December Extra Blog

This month at the Claremont Courier, I was in for a busy week. After bustling around the office for ideas on the Kid's Corner pages, I spent three full hours piecing together my notes in order to produce a couple of rough drafts. With the looming deadline of December 13, the office was buzzing with activity in regards to tying loose ends. That of which, were dealt with in the comfort of my home later that evening. Also, I found a pleasure in doing tasks outside my newfound comfort zone that is the kid pages and trekking into the realm that was dealing with the events posted on the online newspaper.

Above: Sorting the notes and drafts for the Christmas Edition of the Claremont Courier newspaper.

November (Extra Blog)

After finally getting the hang of writing for the kid's pages at the Claremont Courier, I was recently dubbed with the title and position of "guest editor". In a nutshell the duties of a guest editor is to take on the responsibilities for a specific section.

The chief editor decided to give me this position because she was impressed by my copy quality and thought that it would be in the newspapers best interests if I took over the kid pages for a while. That of which I am very excited to get started on.

Above: "Round of a Paws" the copy that earned me my position as guest editor.

Blog 10: EQ

1.   Review this.  Confirm by stating "I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ."
I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

2.  

a.  What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

I feel that this question does not meet the rule of three because it sounds very vague, almost general in such a way that inhibits depth.

 b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

This question does not meet the requirements of the rule of three because it's an incomplete sentence so the author's point isn't clear which then obscures the reader's understanding.

 c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

This question meets the rule of three, it is very clear and specific which allows for depth of research and allows the author room to argue a certain point.

 d.  How can an anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

This question meets the rule of three because it is specific, has a sense of depth, is properly formatted, and allows the author to argue some point.

3.  Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.  The senior team will be meeting with students shortly for EQ revision and approval; you are expected to bring your research notebook to that meeting with your EQ draft written inside in pencil.

Blog 9: Lesson 1 Reflection

1. Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your Lesson 1 presentation and why?

I am most proud of the content that I presented and the fact I was able to cover the basics of the topic in the amount of time given.

2. Questions to Consider

A) What assessment would you give yourself on your lesson 1 presentation (self-assessment)?

I would give myself a P.

B) Explain why you deserve that evidence from lesson 1 component contract.

 I deserve a P, because I met all the requirements but did not go above and beyond in presentation, although I did create a poster with my discussion layout and include examples from my research such as quotes from books.

3. What worked for you in Lesson 1?

I  think the fact that I was able to effectively convey the basis of my topic and ethics in the allotted amount of time was great.

4. (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your lesson 1?

I would definitely have presented my topic in a more entertaining way and provide more examples regarding my personal experiences such as my time at the courier and the various pieces of prose I construct in my downtime.

October (Extra Post)

This month, I was able to immerse myself in the world that is Truman Capotes, In Cold Blood, the first credited piece of true crime nonfiction. This book details the murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas as well as the lives of their executors. Though I haven't quite gotten around to finishing it, by far it is the most vivid, haunting tale that I have read so far. 

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1.  What is your working EQ?

In creative nonfiction, what specific techniques can be applied from journalism and creative writing in order to effectively convey both aspects in a pleasing literary style?

2.  What is a possible answer to your working EQ? Please write the answer in thesis format.  

EQ: In creative nonfiction, what specific techniques can be applied from journalism and creative writing in order to effectively convey both aspects in a pleasing literary style?

•The research aspects of journalism such as interviewing can be applied to the genre of creative nonfiction, more specifically the art of memoirs and biographies.

•The creative process in which a fiction writer undertakes such as intricate visuals and diction can be applied to genre of creative nonfiction, more specifically personal essays and memoirs. 

3.  What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ? 

The most prominent pieces of research that have allowed me to answer my working EQ would be the diverse collection of books that either manifest or explain in depth the purpose/structure of creative nonfiction, that of which include:

Writing True: The Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction, Crafting the Personal Essay: A Guide for Writing/Publishing Creative Nonfiction, You Can't Make This Stuff Up: The Guide to Writing Creative Nonfiction from Literary Journalism and Everything in Between.

4.  Who is your mentor, or where are you doing mentorship, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

My mentor is named Sarah Torribio and I am currently mentoring at her place of occupation which is the Claremont Courier. Working with Sarah has allowed me to experience the journalistic aspect of the creative nonfiction genre and grasp the basic concepts within the field of fiction writing.

September (Extra Post)-Going Beyond "Our Towns"

After a few "Our Towns" and research that went into the the Courier decided it was time for me to put my research skills to the test. My second major assignment that earned me another byline was my submission to the Kids Corner, a monthly feature in the Claremont Courier Newspaper. It took me two days to complete and within this timeframe, I procured jokes/quotes and contributed to both the spread design and creation. 

Above: One of the spreads I completed for the Kid's Corner

Above: My final "Our Town" contribution featured on the site.

Above: Research I conducted of the upcoming events regarding Claremont FLOW.

Independent Component 1 Approval

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

For my 30 hours I plan to collaborate alongside my mentor. What this entitles is making contributions to the overall design and production of the kid's corner section in the newspaper. To specify, I will undergo extensive research, initiate interviews, type up any documents given as well as my own, and ensure content submitted is eligible for any assigned pages given to me.

2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

I will document my 30 hours by taking pictures periodically, submitting pdf files and/or attachments of my contributions on the blog, and obtain my mentors signature to signify that I've completed those particular hours within the alotted timeframe.

3.  And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.

Since creativity is a key element in the foundation and creation newspaper production, the workflow isn't always consistent. What this means is that due to its fluctuation, I will be able to experience weekly deadlines which in turn ensure writing productivity and will boost my literary skills. In regards to how this will tie into my senior project on the ethics of creative nonfiction, I will be able to adopt techniques and the necessary skills needed for the journalistic aspects of the genre itself.

4.  Update your Senior Project Hours log.

Second Interview Preparation

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?

My mentor is Sarah Torribio, who works at the Claremont Courier.

2.  What five questions will you ask them about their background?

The five questions I will ask my mentor are as follows:

•What college courses were crucial to your growth as a writer?

•What events/experiences/influences helped shape your path as a writer?

•How has working at Claremont Courier improved your literary skills? In what ways has it played a role in how you matured as a writer?

•What are some accomplishments and or personal goals that you achieved through working at Claremont Courier?

•So far, what been your biggest challange in the field of writing? Through working at Claremont Courier have you experienced any pivotal moments?

Blog 5-Mentorship Reflection

1. Mentorship question: Describe your experience in how you found your mentorship? If you haven't found one yet, describe your experience so far in the search of a mentor.

Upon working at the Claremont Courier, I have come to understand an abundance of both techniques and a variety of aspects that are implemented into this field of writing. Through my mentorship I have learned how to properly format articles, discovered the bittersweet sense you often experience after completing extensive research, and the joys of what it means to be a journalist. While I am still confined to my computer, I have yet to grasp the concept of the duties and expectations a reporter is entitled to.

2. Research question: What has been your most important article you have read so far and why?

The most important source that I have read so far is an excerpt from Sondra Perl's, Writing True: The art and craft of creative nonfiction, which explains the the origin and definition of creative nonfiction and what aspects encompass the genre itself. Also, the techniques and references made throughout each chapter have allowed be to obtain a stronger grasp on the concept as a whole.

Intro to the life of a journalist

After completing my final hours for summer mentorship, I have concluded with a prominent sense of what it means to be a journalist, or at least, have obtained a grasp on what defines this field of work. A majority of time is often consumed by research and writing down facts, followed by drafting articles, printing copies for the editor to overlook, and rewriting copy. To my delight, I have already successfully finished two "Our Town" assignments which were then published onto the online magazine at: claremont-courier.com

Below I have attached my first publication.

As requested, I am required to procure official documents that state the school is aware of me working with Claremont Courier. Once this task is accomplished, I can begin to contribute to the newspaper! This is an opportunity that I cannot wait to accept. For the time being, I am completing hours by researching details regarding a community dispute on whether the water company should be owned by it's city.

Interview Preparation

1. Who do you plan to interview? Why?

I plan to interview Sarah Torribio at Claremont Courier because she's a reporter and is familiar with creative nonfiction and the techniques used.

2.  You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?  Ask open-ended questions.

The additional questions I plan to ask are:

•If one were to persue a career in creative nonfiction what classes would you suggest they take in order to build the needed skills?

•Although creative nonfiction is relatively new, how does it compare to the various mainstream forms of fiction being published now?

•Creative nonfiction is often depicted as the marriage between journalism and fiction, from your personal experience can you validate that statement? If not then why?

Topic Choice and Working EQ

1. My topic is: Nonfiction creative writing

2. Write a question that helps to focus your research this month.

 In creative nonfiction, what specific techniques can be applied from journalism and creative writing in order to effectively convey both aspects in a pleasing literary style?

3. Post the working bibliography (WB) on the right hand side of the blog and share it so anybody can view it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0ApR8npA1bx26dGo0QWU1OFIyd2Q1X0ttenJGalhvZGc&usp=drive_web

Summer Mentorship Component

1. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0ApR8npA1bx26dFRsR1llc3hSTTQ1N0Q5VjRVcmRrSGc&usp=drive_web

2. Over the course of the summer I mentored at Claremont Courier which can be contacted at:

(909) 621-4761

3. During my mentorship, the following questions were raised:

•If I were to persue a carrer in journalism, would it be enough to support me, financially?

•Since journalism requires an abundance of research, what sort of resources can journalists utilize that go beyond the internet?

•Although public newspapers possess a certain consistent writing style, how might a writer attain their own voice without disrupting the overall tone of the newspaper?

•Even though the articles produced by journalists are comprised of fact, detail, and quotes, are there still aspects of creative writing?

4. The most prominent piece of information I obtained through this experience was that although a career in writing isn't ideal financially, it can still be rewarding. That is, if the writer is persistent and is willing to "hustle" on the side.

5. My senior topic is going to be on creative writing and the many aspects of it that can be applied to journalism and freelance writing.

Blog 1: 2 Hour presentation

Blog assignment:

1. What presentations did you see?

 The presentations that I saw were: music performing and promoting, editorial publishing, occupational therapy, information technology, defense systems engineering, software development, music performance, music industry, warehouse op. management, homelessness, biochemistry (biofuels), Brazilian jiu jitzu,  information technology, theater acting, organic architecture, and domestic violence.

2. What questions do you have that haven't been answered about the senior project? 

Some questions that were left unanswered after senior presentations were the following: What is the best way to find an internship? Can you do more than three activities during senior presentation? Does your internship have to directly relate to your senior project topic?

3. What was the most important part of the senior project based on what you are seeing in 2 hour presentations?

The most important part about the senior project according to the 2 hour presentations that I watched, is to help students acquire a sense of what they wish to do and the skills needed to successfully convey that information to their peers.

4. What topic are you considering doing and why?

I am considering doing my senior project on creative writing and all the elements that make for a successful author. I chose this topic because my whole life I have always been passionate about writing, whether it be composing my own original songs, stories, or poetry. 

5. What are you doing for your summer mentorship?

For my summer mentorship, I plan to intern with my aunt who works for a publishing company.