Blog #7

Several of Murray's reasons resonated with me. One being to discover how much I know that I did not know I knew. You don't know what you don't know takes on a more literal meaning when you have to write down what you know and what you thought you knew. Another reason that I liked was writing in order to make use of my experience. I am able to explore the life I have lived and continue to live. This type of writing brings back some great memories and give me a moment to reminisce, and remember all the little details that may have faded to the back of my mind over time. These details can help to make a semi-interesting story into one that you cannot put down. 

Murray's advice on editing was very helpful. I usually consider editing as just looking for improper spelling, capitalization, grammar ect... He talks about editing in a very different light than what I am used to. He mentions editing aloud and that the essay should build up to a point then slow down to allow the reader to take in what was said. The act of making a work deceptively easy to read is one that takes many long hours of practice. I consider a successful paper one that I can read and think back to myself how well constructed/informed/persuasive it was. If I am able to decide on the purpose of the paper and realize that it went above and beyond its purpose, then I consider that paper to be well edited and constructed.