Read the entries in the section “Why Write?” which is linked here. The link opens on the first section, called “Self-Expression and Self-Enrichment.”  Please be sure to read all five (5) sections. The authors list a number of reasons to write, including self-expression and exploration, creativity, academic and professional performance, and more.  Why do you write? What kind of writing do you typically do now?  What kind of writing would you like to do?  Describe how these kinds of writing might be in synch with the reasons for writing explored in this reading.  Are there reasons for the writing you do that are not covered in the reading?

When you write, you assume a specific identity as a writer (explored further in the lesson materials). It’s as though you put on a mask, that you don a unique persona when you write something. For example, when you submit an essay for this class, it is likely that the mask you put on is one of a dedicated student who cares about writing and wants to do well in the course. When you do something in Instagram or SnapChat, your persona is probably quite different from that of the dedicated student. For the third part of this forum, describe some of the masks you wear in your current writing. Think about the different roles you play (spouse, parent, friend, employee, supervisor, soldier, friend, club president, etc.).  Think about the ways you write (e-mail, letter, note pad, chat box, Post-It-Notes, texts, etc.).

What are three (3) masks that you wear as a writer?  Describe each of these personas in terms of their traits.  How do you want your reader to see you in each mask? What character are you when you e-mail your boss? What mask are you wearing when you are texting your best friend?  How do your traits differ as you move from mask to mask (dedicated or hip or responsible or fun-loving or compassionate)?