., favorite mug, paper to doodle on, an object to play with to help with anxiety [e.g., pipe cleaner, bottle cap, fidget cube], writing at a table, comfortable chair, using a pillow for back)
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| How did you avoid or manage distractions? (e.g., timer for writing and breaks, turned off phone)
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| Did you ensure you had quality breaks? (e.g., physical activity like a walk, meditation or mindfulness practice, snack, looking away from a screen)
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| Did you do any metacognitive work? (e.g., planning your writing, goal setting for what you wanted to get done, reflecting on how the writing went)
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Once you have commented below answering these questions and reflecting on how they contributed to a successful writing session, click the button below to continue.
On December 28th, 2020, driven by emotions, I ended up having a successful writing experience to reflect on the tribulations of 2020 and the little good moments. With some ‘10s hits, k-pop, urbano, and hip-hop/rap playing in the background through the late night to dawn, I sat at my desk in my room all alone with a drink that brought me comfort, in addition to the music, as I poured out my thoughts on pen and paper. I had no distractions aside from taking a break when a good song came on to sing along to and ponder. I ended up achieving my goal of being completely drained of emotions by the time I finished writing because everything I wanted to get out ended up in writing. I feel that because I was driven by emotions, and late nights are when I focus the most, those writing practices helped me achieve a successful writing session that early morning.
The last time what I felt like was a successful writing experience was before quarantine. I forget exactly what I was writing but I know I was in my local library listening to music like I usually do when doing all of my school assignments. I didn’t have anyone with me and would just write in short bursts, a half paragraph to a full paragraph at a time and take a break to watch Youtube videos in between to make sure that I didn’t burn myself out and I could write to my fullest ability. I didn’t have many distractions besides my own ability to pay attention because the library was very quiet and my only refreshment was water because you can’t have much else in a library.
The last time I was able to successfully have a decent writing session was back in 2016 in high school. This was after school in a library nearby, alone without friends, where it was quiet but also somewhat noisy. Everything I need while writing would be laid out in front of me, this usually includes pen, paper, phone, and water. I would set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes, and begin writing my draft for my assignment with minimum distractions. Once the timer rings, I allow myself to take a break for five to ten minutes, from drinking water, getting up to stretch, or checking my cellphone. The break is when all the distractions come in, sometimes its short, sometimes it goes on further than I would like. I then repeat this cycle until my paper is complete or until the library closes.
For me a successful writing period is writing more than two sentences in a row without feeling nauseous or anxious. So other than writing for this class today, my last successful writing session was Sunday evening for my Politic Science blog post. I was in my room with my newly constructed desk listening to a spotify playlist called “Pop Goes Classical.” I was alone in my home and have sticky notes on my wall that keep me centered and motivated (“You got this,” “Be Nicer to Yourself,” “Drink Water” etc) I didn’t silence my phone or set any timers as I used chatting with my friends periodically to keep me grounded when I felt overwhelmed or stuck. I’m not totally sure what has made writing so much simpler for me this semester but I hope it continues!
The last time I was able to have a successful writing experience, I was writing in my room, specifically on my bed. It’s the most comfortable place there is rather than the desk and chair which sometimes make my back hurt. I can’t work in silence or chaos so I like to play light music with no words, like lofi hip hop or the sound of rain. Writing from afternoon to night time is definitely better for me because I’m sometimes not all there in the morning. I also like being alone when I write so I can focus on myself. I generally like drinking things as I write, whatever they may be, but not so much food. I use many pillows to sit upright and keep comfort so I don’t necessarily fall asleep. I don’t really do anything to avoid distraction, just self control. When I need a break, I lay down for a while. Not much metacognitive work done, I just think about ideas, write, and follow the flow.
I just recently had a very successful writing experience, and it was when I was writing my college essay. In that essay I went through all of the things my parents sacrificed for me to have and education. I was writing this essay in my room and was tearing up as I was doing so. As I was writing this essay, I was playing music because that’s what helps me focus best. It was also the evening and it was very relaxing listening to music and just writing. I was writing the essay alone, there was no one actually home at the time, they had went grocery shopping. The only thing I had with me was two water bottles and that’s what I sipped on while writing the essay. I was also sitting in my very comfortable gaming chair that my dad had actually got for me and It was very comfortable and definitely helped with writing the essay. Since no one was home I had no distractions and everything went smoothly. I would take 5 minute breaks every 30 minutes and would just walk out to my back yard and come back. For this essay I didn’t do any planning I just wrote what came to my mind and wrote stories that I remember my parents told me growing up.
The last time I had a productive writing experience was last week. I had to write a short introduction for my Theater Arts class about my relationship to Theater and the arts in general. I was sitting in my room in silence ( I often find music or any noise to be a distraction). It was later in the evening, a time where I feel more productive. Being that it was a short paper, (just one page), I didn’t need to take a break from writing. I made sure to put my phone on do not disturb, and began the process.
My last writing piece was for my Accounting class at BMCC. I had to write about my accumulated knowledge of all classes and how I would use them in my career and life. I tend to light a candle and turn on my colored LED room lights before writing. The night I did my writing, I did my process and sat at my desk while having a drink and playing Bad Bunnys new album. Just chill vibes. A big distraction for me is my phone. I usually turn it off because if not I would pick it up every 5 minutes thinking I got a message each time. Quality breaks usually command of going for a walk, stretch, dance, or just watch some funny videos to get the momentum going again. I do do metacognitive work if the work is large. I break it down by sections or even try to finish what I can and then highlight the areas that need fixture for another day.
My last successful writing piece was for my college personal statement. I was out of the country at that time, In a house In the Dominican Republic with Mountains all over. It was a very peaceful setting with almost no noise except for fan noises and wind noises. I used that moment to begin writing my essay and it went very well, I had so many ideas come to my head and I just couldn’t stop writing.
The last time I had a successful writing experience was the last time I wrote about something I found meaningful or wrote something that created a profound revelation of ideas I would’ve never otherwise considered. I was snacking on an apple writing alone in the evening in a quiet room at home and listened to classical music. Eventually I turned it off when I really wanted to focus on an important idea. I managed distractions by turning off my ringer and vibration on my phone and if I noticed I wasn’t writing well I’d go get a drink of water and listen to instrumental music for a few minutes before getting back into writing. I did not do much planning, however I was thinking critically of each line I wrote before I included it.
The last time that I had a successful writing experience was last year, in my dorm room. It was late night, and the last time I had eaten was a few hours ago. I was writing a paper about the Green New Deal for my English 2 course. I had a lamp on top of my desk and my roommate asleep in his bed behind my desk. Since it was a late night, it was a very serene, quiet environment, and I was able to work at peace with some calming music playing at a low volume through my headphones. This was a topic I was relatively passionate about, and due to the fact that it was also due the afternoon of that day, I took no breaks. I always do my planning and revision mentally as I go, so it was a smooth process. In the end I was able to whip up a 5 page (7 with citations) paper in about three hours, which I’d say was a very successful experience.
The last time I had a successful writing experience was in my room. The sounds of my background were completely silent other than the traffic you hear outside. I was writing around noon. I was alone in my room when I wrote this but often my brother would come in since I share my room. As I was writing I had a cup of fruit punch. To keep myself comfortable I would put a pillow behind my chair and put on some music. I managed distractions by having the mentality in my head that this had to be done now. In addition to that I put my phone to charge away from my desk. My quality breaks would be to eat a good meal or to lay in bed on my phone. I didn’t do any meta cognitive work when I wrote that piece.
A time where I felt confident in my writing was during my junior year of high school when I took my AP Literature exam. I was writing this essay through my essay due to COVID. I was in my living room using the computer and it was silent as I told my parents and relatives that I had and important exam to take. I had quality breaks as in taking a sip of water every 10 to 15 minutes and having a little sweet snack in between to keep me energized. I feel like because I was taking this exam online, I had less stress towards myself as it was different from the typical one sitting, writing, exam. I also like the idea of me being alone while writing the essay as I didn’t have anyone around me like I normally would. Having people around me seems to distract me often times when I write.
My last successful writing piece I personally believe was back in 2019. I was in my room with red LED lights. At this particular house my room was the quietest and the furthest from downstairs. I remember the mood. It was light, but dark, and calm all in one. I feel like that was from the late night rain and the lo-fi music playing in the background. Prior to locking up myself in my room for the night, I would always go to the kitchen and makes two 10 oz. French Vanilla Espressos with a decent amount of sugar. Coffee always does the trick for me. My energy literally goes from 0-100. Even lights are apart of my key ritual to writing. Changing my LED lights from WHITE to RED meant business. Business meant DO NOT knock my door or come in my room. Red is me in my element. It’s amazing because I’m already a huge fan of music, music playing in the background already places me in my element. My unexpected breaks were naps since I was so used to writing at night.
My last successful writing experience was in the library of the career center I took classes in during the winter of 2019. I was particularly focused and energized from the caffeine and writing an analytical essay on George Orwell’s 1984 for AP Literature. I work the best when I’m alone and there’s nothing around to distract me, so this specific environment allowed me to focus all my attention on the points I was trying to convey.
My last successful writing experience was during my senior year history finals. It was an extremely hot day in a classroom with no air conditioning. I had to write an essay on some history related topic. As soon as we got our papers out and saw the prompt I knew exactly what to write. I had been studying a lot earlier during the day and it helped me tremendously. It took me only thirty minutes to complete a 2 page essay which i ended up getting a 97 on.