6-6:10pm: Intro, Narrating the day, checking in… how are you doing, what have you been doing…?
6:10-6:30: Talk to us about your drafts, post excerpts below and questions for your colleagues. ASK US QUESTIONS.
6:30-6:50: What is the opinion you developed, and what do you want readers of your writing on your author(s) to learn and appreciate?
6:50-7pm: Closing remarks and thoughts before submitting final draft next week.
7-7:07pm: Break
7:07-7:30pm: Writing your own story. Where do you start?
7:30-7:45pm: Let’s start with the people in your story. What do they teach you, have they taught you?
7:45-7:55: How will you start? Not so much where… but HOW and with WHOM?
7:55-8pm: Close
HW: Final Draft of paper…. AND, start writing your story, a story from your life.
#professormikey 
Hello everyone, I hope all is well and that everyone is staying sane and happy. I have been doing better in my life. I have deleted the app tik tok from my phone and now every day is happier and less sad. I am taking the time to do things I love. I have been making friendship bracelets and making amazing lattes. I know, not anything truly amazing, but those things make me happier. My family and I have been watching movies together and it fills me with happiness to have our family getting along. I hope everyone else is doing better! And I am excited about tonight’s conversation. Sorry, this is not very comedic!
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All good!!! Good to spend time with family, be there for each other!! Love that every day is happier!!
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Hey that’s good. China won’t be spying on you any longer, so that would make me less sad too!
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true that! lmao
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I thought I was the only one that tic tok put in a funk. I’ve also deleted the app and have found wiser ways of wasting time.
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I love it… Wiser ways of wasting time. I’m so writing that down!!!
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Good evening everyone! I’m doing well, I honestly feel kinda weird! The days are going by so fast and they are blurring together. I have not been the most productive, but I have been getting all of my school work done so I’m not very stressed about school! I haven’t been working out too much or eating the best, but I go on walks a few times a week with my dogs and I’m really enjoying the sunny weather! I am not funny so I don’t have any comedy to share!
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No problem!! Glad you’re doing well!!
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First thing for tonight’s page….. Quarantine IS comedic consideration and composition.
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It is a situation that can bring new ideas and stories to someones page and yeah you can make some good comedy with this whole quartine things as well
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I feel frustrated today. My computer keeps acting up. I am not tech savvy and I DO NOT have the patience for technology. I just want it to work. No bullshit. The updates mess more stuff up on my computer than they “fix’ or “help”. Tired. So damn tired. Between my allergies and lack of sleep, I am pretty grumpy today. I felt like skipping out of class tonight and going to bed early. But I knew I wouldn’t go to bed. I would play on my phone or watch TV. Then I would feel guilty for skipping class. One more day, then 3 days off. Home stretch. The kids are at their dad’s this weekend so I can have some “me” time. Hopefully. Or at least that’s the plan. I have a blog post I want to finish and post this weekend. Then the dreaded backyard. Our wedding is next May and we are getting married in the backyard. SO we have lots of work to do and running out of time to get it done.
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Samone, Thanks for this honesty!!! I am feeling a bit unwell too and skipping crossed my mind… Glad you made it and know you aren’t alone. Things get stressful sometimes but hopefully you get the rest you need this weekend! Also my mom gets allergies and she wears a mask when working n the yard and says it helps a lot!
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Thanks for making it, Samone. Sorry you had a rough day. Welcome tonight, either way. Great to see you!!
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So glad you made it today, I always look forward to your writing. So inspiring!!! Be well !!!
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Wow, thanks for being so honest, but Im glad you made it to class. I could definitely relate. I wish I could just sleep away all of my responsibilities. I hope you manage to take care of all of your plans. They seem pretty exciting but a lot of work!
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Something else for tonight’s page….. Don’t try to understand yourself. Just laugh at yourself.
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Hello. I am doing real good right now all things considered. As always hope everyone else is too. I’ve noted that quarantine is comedic consideration, but I’m having trouble coming up with any specific examples. I think though that David Sedaris would be a great candidate for finding the humour in today.
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Yes! He has a talent for finding humor in unusual situations.
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heyo everyone! hope all is well. myself well I’ve been doing pretty good despite stresses from work and other things in life. school work has been keeping me plenty busy the last few weeks and im grateful for that it keeps me occupied and what not’s. also been working out more and doing other stuff to help better day to day situations also started to do a little gardening cause why not! i have never gardened before but I thought it was time to teach myself something new! so that’s all I’ve really been up too.
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Gardening can be very therapeutic!!
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I’m waiting on my old man to build me some planter boxes. Gardening is so relaxing!
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Hi everyone. Ive been doing good, my quarantine hasn’t really been comedic because I spend a lot of it with the house to myself. But, I have been keeping myself busy and catching up on rest. Ive been trying my best to stay productive and lower how many times I go to the kitchen.
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Hi everybody! I hope you all are doing good. I’m excited to share ideas tonight!
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Love the enthusiasm, Emily!!! We’re ready when you are!!!
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Hi All-
As always I look forward to this class. Today my feelings are so blah. I am not feeling well, which always makes me a little unmotivated and down in the dumps. I am frustrated not feeling well with such beautiful weather outside! What the heck! My daughter Lucy is turning five next week, so I have spent a lot of time reflecting on all of the good she has brought to my life. I also have started writing my story about when she was born and my 144 hours of labor (no I am not exaggerating). Jenny Lawson has really inspired my writing and the tone in which I want to tell my story. It has been emotional and fun to write this story out. I find that I keep remembering things so I have to start over. I will do my best to participate as much as possible tonight. Best Wishes to you all.
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Sorry you don’t feel well. A time to collect, for sure.
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I’m so sorry you aren’t feeling well, but I hope that changes soon for you! Wow oh wow 144 hours sounds rough, I’m sure that story will be more than interesting!
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Hey guys. I am doing good right now. I have been eating peeps cereal which is just as bad as is sounds. Its made like knockoff lucky charms mixed with knockoff fruit loops. I’ve been super busy with my math class and have been studying a lot. Hope everyone is doing well
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Good material there for some jokes and satire… like my response as a reader would be, “Why the fuck would you EVER put that into your body?” Ha ha…. Welcome back, Kiely!!!
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Haha that sounds like something my dad would say if he knew I was eating that stuff!!! Glad to be here
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Really happy to have you. Cheers!!
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Alright, y’all… we’re officially in session. Let’s get it!!!! Tell us about your day, about your quarantine’s composition and comedy… What are you writing?
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Hi all! My day is going pretty well, I’ve been watching lots of netflix while trying to get a little outside time each day, trying exercise and eat healthy.
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well mainly i’ve been keeping a “daily” journal recording how I feel and about quartine mainly i say “daily” cause its mainly like 4 to 5 days out of the week because sometimes I just genuinely forget about it till im half asleep in bed. though I have been trying to write some poetry and some prose pieces as well when I get the motivation for it.
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Good!!
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same Skyler! I write in my journal right before bed too and I pretty much just write about the day’s events!
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Journaling is awesome! I wish I remembered to journal as often as you do. Sometimes I get to lazy to search for a notebook or a piece of paper and a pen.
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Funnies about quarantine. I have been splurging on new kitchen gadgets and wine. The only thing getting used is the wine cause I hate to cook. I have all these grand ideas to cook new meals while drinking wine, get buzzed and order out.
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I completely understand! I know I should be doing more cooking for myself but somehow always ends up with me ordering out as well. It’s a curse I tell you!
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Plus, I follow a group on Facebook about local restaurants and they post delicious food. So I feel guilty and order out, you know, to support local businesses.
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I’ve been on my computer since 9 am and I’m so ready to not see a screen for the rest of the day. Back to back zoom meeting and researching things are what my days consist of. Im an expert googler at this point. What is everyone doing to stay busy? Do you have any tips on how to run with a mask? Lastly, has anyone invented a new snack or food creation worth trying?
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My old man’s Bday was Monday and he loves the chocolate chip “Pazookie” from BJ’s in Santa Rosa. I made him one and served it warm with ice cream. It was a good snack. HA. Unless you were asking for something healthy, I recommend a pazookie.
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Hey Karen! I saw a video of someone that made Taki biscuits and they looked really good! But I haven’t been making anything crafty in the kitchen, my diet these days are mostly quesadillas!
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Ill try that!
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In my rough draft I argued that both writers are humanists and that humor is the most essential part of their type of craft. From the paper – “Readers want to see that the writer is human, just the same as them, before they allow themselves to become entirely trusting of the author’s words. The main requirement in garnering credibility for Sedaris and Lawson, is showing that they were able to find humor in nearly everything.” Does anyone have differing opinions? Do you think that the author(s) pride themselves in their humour alone, or is there anything else there?
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Colleagies?
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To be honest that is a really good topic and I agree they pride themselves on being humorous with everything so to make people more contempt with life ya know? if they see them talking about poopy situations but making fun of it instead of being angry or sad it can brighten a readers day and give them a better outlook on life. of course there might be more because everyone has their own perception of everything but I do agree they pride themselves more on being humourous and relatable but that isn’t a bad thing.
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They do pride themselves on that. In addition, they urge the readers to be proud of such moments in their lives as well!!
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Hey Jacob! I agree with you, and I wrote my essay on Jenny Lawson being a humanist, and I agree bothe her and Sedaris find humor in just about everything! I think Lawson prides herself on being so honest and real, as well as being funny!
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Do you define humanist?
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I think that is very true. I wrote about their humor as well. What about there humor? Did you include specifics?
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The specifics that I included were used to make the point that both writers really just want to help people by allowing them to fully experience their personal stories. The humor, which I think is different between Sedaris and Lawson, both ultimately ends up creating just about the same effect in the reader by the end. At least I personally think that it does.
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I’m hoping to get some feedback tonight… I am planning on writing about Sedaris and Lawson’s writing style and relating it to my own. I’ve just recently started writing things for myself and not for an assignment. I began by trying to sound like Lawson and Sedaris but I am beginning to realize that just because they inspire me does not mean I need to write like they do.
Here are some pieces from my draft:
I dont think I could make someone laugh out loud like Lawson made me, and I don’t think I could self-deprecate in a way that Sedaris does. I think that is the beauty of writing that I didn’t know about until this semester. I can be my own person. I think I went through too many English classes where everything had to be perfect. I had too many teachers tell me that my writing should be nearly identical to the students sitting around me.
It’s nice to understand that my writing can be my own and it doesn’t have to be like anyone else’s. I’m happy to have read some writing by Sedaris and Lawson and I think that their writing will continue to inspire me as I explore my writing in a new way.
Any advice will help, thanks everyone!
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Stay away from writing “I think”. Tell us more about being your own person, and Lawson’s instruction to you…
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The best advice would be to just keep writing as fast as you can. I think it’s good to sometimes have 10 first drafts. Like Mikey says, editing can come later!
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Yes!!!
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These are great thoughts. Instead of saying you can’t write like them, maybe suggest that you have learned a new way of writing and how it’s changed you. You’re probably a lot more hilarious than you know.
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Yes, and discuss the power and use of humor!!
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Emily,
I totally agree with you. I had so many English classes like the ones you described. They really just tore me down as a writer. A persons writing style is their own unique thing and when you are being graded down for not writing a certain way is can be so degrading. I totally understand where you are coming from!!!
Maybe instead of comparing yourself to Lawson and Sedaris try awknowledging them for their styles and what they have SHOWN yu as a writer.
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Totally agree.
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funnies… well I’m so over my family’s bullshit that I’m considering sleeping in my backyard tonight
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Sorry, Avery. A tough time, for sure.
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At least wear a mask
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Yeah!
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I camped in my backyard Saturday. We had a campfire and smores. Make some fun out of it? It will get better!!!
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Aw. Poor girl. Sending you tons of love. It’s definitely hard to have patience right now. I feel it. Text me if you need to vent. You have my number.
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Honestly, the only comedy I had today was when I went on a walk with my sister and our dogs. There was a rude lady who was being a total bitch and she said some snarky comments about our dogs barking and fast-walked past us. She had her dog off the leash and the lady was walking a good 500 feet in front of it, and at one point the dog ran after a cat which was very far from the lady and the lady did not even notice. She kept walking away and it took her like ten minutes to realize her dog was not behind her. Once she realized she just stood there and screamed “tweet tweet” and the dog came running. It was super weird and hilarious because she looked really dumb leaving her dog behind. idk, i thought it was funny
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Good character to write about, and story to build!!
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My process to write my essay has been fairly easy. I expected it to be hard, but I sat down and wrote and had a good time. I listened to music I liked and let everything flow. My essay is titled Jenny Lawson is Fearless, and the excerpt I am sharing is at the end of my essay and it is a part that I am struggling with. I feel like it is repetitive and I am not sure if it makes sense. I am going to revise it, but if anyone has any suggestions or edits I am all ears!
From essay:
Being quirky and not your run of the mill women, allows Lawson more of a chance to be perceived by her audience. Society sees a good amount of cookie-cutter malibu barbies who are perfect at everything. So Lawson not being a typical girl allows her audience to gravitate towards her. Being someone who is more similar to the audience creates a bond like no other. The audience shares something in common and is more compelled to like them. In Lawson’s case, she is someone who struggles with mental health and can find humor in her life. With society creating a stigma around mental health it makes the topic as a whole taboo. When an author makes themselves vulnerable enough to talk about their own experiences, they are already admired by those who feel alone and misunderstood. Lawson is ok with challenging these societal norms and in return, she comes across as someone that everyone likes.
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This is great!!! Love the address of mental health.
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First sentence from the essay doesn’t make sense. If she wasn’t quirky and was run of the mill, her audience would still “perceive” her, just in a different way. I think what you were trying to say is said better in the third sentence, which fits in better with you overall theme I think! That’s just what I’m getting though!
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I think the first sentence should be re-worded, provide more transition into the sentences that follow.
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Hello everyone. I hope you’re all doing well. It has been such a weird day for me, for whatever reason I couldn’t sleep well last night. I kept tossing and turning and very awkwardly woke up at 5:20 am. I just couldn’t fall back asleep, I took advantage that my husband wasn’t leaving to work until 7 and went out for a quick jog around the block. Felt really great, I had so much time on my hands afterward. I finished washing dishes, homework, vacuuming, and cooking lunch by 10. I was so stocked to have that extra time to run around with the kiddos outside, we’ve been having amazing weather. I’m pleased with how today has gone, maybe waking up early isn’t so bad at all.
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Welcome, Lizabeth!!
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I leg wrested my cousin yesterday and kicked his butt, twice.
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Quarantine Hacks!
My girlfriends who are also Mom’s and myself have been meeting on Tuesdays on a parking lot in the trunks of our cars parked in a spread out circle. It has been our new “girls night.” What we have realized though is that we have NOTHING new to talk about. We laugh because every week we all just vent about homeschooling children, household chores and projects we are working on. A lot of us are dancers so we talk about that too. It is nice to get away, everyone’s lives are so similar now. It makes everyone a little more human I think.
Another hack has been Zoom trivia nights. My friend is like a knock off Alex Trebec. He creates trivia for all of us (like 15 people) on this app called Kahoot and we play together on zoom. It’s actually super fun.
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Both are beneficial practices during this time. I love it!!
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That’s funny, you get so used to complaining it becomes people’s ice breakers eventually! I agree though that these unfortunate times have at the very least brought people closer, and more-or-less for the better.
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Hello everyone, I have been doing good, however yesterday while I was walking my dog a traumatic event happened. As I was walking around the neighborhood, I witnessed a car hit a kid on a bicycle. Luckily the car was not going that fast because it is a residential area, but the kid was still hurt badly. As I stood there wondering if I should go help him, the driver quickly got out and checked on the kid. He helped him get up, but the kid could not stand up by himself. He started to lean against the car as the driver offered him a ride to his house. The driver seemed scared and I saw that he was a SRJC student because his car had the parking pass. I was glad the driver was helping him, and I just walked by and analyzed the kid’s injuries. I could tell the kid was still in shock with what had happened, my guess was that he was around 14-15 years old. I believe the kid had adrenaline rushing through his body but within a few days he will know the severity of the injuries. That definitely made me aware of incoming cars around my neighborhood.
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Sorry you had to witness that, but looks like you learned something from it.
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That’s crazy! I’m sorry you had to witness that.
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wow, so sorry you had to see that. I’m glad he’s okay and glad you found a lesson in that
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That’s crazy, I’m so sorry you had to see that but I’m happy it opened your eyes a bit!
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For tonight’s pages….. For your essays, or any writing, if you are holding to a specific word, or are using it throughout the essay and to drive the essay, make sure you define it!! Write your own definition.
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I had fun writing my draft on Lawson because this was my favorite book during this class, so it was easy to write about Lawson. My essay is titled Jenny Lawson is a humanist.
Here is an excerpt from my draft: Jenny Lawson is a humanist, and she brings this idea into her writings while urging her readers to do the same. She writes about her life, and what it has taught her and how it has shaped her into who she is today. That in itself, is exactly what a humanist is. Humanists believe that human experiences and rational thinking provide the source of both knowledge and a moral code to live by. Humanism affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. Lawson, by writing about her life, is doing just this. Even if Lawson doesn’t identify as a humanist herself, these ideals are apparent in her memoir. Lawson wants us, her readers, to understand ourselves and where we came from and how that has guided and formed us. She wants us to embrace that part of ourselves so we can heal and learn from our experiences, and learn to laugh at ourselves
This is near the end of my draft, I’m hoping to get some feedback or advice!
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What does a humanist do? What did YOU, the author of your paper, learn about humanism?
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I will revise my draft to add this, I did not include what I specifically learned about humanism is my paper, but I will!
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Hey everyone! I’m doing okay right now. Earlier this week I had a complete breakdown (while making popcorn, I looked like a disaster), but it was a very needed cry. I’ve been missing a lot of things from my past lately and I think I began to lose myself because of it; I started pushing my family away and losing those relationships. However, change is inevitable and I’ve come to understand that I need to figure out who I am right now instead of dwelling on something I can never get back. I feel like this is all sounding negative, but this realization is helping me grow and I’m honestly happy about that. I’ve spent the last two days writing in the sunshine & taking time to do things that make me feel inspired. If you ask me, feeling inspired is one of the most awakening experiences. I feel conscious and aware currently and it feels really good:) I hope everyone out there is safe, sane, and making the best out of this mess!
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There’s a lot to be GAINED from this “mess”!!!
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Hello everyone! I hope you’re having a peaceful day today. I’ve been sitting on my kitchen table brainstorming ideas for this upcoming essay. I’ve been listening to Duncan Trussel all day and let me just say that my mind has been blown! I am aware that I’m easily impressed and whatnot but the topic of life, death, family, and ego death that he lectures his audience about simply captivates me and feeds my young and naive mind. Needless to say, I have found a new hobby and way to pass time during this quarantine. The only concerning thing in my life right now is my sleeping schedule. I have been sleeping more than ever and tend to lose half a day, dreaming about absurd shit. I need to fix that fast!
Again, I hope all of you and your families are safe and well.
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Your essays, what you submitted to me tonight, what do you see as its biggest strength?
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I think my connection to Lawson is my biggest strength. The relationship that I built with the story and the characters, I feel like I absorbed everything like a sponge. My essay was easy and felt like second nature. It was something I loved and I am passionate about it.
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Awesome!! What’s the main reason we should read it, aside from obvious fire for Ms. Lawson? 🙂
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I think the main reason to read my essay is the fact that it is a new perspective from your own. What I am saying about Lawson is different from what everyone else is saying, it is unique. And you should read it to gain something new.
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Awesome!! Thank you!!
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My essay is coming along better than I was expecting. I say that mostly because I didn’t have a plan when I began writing it. However, I sat outside in the sunshine, opened my laptop, shuffled the Talking Heads and word vomited all of my thoughts out. I usually have an outline before I start my first draft, but I think I’ll just start writing with no plan from here on out. I found that my thoughts came to me as I typed and after revising today, I’m pretty happy with my result.
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Any other remarks?
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I love this. I am a “vomiter” with both words and dance. I always do better when I don’t have a hardcore plan. You can always go back and make changes. Sounds like this was really great for you.
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Rather than a “vomiter”, a projector… and speaker, sharer and scuplter. Sorry, I fucking hate the word ‘vomit’..
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I think the Sedaris and Lawson giving me the confidence to branch out a little differently as a writer. In this essay and my other writings.
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I need one more page still for my essay but it is coming along well and I don’t really remember the introduction I wrote but when I read it back it was raw and beautiful emotion that proves my essay’s main point of which Lawson is more than just an author to her readers but more of a friend. It does seem like a simple idea but it is great in my golly gosh opinion and I have enjoyed writing what I have so far and I’ll probably finish my fifth page tomorrow since I don’t have work. also, the reason why I love the topic so much is because it is how I felt when I read her book and she has helped more than most my friends Ive been friends with since like elementary school and it defiantly has been my favorite reading this year. but if any one has any suggestions on how I can maybe expand my prompt/idea that would be much appreciated since I know it kind of seems difficult to be able to write five whole darn pages on just how her writing makes her come off more as a friend then just an author alone.
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How does she get readers to trust her, specifically… How does she BECOME one’s friend?
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Lawson becomes a friend because she takes the time to create a relationship. She utilizes her unique structure to break the fourth wall and talk to the reader. Make you feel like you are a part of the journey.
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I talked a lot about how she does break the fourth wall and those little chats with the editor mid-story which is usually not common which gives a reader a sense of ” oh ok they aren’t the run of the mill regular author” and also talked about how she talks about her own insecurities and laughs at her own imperfections which helps readers feel more comfortable with themselves which that builds trust pretty quickly for me at least.
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My rough draft is exactly that ROUGH. I am having trouble organizing my thoughts. My main claim is Jenny Lawson is an authentic, gruesomely honest, hilarious writer. This is my intro:
Jenny Lawson is one of the first authors that I have liked right off the bat. She tells her story in a way that I have never heard before. Lawson didn’t have to make up some dramatic plot to keep us entertained. She simply told her truth, simple as that. No sugar coating anything. No details glossed over. When she writes, it’s just Jenny being Jenny; and she gave us a wild ride with her story. When reading Lawson’s writing it feels like she’s pulling on your wrist inviting you on the roller coaster of her story as each word takes us on the crazy journey of her lifetime. Jenny Lawson is an authentic, gruesomely honest, hilarious writer.
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I would just say she is gruesomely honest. The authentic and hilarious aspects can be symptoms of that..
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I would try to write a paragraph about each of those ideas.
One paragraph would be the reasons why she is authentic, one paragraph on why she’s honest, etc. That helps me when I am having a tough time with content or organizing my thoughts. Hope this helps. I like your intro.
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It’s okay, I’m with you o this one. After reading my rough draft I noticed how I was all over the place.
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Okay.. that’s the problem, how are you going to tighten it? WHAT’S THE SOLUTION??
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She siezed the opportunity to write about herself as who she was and all of her honest stories were enough to compare to a dramatic plot, but even better.
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Let’s talk about the essays, drafts… let’s engage and CHALLENGE each other!!
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A question I have about the essay, is how much of relating the essay to you and your life is too much? I feel such a connection with Lawson for so many reasons, however the essay should be about her and not me. What is acceptable? Feeling a tad self conscious.
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There is no quantity measure. You as the author have to make that decision. I would suggest making it universal, and not JUST about you.
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This is my concluding paragraph and I was wondering if anyone had any comments or suggestions that could help me develop it further.
“We can live without humor but we may not be able to survive without it. Sedaris and Lawson shared experiences and raw moments in their life that most people wouldn’t share. They expressed to us their true emotions and thoughts. We use humor to relieve ourselves of what’s going on in our lives. Everyone needs an escape, might as well make it a happy place.”
My main idea is: A sense of humor is critical for your survival
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Colleagues?
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What would we not be able to survive without it? Survive life without it? Survive family? Survive spouses? I like your topic and I like your conclusion. Maye just a little more explanation? I hope that helps
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I love that Samone! Thank you ill try and be more specific
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Hey Karen! I really like you main idea and I like your conclusion so far! I would say my personal weakness is concluding an essay so I don’t have a suggestion, but I really enjoy it!!
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Thank you !
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I enjoyed reading this last part. I would believe it would be more enjoyable if you add how you connect. What is your escape/ happy place? How do you connect with these Lawson and Sedaris. .
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Thank You!
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I’m interested in where you are in this! I think you have a fascinating topic, but I yearn for your voice in your conclusion.
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I think “survive” and “live” should be switched around. Something like “We may be able to survive without humor, but are we really living without it?” The main idea might be that a sense of humor is critical to people’s well-being (and therefore their “life”), instead of their literal survival.
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Good idea!!
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jacob that is an excellent way of looking at it and it makes a lot of sense too
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Thank you for the suggestions!
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I agree with Samone, add your own voice to it and why we need humor. It still sounds great. Hopefully this can help a little
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Yes!!!
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I very much like this topic you chose and you can do so much with it as well I bet it is gonna be an awesome piece Karen!!
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I found it easy to write my draft. I did an outline first for my paragraphs and then I just typed away freely. I made sure I was following my outline because that is what gave my paper structure. I told myself that if I were to get stuck, I would go back and look inside the book to find more ideas. I thought typing the 5 pages would be hard, but I actually didn’t get stuck. I think I still need to come up with a title for the final draft but I’m hoping it just comes to me naturally. I am writing about how Jenny Lawson is unique and how her book stands out from other books that I have read.
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Can you share how else and why you found it easy? Maybe give us some advice?
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Hey Yoselyn, any advice; I’m stuck, does the paper has to be about how we connect with either or author or both. Or a brief description of why we choose either or writer? I wrote on how both authors helped me, and how I connect with them both. . .
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You can do one, or both. I made that clear in an email. The topic you mention here is fine, but I would suggest writing how anyone could be helped, and connect… not just you!! 🙂
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As I talked about last week my idea is inviting. Both authors have invited us to listen, laugh, etc. I have several paragraphs written on what they invited us to do, a paragraph that defines what it means to invite someone to do something, and a more personal paragraph about what authentic invitations mean to me. I’ve met five pages, but I would really like to squeeze in another body paragraph if possible. Any ideas?
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YES. Get into the WHY… why do they invite us. And when you say invite, there’s a reason, and a statement on their character. That they’re kind, and generous, and vulnerable!! And, accepting!!!
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Remember with this essay, it’s an opinion. That’ what makes it creative as well as critical. Your support, of YOUR idea, is what matters most. If you didn’t read the book(s), then you can’t do that. I know that’s not the case, so just follow your reaction to your author(s). For example, ‘Lawson is a humanist.’ Great! So talk to us about HOW and WHY you see her as such a humanist/human writer that so many can learn and grow from!!
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Hello everybody ! Today I feel pretty good and normal and I don’t want or go outside because it’s kinda hot. My dog has to wear a cone and she keeps bumping into the back of my knees with the plastic edge. I need to clean my room and do all of my homework but I’m still waiting for the big moment of motivation to come.
My draft is really short because I got confused and misremembered my proposal to be my rough draft, therefore I thought I had already done my draft and then suddenly remembered last night. However, my proposal was pretty in depth and had a lot of the qualities of an essay so I’ll combine my “rough draft” and proposal assignments to share excerpts with you guys. The main thing I changed in my short rough draft is that my main idea is more about how humor reveals the light, love, and positive aspects of life from behind fear, painful memories, and struggle. My main evidence is that Jenny Lawson is proof because she still manages to turn her tough childhood experiences into a personable, funny, and beautifully hilarious rendition of her growth through struggle. I wrote: “The type of expression of humor she uses exemplifies the life and love that shines from behind memories of pain. This method of narration clearly shows how impactful her humor is in developing a connection between the reader and her. She makes herself honest, forgiving, and personal through her personality and humor and the content of her stories expresses the light of life and love shining through a tough childhood.“
I am going to try to improve the structure and vocabulary I use, but I really want to make it clear how Sedaris and Lawson use humor, (their methods, personality, writing style, etc.) and how that specific type of humor is evident of immense life and love and strong connections in the relationships, energy, and experiences of the world. I want to make this metaphor super clear: of pain and harshness being scraped and shoved away to show love and happiness through the power of laughter and personal vulnerability that Sedaris and Lawson show. Hopefully, this makes sense, I just feel very strongly about this, because I truly believe that the expression of lightheartedness, acceptance and humor is not utilized enough in human relationships. I think it would make us all happier and more capable in the world. Sedaris and Lawson’s writing are just really specific opportunities for me to write about this idea I’ve come up with in my quarantine boredom.
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Focus on the types of humor, just don’t take on too much!!
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For my essay I wrote about how comfortable lawson makes you feel in your own skin and with your own life general. Also how real and open she is with us readers about her life, the hardships she goes through, and who she is as a person. She’s a carefree person and wants her writing to be relatable so that people don’t feel like they are the only ones going through something.
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I absolutely love that she is unapologetic for who she is. Something I am trying to be (with humility of course).
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Humility, and love for others going through something!!
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Yes. Staying humble and compassionate for others is ALWAYS important.
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Any excerpts on this ‘making people feel comfortable’?
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Yes.
When she was in third grade and the teacher was worried about her book report. She uses the quote “there was no way of turning me into a normal third grader. It was the first time in my life that I gave myself permission to be me”(Lawson 52).
“You should accept who you are, flaws and all, because if you try to be someone you aren’t, then eventually some turkey is going to shit all over your well-crafted facade, so you might as well save yourself the effort and enjoy your zombie book”(Lawson 53).
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Make sure you explain any and all quotes from the book that you use! This is great!!
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I like this! I hadn’t used the word comfortable to describe it but thats exactly how I felt reading the book. It’s like she’s a friend who’s telling me a story instead of an author I’ve never met.
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I got the same feeling!
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Her writing is universal! It’s very easy to relate to her human experiences and so-called ‘weaknesses’
she writes for herself while trying to teach others how to find the humor and accept reality.
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Yes! I agree thats also something I wrote in my essay!
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Something I have learned through writing my essay, “Jenny Lawson: A Master of Manic Hilarity” is that I don’t need to be ashamed for using humor as a way to cope. I can’t even tell you how many times I have apologized for my jokes being untimely when I was allowed feelings. Obviously one should always consider their surroundings, but still. I am a person who suffers fairly harshly from anxiety. I have always found humor in my anxiousness (usually after a panic attack, not during), and after reading her book I feel that my processing through humor is absolutely valid.
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Love that title!!
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I feel like my essay lacks a bit of structure. I was having difficulties trying to just write about one “thesis” because there’s various points I want to discuss regarding Sedaris and Lawson’s practice of humor. As I advance, I believe I’ve managed to stay focused on their message and what humor does for them. SO far, I believe there’s hope for this essay. I feel motivated and have found myself in a healthy state of mind to analyze the hell out of these two writers.
Below is my weird way of connecting with their intentions and style… I’m not entirely confident in my approach so I was wondering if there was any other ways I could incorporate myself without bein overly cliche….Suggestions are very much appreciated and needed 😀
Reading both of their works has encouraged me to find the humor, to cry when you need to cry and just see what life has to teach you. Internalizing things in a negative way and resisting the mind’s need to face reality holds us back. Reality has a quality of benevolence, our experiences are intense and powerful, and refusing to face them only makes the weight you carry heavier. Humor promotes self-healing within myself every time I look back at my ridiculous teenage experiences and the consequences I have faced.
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Colleagues?? I’d like to see more explanation, and examples… references to specific parts of the text.
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well said… If I’m reading this correctly it sounds like what you’re getting at is the absence of resistance, and being authentic with your thoughts/feelings always. So I think you have a paragraph about authenticity, incorporating yourself and your “ridiculous teenage experiences” miss u nancy ;(
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I think you’re thoughts are well developed and will become stronger if you specify examples in Sedaris and Lawson’s lives. I also agree with what Avery said below… your essay sounds like it’s going to be killer Nancy:)
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For my draft, I have been comparing Sedaris and Lawson. I have picked a few things that I have found to be similar between the 2. Like their sense of humor, using writing as a form of therapy, their romantic relationships, etc. I also pointed out a few differences. Has anyone else noticed similarities or differences between Sedaris and Lawson? I’d love an outside perspective or opinion on what a colleague has drawn from the 2 authors.
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Sedaris – More likely to point the finger I guess. He’s going to make fun of whatever, or whoever he wants, whether the topic be significant or not.
Lawson – A little less accusatory. She’s more likely to find humor in herself before she goes out of her to make fun of something, or someone else.
That’s what I got out of the two.
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Absolutely.
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Thank you Jacob! Great insight!
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wow Ive been trying to figure how they differ but you are so on the money Sedaris will defiantly not make fun of himself first or find a reason to why what is bothering him isn’t himself but something in the outside world but Lawson will defiantly laugh at herself first and not bat an eyelash to it because you can tell she loves herself and has a good life that she can just casually laugh at all her own imperfections without a care
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Me too! I think I jokingly stated that they are two peas in a pod of dark intellectual humor!! I mentioned their peculiar families and upbringings and completely agree on the fact that their writing is therapeutic, It encourages self-healing and acceptance. The same families that provided them humourous content contributed to their mental health issues and insecurities yet, there is no resentment, just humor, and acceptance.
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Therapeutic for whom?
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Hey, I’m doing something similar in my draft. My essay is focusing on finding respect within being honest and being human. I found myself respecting Sedaris for his ability to find beauty in everything he does, specifically in the lives he so clearly is invested in. However, with Lawson I found myself respecting her for her ability to say things without filter. As a similarity they both continue to be human and natural in their tone.
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Is it natural to be “human” in one’s writing?
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I don’t believe it necessarily is. I didn’t used to enjoy reading very much until I discovered authors who sound like real human beings. I find myself detached from authors who’s voice seems too academic. I was able to appreciate the work, but never relate. I think that’s why Sedaris and Lawson’s voice felt natural to me.
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ABSOLUTELY !!!
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I agree with you Harmony I found Sedaris’s tone to be more mellow. I think he’s more considering of others.
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You pointed out a similarity I hadn’t considered. I never thought about how similar they narrate their spouses. They both highlight them to be very patient individuals who put up with their personalities. Nice catch.
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My opinion is that I find Jenny Lawson to be one of the most progressive writers that I have had the chance to read. She is liberal in that she is willing to discard traditional values. What I mean is that she fearlessly acknowledges what makes her most human through her writing. She writes about mental health, and that anything a human goes through such as anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, or dealing with life threatening illnesses, or even the fear in the back of your mind of zombie apocalypses is normal and real and it is what makes us so human. She doesn’t care if people will think she is stupid or crazy for believing in things like the possibility of a zombie apocolypses. That is what makes her so human and real, I want the readers of her writing, us, to understand ourselves and where we came from and how that has guided and formed us. She wants us to embrace that part of ourselves so we can heal and learn from our experiences, and learn to laugh at ourselves, and appreciate all of the things that make us unique.
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Love these thoughts!!
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I really love your insight! This is fantastic and well thought out.
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I think she promotes feeling unashamed for you are! Which is awesome! There are so many words and actions and experiences that have shaped us, we shouldn’t be ashamed of what we have grown into!
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I think she promotes feeling unashamed for you are, which is awesome! There are so many words and actions and experiences that have shaped us, we shouldn’t be ashamed of what we have grown into!
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I couldn’t agree more! You’re thoughts are well explained and clearly passionate, Lawson amazes me because of her ability to be so relatable.
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My opinion that I developed was: Lawson is a real-life wonder woman, she speaks on things that people need more of, things like mental health struggles, death, and traumas. Lawson is the ultimate role model and is someone more people should know of.
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I felt a lot better about myself and all of the ridiculous and painful memories from my childhood. Yes they affected me, but they do not define what I am. Just because the memories are bad, does not mean who I am is bad. She is definitely a role model for me in that way.
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I love it!
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Yes, I agree. I wrote that exactly in my essay because Lawson does a great job at letting her readers know that what you go through doesn’t define who you are as a person but instead you can reflect back on what you went through and know why you feel certain ways.
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What do you want readers of your paper to walk away with, and learn? It’s important for you to have this in mind, at least a little, with anything you write. But, since we’ve all ready these books, it’s important here too. You’re lecturing us on YOUR perspective and its value.
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i want to reiterate that the authors are “giving us permission” to be who we are. We need more of that in society.
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A singular idea: being vulnerable is being human.
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And, being a TRUE human is the acceptance of your vulnerabilities!!
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absolutely!!!!
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I want them to know that theres always one person who is going to judge you no matter what you do so might as well do what makes YOU happy
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For my draft, I was all over the place. My intent is to focus on the humor that both authors used as a form of coping. I intend to add how I can relate, and exercise what I’ve learned from both books for myself. Such as accepting my flaws and if I feel the need to add sarcastic humor, then I most definitely will.
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The value of humor… keep coming back to that. Have that be your singularity.
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I want readers of my paper to realize that they don’t have to be perfect and it’s okay for them to be free thinking individuals.
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My opinion of the two authors is that they strive to help others through their stories, rather than only writing for themselves. I want people who read my writing to learn that humor is a great way to heal yourself if need be, or possibly help others as well. I want them to appreciate both Sedaris and Lawson for their unrelenting desire to help people through the use of humor, and their devout humanism.
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Awesome!
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I agree!!
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I think I found it easy to type because of the outline I did before I started typing. In my outline I included bullet points on what I was going to talk about and then expanded it in my paper. I did not write about how I related to Lawson but more about how she opened my eyes to the struggles people can face with social anxiety and how I am more aware now. I also talked about my thoughts on her work life and how despite the challenges she faced she always was a responsible worker. I pointed out how her daughter might benefit from reading this book and what I think she can learn from reading it. I want readers to really see how Lawson fights through all these obstacles in life, but not once does she make you feel bad for her. In this way I think a lot of women can be empowered by reading her memoir.
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That’s a great approach
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Outlines can help!!! And, not just in terms of structure!!
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I did the same approach, its super helpful and makes the paper so much more organized and easy to write.
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If it works for you, then then that’s what you adopt and perpetuate.
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being real with y’all if y’all did read my paper I would want you to walk away with knowing that Lawson writes the way she does to try to connect with her readers on a deeper level with most people that’s why to most of us who read it felt like she was sitting next to us reading and how it made us all more comfortable with her and ourselves kind of like she was wrapping a nice fuzzy blanket around her readers. also to that most authors don’t go out of there way to try to make their readers feel this way and she wants us to love ourselves more and to that is the reason why she is more then just an author to all her readers but a friend to her readers. ( sorry if this was a little long).
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All good! It’s her honest that gives her writing a special honing and syllabic homeostasis.
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