First Year Winner: Invention in Mayhem and Discouragement: Getting to Writing after “Mom Shifts."

WRIT 1703, Writing Process: Invention, Originality, Ethics. CD: Stephanie Bell.

Abstract

“Invention in Mayhem and Discouragement” is an outstanding example of a descriptive essay. The assignment asked students to document their own idea generation process, with explicit attention to strategies such as the “Think Aloud” and to the course’s secondary research. This impeccable and interesting submission reflects one writer’s struggles with the creative process. When it comes to the creative act, the author observes that “there are always other writers and genre conventions influencing that moment”, and they compellingly describe just how complex and personal the writing process really is. Equally impressive is the way this writer went beyond summary to truly consider the implications of course reading on their own practice. The results were both astute and fascinating, and, even better, this paper rewards repeated reads with new insight.

But if this was not enough, there is also an emotional journey, as the writer considers their own influences and motivations both in genre and in memory form. Their process is intertwined with themes of loss and struggle, with fear of failure, and with dawning self-confidence. As a result, it cannot fail to resonate with writers of all sorts as it seamlessly intertwines analysis and personal observation into an original, thoughtful consideration of the creative process.