After reading the chapter titled, "Every Tongue Shall Confess," I realized how quickly and smoothly the reading went and had an urge to continue on. The style of writing and description used was entertaining and alternating as to not bore me.
When she wrote about the Clareese's encounter with Deacon McCreedy where he, for lack of a better word, molested her, it appeared as if the words were coming straight from the character's mind. It seemed like, as the character remembered the event, she spoke about it, changing it drastically as new information returned to her memory. I suppose the word choice was most descriptive and her use of the phrase, "wriggling around inside" made me a little sick.
I enjoyed the metaphor she used in which she describes her uterus as having the shape of Texas. Her monthly period acting like the Rio Grande emptying out into the Gulf was really funny to read.
I also enjoyed when she described the reaction of the audience in her church as the pastor was preaching. She described the women as waving their hands around as if stumbling the dark. That description basically painted the scene in my mind, and made it so easy to imagine.
The quotes she used, especially when she described the phone call between Clareese and Cleophus was very helpful in understanding the actions and perhaps what Cleophus was thinking behind his rude comments.
After reading her techniques I learned several different fun ways to write, especially because I worry that my writing becomes a bit monotone and boring. Varying between short and long sentences makes the writing more fresh and interesting.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Word of the Week #8
Suzzette Medina
MCom 100w- Tu/Th 10:30 a.m.
Word of the Week #8
Sojourn
Source: "Dictionary.com" word of the day archive
How it was used: "Yet he is now an accomplished student and speaker of English, a literary editor and television producer, someone who has sojourned in Paris and attended the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa in Iowa City."
Definition: Sojourn
intransitive verb
1. To stay as a temporary resident; To dwell for a time.
noun
1. A temporary stay.
My sentence: When Maria found out that her ex-boyfriend could no longer afford his apartment, she let him sojourn in her house until he got back on his feet.
MCom 100w- Tu/Th 10:30 a.m.
Word of the Week #8
Sojourn
Source: "Dictionary.com" word of the day archive
How it was used: "Yet he is now an accomplished student and speaker of English, a literary editor and television producer, someone who has sojourned in Paris and attended the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa in Iowa City."
Definition: Sojourn
intransitive verb
1. To stay as a temporary resident; To dwell for a time.
noun
1. A temporary stay.
My sentence: When Maria found out that her ex-boyfriend could no longer afford his apartment, she let him sojourn in her house until he got back on his feet.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
NPR Radio Interview Analysis
Suzzette Medina
MCom100w- Tu/Th 10:30 a.m.
NPR- Radio Interview Analysis
Word Count: 512
After listening to almost an hour of a radio interview of Sheryl Crow, it is quite clear that Terry Gross is a talented and personable interviewer. She was able to lead the conversation and make sure Sheryl discussed topics that were most important and influential to her music.
Terry clearly had done her homework prior to the interview with Sheryl Crow. She knew about certain events in Sheryl’s adolescence that dated back to her high school days. Terry also was familiar with the timeline of Sheryl’s life recently regarding her relationship with Lance Armstrong, her breast cancer battle, and the adoption of her son Wyatt. Terry also knew about the history of Sheryl’s career and the hidden meanings behind some songs and albums. She used the knowledge she had through research to spark questions and keep the conversation flowing. Also, because Terry had such a strong understanding of Sheryl’s past, it seemed easier to have a more personal conversation between the two. Her knowledge allowed Sheryl to open up on a deeper level and speak about more personal issues in her life. There was no need to discuss the statistics about her background or other superficial data.
Terry asked mostly open-ended questions to encourage Sheryl to answer in a more complete and detailed way. She began several questions with words like “how” and “why” to spark up a discussion and avoid receiving simple yes or no answers. Terry asked questions like, “So you had an album and chose not to release it, why?” The questions that were asked mostly were aimed to get Sheryl talking about her personal struggles, experiences, and lessons in relation to her music.
Some questions were built upon from other previous questions and developed along with the types of answers given. When Terry asked about cheer leading in high school, Sheryl corrected her by saying she twirled the baton instead. From there Terry went off her answer and asked how she learned to twirl and if she ever performed on stage.
The interviewer did not seem to have an apparent strategy other than to nudge Sheryl to answer more personally and in depth if she ended with short or superficial answers. If an answer was not satisfactory, Terry would ask about specific events and people to dig deeper. Terry occasionally had to ask Sheryl to elaborate on her answer when she found herself with less than adequate information.
The relationship between Terry and Sheryl seemed almost personal and quite friendly. The types of issues they talked about and how sincere and easily Sheryl spoke about her personal life, made it seem like the two were quite close.
From this interview I learned that it is very helpful and plainly essential to have a set of questions and a background of the interviewee prior to meeting. This way, the interviewee knows that you have a bit of knowledge about their background and can talk about deeper, intimate, and ultimately more interesting things. I learned how to politely ask for more information from an interviewee if their answer was not sufficient.
MCom100w- Tu/Th 10:30 a.m.
NPR- Radio Interview Analysis
Word Count: 512
After listening to almost an hour of a radio interview of Sheryl Crow, it is quite clear that Terry Gross is a talented and personable interviewer. She was able to lead the conversation and make sure Sheryl discussed topics that were most important and influential to her music.
Terry clearly had done her homework prior to the interview with Sheryl Crow. She knew about certain events in Sheryl’s adolescence that dated back to her high school days. Terry also was familiar with the timeline of Sheryl’s life recently regarding her relationship with Lance Armstrong, her breast cancer battle, and the adoption of her son Wyatt. Terry also knew about the history of Sheryl’s career and the hidden meanings behind some songs and albums. She used the knowledge she had through research to spark questions and keep the conversation flowing. Also, because Terry had such a strong understanding of Sheryl’s past, it seemed easier to have a more personal conversation between the two. Her knowledge allowed Sheryl to open up on a deeper level and speak about more personal issues in her life. There was no need to discuss the statistics about her background or other superficial data.
Terry asked mostly open-ended questions to encourage Sheryl to answer in a more complete and detailed way. She began several questions with words like “how” and “why” to spark up a discussion and avoid receiving simple yes or no answers. Terry asked questions like, “So you had an album and chose not to release it, why?” The questions that were asked mostly were aimed to get Sheryl talking about her personal struggles, experiences, and lessons in relation to her music.
Some questions were built upon from other previous questions and developed along with the types of answers given. When Terry asked about cheer leading in high school, Sheryl corrected her by saying she twirled the baton instead. From there Terry went off her answer and asked how she learned to twirl and if she ever performed on stage.
The interviewer did not seem to have an apparent strategy other than to nudge Sheryl to answer more personally and in depth if she ended with short or superficial answers. If an answer was not satisfactory, Terry would ask about specific events and people to dig deeper. Terry occasionally had to ask Sheryl to elaborate on her answer when she found herself with less than adequate information.
The relationship between Terry and Sheryl seemed almost personal and quite friendly. The types of issues they talked about and how sincere and easily Sheryl spoke about her personal life, made it seem like the two were quite close.
From this interview I learned that it is very helpful and plainly essential to have a set of questions and a background of the interviewee prior to meeting. This way, the interviewee knows that you have a bit of knowledge about their background and can talk about deeper, intimate, and ultimately more interesting things. I learned how to politely ask for more information from an interviewee if their answer was not sufficient.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Word of the Week #7
Suzzette Medina
MCom 100w 10:30 a.m.
Word of the Week #7
Capacious
Source: "Dictionary.com" word of the day archive
How it was used: "Is it worth pointing out that the boot seems remarkably capacious for a little car?"
Definition: adjective
1. Capable of holding much, spacious or roomy.
My Sentence: It's a good thing she has a capacious closet to hold her extensive collection of dresses.
MCom 100w 10:30 a.m.
Word of the Week #7
Capacious
Source: "Dictionary.com" word of the day archive
How it was used: "Is it worth pointing out that the boot seems remarkably capacious for a little car?"
Definition: adjective
1. Capable of holding much, spacious or roomy.
My Sentence: It's a good thing she has a capacious closet to hold her extensive collection of dresses.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Mystery Character Exercise
Suzzette Medina
MCom 100W- Tu/Th 10:30 a.m.
Mystery Character Exercise
Word Count: 86
This character's talent exudes most as he has worked in several different aspects of his field. His work can be found behind the scenes as well as in front of the masses. In his work place, cheers and laughs follow complete silence. A suit and tie is the usual attire, as well as a hat to adorn his curly dark hair. In this character's colorless world, his little tiny mustache is a defining feature.
Think you know who it is? See the comments and find out!
MCom 100W- Tu/Th 10:30 a.m.
Mystery Character Exercise
Word Count: 86
This character's talent exudes most as he has worked in several different aspects of his field. His work can be found behind the scenes as well as in front of the masses. In his work place, cheers and laughs follow complete silence. A suit and tie is the usual attire, as well as a hat to adorn his curly dark hair. In this character's colorless world, his little tiny mustache is a defining feature.
Think you know who it is? See the comments and find out!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Word of the Week #6
Suzzette Medina
MCom 100W- Tu/Th 10:30am-11:45am
Word of the Week #6
Caterwaul
Source: "Word of the Day" hosted by Dictionary.com
How it was used: "John met Angela head-to-toe and there was a lot of bellowing and caterwauling."
Definition: Caterwaul
(intransitive verb)
1. To make a harsh cry.
2. To have a noisy argument.
(noun)
1. A shrill, discordant sound.
My Sentence: After dropping a huge box on his toe, you could hear John caterwauling all throughout the house.
MCom 100W- Tu/Th 10:30am-11:45am
Word of the Week #6
Caterwaul
Source: "Word of the Day" hosted by Dictionary.com
How it was used: "John met Angela head-to-toe and there was a lot of bellowing and caterwauling."
Definition: Caterwaul
(intransitive verb)
1. To make a harsh cry.
2. To have a noisy argument.
(noun)
1. A shrill, discordant sound.
My Sentence: After dropping a huge box on his toe, you could hear John caterwauling all throughout the house.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)