Collaborative writing is a concept that is new to me. In the past I've had good results as a hermit, hidden away in my hovel for hours upon hours, approaching a full day sometimes, jamming to my favorite music while I write a paper. The tunes comfort me, help me find a rhythm with which to work, and sometimes give me an excuse to leap up and dance. For me, the writing process is not about scratching out an outline or pounding on keys or scanning a page with a red pen for technical errors. It is about self expression. It is about individualism. That's why I love titles. How much meaning can you convey to the reader with just a few carefully chosen words?
I believe a strong identifiable voice is the most important aspect of writing that a writer can possess. These notions, combined with my relative success in writing, have prevented me from even considering the idea that writing can be a social activity, that it can bind a community together. I am in the Writing Center because I am afraid my skills might be one dimensional, shallow even. I know what works well for me, but I want to reach out for new ideas, explore new areas, even try new styles of writing. I'm also excited by the opportunity to become more deeply engaged with the institution that has given me a second chance at success in life.
