Peter Elbow - On Writing

[rpalmer3169]

Nice to reinforce these ideas by hearing from the master himself. I have spent 18 years watching writers, the struggling as well as the gifted writer, step to the next level utilizing this approach. Concerned with those who have negative responses posted. You have never tried for no one I have worked with who has ever failed; what's more-they get it. Your fear is revealed. Go on, make a mess. There's a treasure inside waiting for you as you train your eyes to find it and give your work form.

[WabitRascaly]

HELLO GRCC!!! :D

[yoyoyodooo]

writings fuckin hard

[sun2001kim]

Yes, this video might be boring. However, Peter Elbow is a very talented writer and his books are just fascinating. He is one of the few educators who really care about education and his students.

[BradySoTotallyRocks]

Dear Lord, this is boring!

[neftaliowen2011]

your a Nerd...

[AlgisKemezys]

Nice I like his POV.

[malighus]

Hello DMACC!!

[boarding5401]

Writing should be incarcerated for killing time.

[luridplanet]

This guy is great. Read his "Writing With Power" if you're serious about fiction writing. And learn the language as much as possible while you're at it.

[EternalRose89]

I think that it should be frowned upon when teachers have to resort to YouTube to get a point across. -_-' (<~ UMass Amherst student)

[xmfplt]

why? it's no different than using supplementary materials for a lesson. you should try to broaden your close-minded approach to learning. we can learn from nearly anything, anywhere and at any time--even youtube.

i think that it should be frowned upon when individuals have a very narrow approach to education.

[scrume71]

@EternalRose89 It should be frowned upon when people look at mediums and modes of pedagogy too narrowly. Youtube is an excellent resource in the classroom. It's not just for "crotch shot" videos.

[drypyro]

haha we had to watch this video in my English comp. class it was so boring. i don't think anyone cares about this boring dull video with some guy just sitting there talking in a monotone voice.

[BellicoseJingoism]

@drypyro Not everything on YouTube has to be "entertaining" - from what I've seen of Peter Elbow he seems like a man that doesn't care about "getting good grades" or "needing to watch boring videos on YouTube". Seems like he actually wants to understand things in life. Passionate learning is never dull.

[drypyro69]

@BellicoseJingoism but at the same time if its so boring then no one wants to pay attention or even gives it the time to care. everyone in class was just texting or taking a nap. this video doesnt get many views because nobody cares enough to sit through it

[odovicor]

@drypyro Your response gives me hope. He has a theory for all those people who have nothing to say and the unbridaled freedom to say it and, lamentably, justify it! I agree with Ruskin about would be poets who "hope there is some good in their work. "Some good"? If it is not all good, it is no good. Let them burn everything they've written and wait for better days." Or something like that.

[Gailtoday]

Peter Elbow's insight about the writing process is amazing. I have just read his book Writing without teachers. I highly recommend it. It helped me to keep my writing going. Thanks Peter!

[palidances]

Brilliant!  Simple, honest, unashamed.

[ggapchigi9]

Peter Elbow knew how he could be outstanding! He confessed his past when he'd written lots of essays just causing bad reactions. According to his speech, even if I believe me him totally, he was a brilliant student. You know, most of geniuses couldn't stand a harsh situation like one of Elbow's. If I were him- it not means I'm a genius- I would give up and just try other way for which people would not blame. However, he brutally made his own style of writing. Why he got a success? Ask yourself

[samavat112]

Yes, GG. Answer to your question is just patience and believe in the way you are walking in and according to my instructor, Paula, "Try not to dwell on feelings of shame or insecurity when working on drafts".

[samavat112]

I do like the sentence which he says "opening the doors, allowing the mess occur". most of the time, fear of making ridiculous mistakes stops one from writing and developing pure thoughts.

[303username]

@samavat112 but isn't that the point of what he's saying? people are too afraid to be wrong, they need to focus on getting over fear, letting the mess come out and working from there.