My Writing Metaphor

(The link below provides a song that describes a typical Friday afternoon and evening.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfVsfOSbJY0

My writing process is similar to getting ready with my friends on a Friday night. Before the night begins, I am typically laying on the couch in my cozy pajamas. I do not have the energy to get off the couch and prep myself, but I do not want to miss the fun.

A personal picture of my shower products

I have a similar feeling when my teacher assigns an essay. I despise sitting at my desk for two hours or more, but I want a good grade. Unfortunately, I must sit and write my thoughts.

Once I have the necessary burst of energy to get off the couch, I walk to the bathroom. I need to wash my face, hair, and body. After, I have clean skin and hair
ready for styling. Also, my body is ready to wear clean clothes.

Every time I open a blank page on Microsoft Word, I am starting with a blank canvas as well.

Next, I pick an outfit. This process is the longest and most frustrating. I say this because most girls want to leave their house feeling confident and pretty. They typically hate their clothing because they believe they have over used the majority of their Friday night outfits. In addition, the unused clothing may not be appropriate for the occasion. I try at least five different combinations of shirts, pants, shoes and accessories until I find the perfect outfit.

A photo of my closet

I make difficult decisions while writing as well. I must choose the best combination of words and organization of sentences. A wrong word choice may change the meaning of a sentence. A paragraph could be confusing if the sentences are not chronological.

Then, I put on makeup and straighten my hair. I apply a little concealer to brighten my face. I put on mascara and eye liner to add energy to my eyes. Lastly, I straighten my hair to add a little shine. Afterwards, I may ask a friend if she would polish any aspect of my hair or makeup.

A photo of my makeup

Proofreading and editing are the polishing stages in writing. I have the basic format, but I need to strengthen my essay by checking for correct grammar, advanced vocabulary, logical thinking, and concise writing. As a result, my essay will sound professional. After editing, I go to the Writer’s Workshop for a final peer revision.

After showering, picking an outfit, applying makeup, and straightening my hair, I feel confident and ready to have a fun night with my friends.

I feel the same excitement when I attach my essay document to an assignment and click the submission button. Now, I can relax or work on assignments for different classes.

I am 19 years old, so I have practiced and perfected my getting ready routine. I started going out in middle school, thus I have had a lot of practice. I remember getting ready two hours before I left home. At the time, I applied half the makeup I use now. Also, picking an outfit was easy because most girls wore leggings to any occasion. Now, my routine is a mere 40 minutes. My routine is shorter,  meanwhile I accomplish more tasks. Picking an outfit is harder because I must pick appropriate college girl apparel, which rarely includes leggings. Also, I put on more makeup. I know how to do more steps faster because I am aware of the clothes that look good on my body type. Not to mention, I know what makeup techniques, colors, and brands look good with complexion and facial structure.

Professor Mary Hays helped me perfect my writing routine in Rhetoric 105. Every assignment either revealed mistakes I should avoid, or simply quickened my writing pace. In the beginning of the year, writing one sentence took a few minutes. I had to organize an essay multiple times before I knew how to start, explain, and end the paper. Now, I finish assignments faster because I do not ponder every grammar question. In addition, I know how to express my thoughts quickly and concisely. I am able to automatically visualize the structure of my essay. My improvement in only 4 months is incredible.