Staring at a blank screen? September 27, 2007
Posted by arussell in : Uncategorized , comments closedIt has happened to all of us: you read the prompt, you have an idea about what you want to write, but somehow the words just don’t come out. Minutes drag by, and turn into an hour, maybe two. What’s a writer to do?
One of my favorite writing tactics is what I’ll call the “15 Minute Blitz.” If I’m unsure about what I want to write or how I wanted to get started, I employ this tool to get something on that screen in front of me. I set a timer for 15 minutes and type continuously until the timer goes off. I’m not allowed to reread what I’ve written or to go back and make any changes. When I’m finished, I at least have something on the page. I feel better because now I know I have something, and now I can begin to refine my ideas. It’s a lot easier to work with something you already have on the page than stare at a blank screen while ideas swirl around in your head.
This tactic is also a great way to realize what you really want to say about something and can even yield your thesis. It’s similar to stream-of-consciousness writing, in which one simply writes what is on his or her mind continuously for 15 minutes. Stream-of-consciousness writing often surprisingly yields a new conclusion at the end, and the 15 Minute Blitz can work the same way! Without adding all researched, textual support, simply type out what you want to say and why you believe it to be so. Then you will see what your real thesis is! After you’ve cemented what you are trying to say with your paper, you can go back and break up evidence into paragraphs and add the necessary textual support!
Staring at a blank screen? Try the 15 Minute Blitz today!
Citations and Bibliography September 25, 2007
Posted by arussell in : Style, Citation & bibliography , comments closed“But this is how I thought we were supposed to cite things?”
“What’s Chicago style?”
“What do I have to cite?”
“You mean I have to cite if I paraphrase? Why?”
“I hate APA. Why can’t we just use MLA for everything?”
“Footnotes, endnotes, in text citations…AHHH”
“What if there is a quote that I’m quoting from a text that is quoting it? Do I quote the original text or the source I have or….?”
The are just a few questions or comments that have been made either by me or other students. Yes, I’ve heard you say them too. 
As it turns out, these questions all have logical answers. Some (if not all) can be found online here under the Citation & bibliography link or in the manuals of style at the Writing Center in the Christopher Center.
Come visit us and we can help you figure out some of those tough questions.
Oh, and yes, if you use someone else’s idea or paraphrase, you do have to cite it….
THE BLUE LIGHT SHOW episode 1 September 24, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Text & Context, CORE, Podcasts, Uncategorized , comments closed
Introducing the Valparaiso University Writing Center’s first shot at having a podcast! We’re excited to explore all of the possibilities– from recorded rants about thesis statements to readings from CORE.
Our first podcast is a reading of Genesis, trying to bring to life the oral tradition from which it came. We *totally* took advantage of the sound effects and music to create a space for the story to come to life.
Listen, then give us a sentence or two about what you think of our first podcast. Do you have any ideas? What worked for you? What would you like to hear?
Consulting Online September 21, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Consulting with us, International Students , comments closedAn online appointment works well either in the first draft or nearly finished. Your reader will send you an overall response and also make comments in the margin or text. You’ll find questions about ideas and content, suggestions for additions, and tips for corrections in style or usage. When will you hear from us? Usually within 24 hours, but keep in mind our consultants take a break on the weekend until Sunday evening.
The down side of online consultations . . .we can’t talk with each other. The best ideas come from conversation–tossing around ideas, jotting down notes, and making corrections. To try it out, send to writing.center@valpo.edu . Be sure to explain the assignment and include questions you have. International students: please come in to meet in person for your first consultation.
the dash! September 20, 2007
Posted by mlester in : Editing , add a commentThe dash was Emily Dickenson’s favorite punctuation. It is often confused with the hyphen, but but it is much more cool. It is used to set off material that deserves special emphasis. When typing, use two hypens to form a dash, with no space before or after.
So if you have a list to set off, a restatement, or an idea that you want to stand out in your writing, a dash can help you do that.
Example: Mary took a few steps back, came running full speed, kicked a mighty kick–and missed the ball.
International Chat with the WC! September 20, 2007
Posted by arussell in : International Students , add a commentNewsflash from the Blue Light:
The Writing Center does more than just writing - we like to talk, too! On Tuesday afternoons at 4pm, the Writing Center hosts an International Conversation Group in Meier Hall, Room 142. Led by WC consultant Alison Russell, this group is perfect for International/Interlink students who would like to improve their English conversation skills, as well as native English speakers who enjoy chatting and learning about others’ cultures. Also, if you are an undergraduate or graduate student who has studied abroad, this is a perfect way to maintain your international connections and give back to the international community.
Playing games, debating “hot topics” in the news, discussing cultural norms, and chatting in small groups are some of the highlights of group meetings. The conversation is always relaxed and interesting. Group meetings are an easy opportunity to get to know more Valpo students!
Try us out next Tuesday afternoon! Come once, come twice, or come every week: everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
the Semicolon! September 20, 2007
Posted by mlester in : Uncategorized , add a commentMy favorite punctuation mark is the semicolon. But there is sometimes a lot of confusion about how it is to be used. The rule to remember when using a semicolon is to make sure there is a complete sentence on either side of the semicolon. Conjunctions, such as “and”, “or” or “but” are also not supposed to be used with a semi-colon. It can stand all on its own, taking the place of the conjunction.
For example: In 1800, a traveler needed six weeks to get from New York City to Chicago; in 1860, the trip by railroad took only two days.
That is the most common use of the semi-colon. But there are some others. It is used with conjunctive adverbs, such as however or therefore.
For example: The media like to portray my generation as lazy; however, polls show that we work as hard as the twentysomethings before us.
In my opinion, I think . . . September 19, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Style , add a commentIs it OK to use “I” in my writing? Many profs will suggest eliminating “I” (first person) from your formal writing. Simply make a statement–readers will know it’s from you. However, the assignment itself, the topic, and the purpose will usually give you a sense whether this personal reference works well in the writing.
Tip: When having trouble with a draft, try writing “I think that . . .” often to help you decide what you want to say. Later you can eliminate this construction by using the second part of the sentence.
Meet a consultant–Johanna September 18, 2007
Posted by johanna in : Consultant bios , 2comments
A graduate who majored in English and Humanities, Johanna enjoys reading, writing, and exploring ancient ruins.
Johanna is available for consultations this summer before she explores new horizons.
Meet a Consultant–Brianne September 15, 2007
Posted by brianne09 in : Consultant bios , add a commentBrianne is a new consultant at the Writing Center this year. She is a junior, English and Secondary Education double-major who has a passion for working with students like you to revise and improve your papers. She serves as secretary for the VU Students for Life (VUSFL) and as an At-Large Senator on the VU Student Senate. She is also a CC student who recalls the dreaded crunch of the Saturday morning paper deadline in the Freshman Program! Come visit her at the Writing Center on Tuesday evenings between 7-9pm and Friday afternoons from 2-4 pm.