Blog #2 - Oliver Hamlin

     For me, writing is a whirlwind of ideas and a roller coaster of confidence. One of my biggest troubles with writing is organizing my ideas, but it isn't always apparent in my final draft. My first draft, however, is a crime scene of off-topic thoughts, disarrayed grammar, and out of context vocabulary. I begin composing at a slow pace, doing my best to keep my composure and have this first draft be better than the last. One thought builds off another, and before I know it, I'm at a peak of creativity and writing genius. However, that only lasts for so long. Writer's block kicks in, and my confidence sinks into an abyss.

     My attitude toward writing typically differs on the subject at hand and the format I must write in. Having lived in three different states through my high school career, I became educated on three differing writing formats. Two I enjoyed, one I despised. My peaks in my writing experience are typically as high as the lows are the lows, but that's okay. I have learned to embrace my mistakes and learn from them to be a better writer. Since I am by no means an avid reader, revising my writing and building off of my faults has indefinitely constructed my writing style more than reading material from other writers has.

     At times I wonder how different my writing would be if I had more exposure to literature and writing at a younger age. Would my vocabulary be better? Would I be able to write faster? The list goes on. I'd like to say I'm content with my writing, at best. However, the person I am wishes to carry forth in my writing ability and adopt new words, styles, and ideas into my writing. I have always loved the idea of succeeding in uncharted waters, and this year I wish to take my writing where it has never gone before.