Maria's Learning

This is a response to Taking Stock #3 in Portfolio Keeping.

What kind of writer are you? When do you do your best work?

Mid-morning after a cup of coffee is the earliest I can concentrate to write. I usually do any writing after dinner hours since I’m out most of the day with classes and work. I work better in my room. I have a door to close and lock, so I can’t be bothered by my roommates. I have to have some noise in the background. I either put on the TV or some music just so I’m not in complete silence. For me, that’s more nerve-racking to be in a room where you can hear a pin drop. That’s possibly why I don’t do so well on in-class writing tests. I just can’t think when everyone else is silently thinking. I like to write a little bit and take a break, but with in-class writing tests, I can’t do that. It’s really relaxing to be able to listen to something other than my mind. I do my best work when I’m multi-tasking or have multiple projects on a to-do list.

I like to keep my style books near me for reference. Sometimes I have to write in my living room just to give my eyes a rest from the computer screen. I like to write with colorful pens (not red, though) to make the process seem bright, warm, and happy. I usually have a drink (root beer or vanilla cream soda) as a reward for completing a paragraph or finding the exact word I want to use. Sounds silly, but it keeps me motivated to do my best. These say that I like to give myself positive reinforcements to keep the writing process going. If I’m positive, I’m more confident about my writing and product.