Self Assessment Essay



One thing I have learned in my years as a writer, is to write what you know. Most of my pieces
are what I would consider creative nonfiction. They are based on personal experience and fact. I have tried to enliven them and make them more meaningful by use of imagery, setting, voice, and humor. I am an avid reader and most of what I read and enjoy are memoirs with a hint of sarcasm. I am especially partial to David Sedaris, his use of creative nonfiction in Dress Your Family in Courderoy and Jeans, is definitely what I try to aspire to when I write my pieces. My essay Fatal Disease, was written after I read his book.
During the course of this semester, I have learned a lot. I have learned to read things without judgement, I have tried to read each piece first before I scrutinize it and made sure I ignored spelling errors till I was done reading it thoroughly. I also found it interesting how different some pieces were when they were read to me and or sung to me in someone else’s voice. Being able to workshop such a wide variety of pieces and hear what a group of very different individuals had to say about them, opened my eyes to a whole new way of reading and thinking about pieces I have written or read. I now read and write as objectively as I can.
I try to write, paying special attention to imagery and character as if I wasn’t the writer. I read it as if it were written by someone else and how it may relate to them, taking into consideration they are not always privy to the information I take for granted. This seems to work and makes me a stronger writer as well as reader. This class has opened my eyes and brought me closer to myself as a writer and reader. I have enjoyed this class immensely. Thank you.