#2 Learning to be a Mindful Writer

       In my Writing 150 class we've been reading a book called Mindful Writing. The first chapter is titled "You are a Writer" now, you have to understand, I have never considered myself to be "a writer" because in my mind writers are people who can say things so beautifully and don't have to depend on their vocal inflections as I do. As I started reading though I came to find comfort and encouragement in its words, "Writers get better at writing by writing". I had never thought of that! I know, that seems so obvious, but I never really thought of that until now (yes, I'm 18 and yes, I go to BYU.).  In the chapters I've read so far the author, Brian Jackson, has a great narrative flow about him that makes reading this so much more enjoyable than it probably would be. Each chapter focuses on one point or step of writing and gives suggestions and tips that can help writers become better. Some of these tips have been reminders but I've been constantly surprised with what I was doing wrong or should be doing better. I also really enjoy how easy it is to relate to the speaker because of all the stories he tells from his own life, most of them being embarrassing, it brings this textbook or learning material to life. Personally, when I don't want to do anymore homework I'm just fine reading this book because it feels just like a novel with great advice and insight! In some of the later chapters

      We've also look at some church material such as: "The Family; A Proclamation to the World" and some of Elder Bednar's messages ("To Sweep the Earth as With a Flood" and "Things as they Really Are" I highly recommend both) in a scholarly point of view. For example, we learned some techniques for skimming effectively while reading The Family and also looked for evidence of pathos, ethos, and logos. *Personal side note* I absolutely love BYU because we get to read these great works in our WRITING class! I love and appreciate that so much. *Personal side note done* Looking at these great works have strengthened me in so many ways; in my appreciation for the leaders of The Church of Latter Day Saints, I'm starting to see the connection that has been missing for so long due to separation of Church and State in my lower education years, and my personal testimony itself has grown. If you've never read religious text in this point of view I highly recommend it because it will open your eyes and help you see just how smart God is in His timing and reasoning.