This, Too, Is Research

One of the topics that Melissa writes about is inspiration. She discusses how even the smallest things as a heading of a newspaper article or over hearing a conversation could serve as a line in a poem. Another example she uses to prove her point is how Julia Williams decides her character names and occupations. Strangely enough she picks them out of a phone book! One question she asks in this discussion is, “What’s in your garbage?” I was thinking about what was in my garbage and it had nothing to do with my subject for our next project, but at least it got my brain thinking!

Another one of her research is looking for enriching memories. I have to say this may be one of my favorites. She suggests “looking in the attic or junk drawers of your house”! She discusses how many acknowledgments that writers make talk about their research through enriching memories. She asks the question, “What are the sources that inform your life and the events most memorable to you?” To answer this question, pertaining to the third project we are doing, I would say my trip to Ecuador and Peru last summer. It was eye opening and it allowed me to grow in many ways. The way I grew the most was in my ability to speak Spanish!

In my Project 2, I used enriching memories the most. I look through old photos of my pool deck so I could describe it in full detail. In addition, I took out my bracelet that was dedicated to Coach Mike. I always carry it with me. It says, “Live Your Dash.” Coach Gordon gave that during the special tribute to Coach Mike where we swam out in the ocean and dumped his ashes. It allowed me to reminisce about events that transpired, which helped me write my short story.