Journal 1: Words That Matter

Writing can be defined as the physical act of putting pen to paper and producing words, and can be defined as a text or piece of work achieved, but a deeper understanding of writing comes from why people write. Writing is not simply a way of remembering or organizing ideas, it is also a way to create ideas and change reality. When a new idea is written down it is solidified and if enough people read this idea it becomes an accepted part of life. Writing is thinking. As Heidi Estrem states, "We don't simply think first and then write. We write to think." Writing is a way to generate knowledge and a deeper understanding of the subject in question. Writing is solving problems, or even just discovering their existence. This process can be done in many styles, not just writing paragraphs. Writing can be sporadic and messy, or clean and organized, it can be on a napkin or a computer. Writing can be defined by what it is, but also what it does for any person brave enough to put the pen to paper. Writing is also a way to communicate and share thoughts or ideas. The communal side of writing adds value to the human experience. It brings people together to share ideas and create new ones. It adds context to situations that previously were unknown.

Writing Key Terms:

• Knowledge: Writing does solidify knowledge. It allows for experiences and ideas to be passed down from generation to generation. It allows the writer and reader to understand things they would have never had the chance to interact with otherwise. 
• Creation: Writing allows for ideas to form and new thoughts to emerge. This creation happens during the writing process more often than not, and original ideas are the basis of what shape reality.  
• Human: Writing may be done on a computer, but writing is not a computer. Writing is a human activity. One that can be done alone or shared in a communal setting. 
• Process: The ideas that flow from writing are not always perfect from the moment they are spelled out. It takes time, and more writing and editing to achieve the end goal of writing something meaningful.  
• Setting: Bitzer shows us how there is no reason to write without having a setting in which to write.