Writing Well is Learning Well
By magneto2011
@magneto2011 (112)
Philippines
February 1, 2011 6:39pm CST
I only now realize (at 46, nearing 47) that writing is fantastic and fun. I used to dislike it because it consumes time thinking on what to say, plus the problem of grammar and the use of correct punctuation furthers the burden. I managed to squeeze through college and the graduate school the hard way, as I had to literally bang my head on the wall to stimulate my mind to produce ideas to complete all my paper works. I am able to write millions or billions of words already, but it did not fuel an interest in me to make writing as a hobby, passion or a means of livelihood.
When I started joining myLot,the interest in writing is growing by the day. In fact, I've tried to make a point to post one or two responses (at least)within 24-hour time frame to ensure the continuity of my writing exercises.
I believe that one's writing skill is honed only by constantly writing and myLot helps it. Honestly, I am inspired whenever I'll be able to read good writing (which includes good ideas)in the site and it motivates me to push further the limit. Right now, I have no other writing activity except in myLot since I find it quite sufficient to serve the purpose.
The reason for posting this topic for discussion is for the members of myLot to inspire each other to make writing as a passion. Our goal should not just be limited to simply be able to write; we need to be able to write well(if possible). To write well is learning well. Learning well may help us become better persons; we are persons with beautiful minds.
2 people like this
9 responses
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
2 Feb 11
I have had different feelings about writing at different times of my life. When I was in school, I always had trouble. I never felt like I could express myself in a way that I felt understood. Sometimes people would write my papers for me because I couldn't understand what I was reading in order to write about it. Now I don't have as much difficulty. I am a student so I have to write papers often now, although I still put them off longer than what I should. Most of the time I am able to find the information that I need to write these papers so that I sound almost intelligent. I agree with you that responding to discussions in MyLot and other places does help the writing process. I hope that I am able to continue writing and that we are all able to improve our skills. If you are able to express yourself in writing you are really able to show your intelligence. Thanks for sharing!
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
2 Feb 11
You are totally right about that. I have always learned by doing. To try to learn something by reading about it without actually performing the act is next to impossible for most people. You might know the theory behind what you are reading about, but if you don't go through the actions, you won't know if you can do it. This applies to almost anything--teaching, accounting, medicine or any other profession. If you don't go through practical experience, all the theory means nothing. Of course it helps to be able to write about what you have learned. At least that way you know that you know it. Sure it is easy to pass a test, but if you can't perform the skill, then it means nothing. I guess that is the "perspiration" you are talking about.
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
My 46 years of existence has taught me that learning about anything goes through a process (in my case, it is long and tedious) and in constant motion of repetition for mastery. And the most effective method of mastering it, is by doing it. In writing, one can master its art and technique by doing the act of writing. One does not learn how to swim by mere watching at the people swimming; he or she learns it by jumping into the pool. Sure, there is a need of the expert's guidance for proper training, but the most part of it is learning by doing. Thomas Edison aptly said it: Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. Thank you for the comment.
1 person likes this
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
After having initiated a topic for discussion, I feel some pressure in awarding the best response. So far, all five responses are pretty good responses. In fatc, your ideas poured into this section are worth reflecting (on my part).
@blueblink (246)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
I was once a writer when i was still in high school.
Actually , it is fun to write and express yourself through writing articles.
But when i was already collage, I just use my writing skill, when preparing reports about previous activity of our organization.
Happy mylotting
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
3 Feb 11
Thank you for the comment blueblink. Whatever is your preoccupation right now, you haven't totally abandoned writing as evidenced in your 165 (or more?)responses and comments made in myLot. Partly, I envy you because you have learned how to write quite well while you're still in high school. I learned to write sensible sentences and paragraphs (more or less)the last year of my four-year college education. It has improved when I enrolled in the graduate school.
Right now, I fervently desire to hone it further and make it a lot better through participation in myLot's discussion.
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Yes, orderly thoughts produce orderly and easier to understand literary output. I'm very curious to read your fiction-fantasy book katieO(1037), if you won't mind.
@shuley (368)
•
2 Feb 11
Hi magneto, you know you are absolutely right that writing well is learning well, just lately I am into writing and I can see my improvements. I studied well what I write so I am learning as well. Here in mylot sometimes I forgot to comment as I read a lot some of the good comments.
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
That is good news shuley(201)! Yeah, writing is a skill (although some are born very talented)and it can be learned and mastered through constant practice like what you do. Now you are beginning to see and enjoy the fruit of your hard work as you have observed signs of improvement in writing. Writing and learning always go together; when one begins to write on something he or she learns no matter how trivial (or grandeur) such learning might seem to appear.
@lexirose7350 (459)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
I agree with you Magneto, writing is a learning experience, i write too once in a while to hone my skill especially in the English language. Discussions like this help in a lot of ways and the frequent interactions with each other as well. I am a new member here in mylot but i enjoy participating in discussions especially when someone responds to my issue or topic. It is always a healthy conversation - no arguments just diverse ideas that you can learn something from.
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
You're right there (lexirose7350) in your assessment on the benefit each member can enjoy in joining myLot's discussion - it hones one's skill in writing the English language, establishes healthy conversation, one can get diverse ideas that he or she can learn something from and a lot more.
So to speak, myLot is the perfect site for all of us. It is like a home away from home(?).
@meditated1 (238)
• United States
2 Feb 11
That was a really well thought out idea on writing and its meaning to you. By the way I like the name, I've always been a big x-men and magneto fan. I really understand what your saying as I've come across the very same concepts through my life. Writing is a way for me to express myself and by doing so, I learn and improve my ability to express myself. Ha, would've thought, practice does make perfect. The only thing better than writing and expanding your inner voice in the world, is to do so and get paid for it.
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Yeah, part of it is the monetary return eventually, meditated1. Right now, I just love posting with or without it. I like also the name, sounds you're into Philosophy or some Yoga.
@laken02 (3065)
• United States
2 Feb 11
i have always loved to write, but i have a problem with my spelling and i have to correct it often. i tryed writing online sites to get paid but that was my problem it was always great material but my bad spelling got in the way so i stopped writing until mylot came along and now i dont feel pressure as i can write about my feelings and i am sure to go back and take my time and check m spelling before i post anything it helps... i do love to write and express my feelings some days i just want to answer other peoples questions like tonight and other days im inspired to write some of my own questions it just varies but it does my soul good to write...either way
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
In myLot, there's no such pressure because we are very understanding here. I think the spelling problem can be mastered soon once you continue your passion for writing. It is good to hear that from you laken02.
@nonersays (3335)
• United States
2 Feb 11
I have wanted to be a "writer" since around 3rd grade. For a long time in my life I wrote every day. Stories and poems, and wrote in my journal.
As years passed I find myself only writing for my blog, and hardly writing for pleasure. And I'm not as good of a writer as I once was either.
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
In other words, writing has become your passion at an early age. That is good nonersays. Had you continued it, you could have your own book on poems by now. Good day.
@AmorousPrince (44)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Of course, it goes without saying that there are several modes, mediums, and so on in writing. I'd like to think speaking is an extemporaneous form of writing. The way I casually write here is just about how I hear myself talking in person. It's something everyone should do more often. And given the right topic, I think everyone has something substantial to say... or write!
Thank you for sharing!
@magneto2011 (112)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Yes, it is correct that the mode of expressing ideas varies in many forms. It could either be oral (like extemporaneous speech), written (like we do in myLot), sign language (the way special people, i.e., the mute, communicate), symbolism or sign.
Everyone is gifted with the ability to think and understand. Each one has substantial words to share to his or her fellow; this is what conversation is all about. Thank you AmorousPrince.
