molly tompkins

why I write

The "Why I Write" essay was a daunting one. It was assigned in the first few weeks of my introduction to the Minor in Writing, Writing 220. I never could have predicted how much I would go as a writer through this class. When this essay was first assigned, I had no idea how to write about why I write... I didn't even know how to write about myself. The only reasons I could think of were that I enjoyed writing and that it was something I always seemed to be good at. Better than math, at least. The most important thing I've learned so far in the Minor in Writing is the vitality of taking risks as a writer. 

 

Looking back on my "Why I Write" essay, I realize how much I have improved as a writer over the course of only one semester. While this growth probably means my reasons for writing have changed, I decided not to change any aspects of my essay or the writing process I used because I think it shows how I have improved and learned through my preliminary writing process. Below you will see my sketch draft, essay "Mission Statement" and finally, the final draft of my "Why I Write" essay. 

 

My sketch draft helped me begin the writing process and define my roles as a writer. Writing the mission statement by hand allowed me to plan for my essay and think about what I wanted to get out of it and its purpose. The final draft incorporates this entire process and serves as an important beginning to my Minor in Writing story.