http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter For college writers from the Writing Center at Valparaiso University Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:07:08 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Beginnings and endings are difficult whether in a relationship, on a vacation, or in an essay! If you're  unsure of what steps to take beyond error corrections as you polish a final draft or revision,  here are some techniques you can apply to your entrance and exit. Introduction (1) If you ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/11/16/polishing-introductions-conclusions-for-a-portfolio/ As CORE students you’re probably either writing, making revisions, or finalizing your paper on love. Remember that this paper, like the first paper you wrote in CORE last semester, is a personal narrative and a reflection about a particular theme in action, in this case love. Think carefully about a particular ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/11/09/love-in-context/ For help with the 6th edition of the APA citation style, we suggest the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab).  Of course, we are happy to help you in person at the Valpo Writing Center too. GET A CORRECTED BOOK FREE:  If you purchased the 6th edition printing that has many errors, ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/11/06/apa-6th-edition-help/ Beginning an essay or paper where the professor encourages you to define your own topic, either with no restrictions or within a very very general framework, can be quite intimidating at first.  I say "at first" because once you learn to channel your energy, writing can become an activity from ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/11/01/the-freedom-to-write/ This mp3 episode of the Blue Light Show is devoted to A Long Way Gone. Three CORE students discuss ideas relevant to paper #2. Is the book more about war or enlightenment? Why do the boys join the army? How does enlightenment occur, and what the responsibilities of the enlightened? ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/10/23/blue-light-show-episode-5/ Hey all, I'm Eric, and I'm back for another year at the Writing Center. This is my fifth semester consulting, and I really enjoy working with everyone who stops by. I'm a senior this year majoring in philosophy and economics, so I'm fairly up to speed on MLA and writing standards ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/10/16/meet-a-consultant-eric/ Hello to all! My name is Jim, although I go by many nicknames, so I encourage you to be creative. I am excited to be back in the business of writing after taking a few years off to collect my thoughts (Actually many of them got away). I graduated from St. ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/10/09/jiddins-writing-consultant/ Hey Folks- Vickie here, back for a third year at the Writing Center. I'm now a senior nursing student here at VU, which means I'm your go-to girl for APA! If I had the time, I'd add an English major as well because I love to write but my ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/09/16/meet-a-consultant-vickie/ Though talking face-to-face is the best kind of writing consultation, sometimes an email consultation works very well. Send your paper as an attachment to writing.center@valpo.edu. After reading your paper, a consultant will reply with reactions to the text and suggestions you might consider. Other than the end-of-semester rush, we respond ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/09/15/weve-got-mail/ This blog is called the BLUE LIGHT because we have a blue light on the peer consultant desk. When it's on, we're on, and you can be on!But what other blue lights are there? A blue light special at K-Mart means you'll get a bargain, maybe something you ... http://blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/2009/09/05/why-the-blue-light/