Gazing into the Mirror

One reason I love the beach so much is that it gives me a place to pause and reflect. Some days, it’s always good to think about what we’re doing and why we’re here. It’s at those moments where we discover ourselves and our place in the world. By the end of it, sometimes I see myself in a new light that I never imagined before.

Reflection also has its place within the writing process.

While it might seem easy to get something out in a single draft and be done with it, we may not always think about what we’ve composed. There are times in writing where the process of reaching the end isn’t immediately clear to us. Sometimes we write to meet deadlines or to fulfill the expectations of others, and that’s perfectly normal. Sometimes we write because we have something to say, and the words flow like a slow and steady stream. However, there are other times that we write because we have to; the words compel us, and we have to get them out of our heads and into the printed form.

However it is that you write, be aware of the process you’re using to get to this point. While the rules—what writers consider their craft—are clearly laid out, each of us has a personal process that is unique. For instance, if you prefer to write first drafts by hand and type later, that’s part of your process. Other people may compose everything on the computer, including notes and prewriting, and that’s also a part of personal process. You may not necessarily be consciously aware of every aspect of your process, but it’s there.

Try to be aware of your writing habits, your preferences, and all the little rituals that you use to get an essay done. If you realize that you prefer blue notebooks and not red, perhaps the words may come out better than you realized. If it helps you become a better writer, embrace it. Make yourself aware of the small changes that improve your process. Think about why the small change made a difference. And if it didn’t, then make a note of that, too—if small changes don’t affect your style, that too is part of your own process.

At some point, you may be asked to write a reflective essay. Reflective essays are nothing more than just a brief explanation of your process of writing. It may seem to you that you’ve learned nothing from repeating the steps you use to write. Then again, maybe you have. Maybe the process of reflection may help you to discover something about your writing style that you didn’t know before.

Be open to the idea of reflecting on your own writing, and see where it leads you. You just might surprise yourself, and even become a better writer along the way.

See you next time the breeze is cool, the sun is up, and the waves roll into view! ‘Til then, hang ten!