English 1A – 7pm section (3098)

7-7:10pm:  How are you?  Tell us about/narrate your day…

7:10-7:25pm:  Review of last class… What we’re doing this semester.

7:25-7:35pm:  Questions about the syllabus.

7:35-7:45pm:  Freewritng.  Not just how you begin an essay, or a reaction, or anything.  Yes, you should always edit and organize your composition later, but there should always be a sense of FREEDOM, and a freeing feel to your writing.  Writing is often taught from the riles of and calls for more structure, rather than expression.  Even a critical essay, or “analytical” one, should be expressive.  Expression should ALWAYS be free on the page.  Thoughts?  What has your experience been?

7:45-8pm:  What’s an essay supposed to do, anyway?

8-8:15pm:  When you hear “Composition”, what is the first thing you think?

8:15-8:35pm:  Composition is a piece of writing, a submission that is composed, together, self-supported.  A stand-alone piece, if you will.  It should also be noted, that composition entails several parts, and a consistency of Art, expression, uniqueness and music..

Post your own definition of “Composition”, below

8:35-8:40pm:  What is your style of Composition?  Does it involve any Humor?  Search for Happiness?  Or, a strengthening of existing Happiness?

8:40-9pm:  Close….  What’s on tonight’s page?  What are you going to write in your journal?

Assignment:  Write in your journal, OBSESSIVELY.  And, more importantly, FREELY.

And…..  please buy David Sedars’ book if you haven’t already.

421 Comments Add yours

  1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    *Seeing an essay….

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Free writing is just that, FREE, such good therapy to be able to let it all out on paper or computer LOL. Freeing your mind is good for your soul.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      So true!! Oh.. and could you change your profile to show your full name please??? 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh Yeah sorry! lol

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        All good friend. Just trying to help!!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Duncan Kindopp's avatar Duncan Kindopp says:

    I think journals expose people’s flaws and bad habits which is why many people try to stay away from them as to not expose themselves.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Understandable, but shameful.. if only they could see that the flaws are gems and bad habits are learning opportunities.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. LuisV123's avatar LuisV123 says:

    Much like free writing it is an example and a perspective of your thoughts on the topic at hand.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Alondra Catalan's avatar Alondra Catalan says:

    When I hear the word composition I think of a composition book.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Okay…. What else? I think MUSIC.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Same! I think of a composer of music.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Alondra Catalan's avatar Alondra Catalan says:

        I also think of English

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I didn’t even think about music. Mind blown.

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Essays I think are meant to be informative sometimes they are too formal and can be intimidating.
    I just realized that I free write all the time, lol I just thought I was writing incoherent stories all along.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      You can be informative while still creative and free!!

      Like

  7. haleywalsh24's avatar haleywalsh24 says:

    Sounds silly but when I hear composition I think of the composition journals or notebooks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Not silly at all!! I love those things!

      Like

  8. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Composition, to me, is MUSIC. And Jack Kerouac said that the only truth is music.

    Like

  9. ethonn's avatar ethonn says:

    For essays, I think they’re supposed to break things down to the most understandable way possible. Whatever you research has to be correct, and the most important thing is make it unique and in your own words.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. when I hear the word “composition”. The only thing that pops in my head it the black composition note book. And how something is made up from.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. LuisV123's avatar LuisV123 says:

    When I hear composition I think composing whether that’s a scrapbook or even music.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      ESPECIALLY MUSIC!!

      Like

  12. haleywalsh24's avatar haleywalsh24 says:

    I think composition is something I need to educate myself more about.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Yes!! Do a little research and let us know what you find!!

      Like

  13. kennymartinezromero's avatar kennymartinezromero says:

    When I think of composition the first thing that comes to mind is film/movies. How everything is neatly put together for the perfect shot.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. this is an awesome way to think about it.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. LuisV123's avatar LuisV123 says:

      This is a neat way to think of composition. I never looked at films this way!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. garinmccormick's avatar garinmccormick says:

      very cool perspective.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. When I think of composition, I think of classical music

    Liked by 2 people

  15. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Composition is its own order, not an ordered or instructed order…

    Like

  16. renvs's avatar renvs says:

    When I think about composition, my mind takes me back to the lay out of an art piece. What each part of the painting or drawing is saying to the viewer. Depending on the colors and shade, the shapes and the lines, the composition of even the same view of a fruit bowl changes. The composition reflects what the artist is experiencing and I am certain that it is the same with writers.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      “What each part of the painting or drawing is saying to the viewer. Depending on the colors and shade, the shapes and the lines, the composition of even the same view of a fruit bowl changes. The composition reflects what the artist is experiencing…” LOVE. Yes.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Right now.. this discussion, in all the directions it’s going, is Composition. Its own form, order, purpose.

    Liked by 2 people

  18. ethonn's avatar ethonn says:

    When I think of the word “composition” obviously I think about composition books, but then that makes me think about diaries or personal logs. More of a journal than your typical notebook, because notebooks are for things you have to do, and along the lines of expression, composition would best fit for that reason.

    Liked by 2 people

  19. juliakreed9's avatar juliakreed9 says:

    I really don’t know what to even think about a free write essay. Every essay I’ve ever been assigned has been so structured and formal. This is super foreign to me right now, so I am looking forward to learning more about how we will move forward with this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      An assignment from me to you… freewrite one page this weekend. By hand, as fast as you can… see what you get.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. LuisV123's avatar LuisV123 says:

      Think of an essay to task yourself with whether that be with problems of the economy or world. Your thoughts on it that you can write freely with no one to judge you. I believe this is what you should look at if you ever get the chance to free write an essay on any topic you choose.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        I like that!! Great idea!

        Like

  20. garinmccormick's avatar garinmccormick says:

    When i think of composition I think of creating something, music, writing ect…

    Liked by 2 people

  21. haleywalsh24's avatar haleywalsh24 says:

    An example I found during some googling is an flower arrangement. Flowers all put together that are pleasing to look at and that all fit perfectly in together is composition.

    Liked by 4 people

  22. Quince Wu's avatar Quince Wu says:

    I think that composition is when people create something unique that no one else is able to create!

    Liked by 2 people

  23. Jihmai Sanchez Gomez's avatar jihmai says:

    When I think of the composition I think of lyrics for pop music

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

    I enjoy reading everyones responses. Since at this time I do not have a coherent thought on either what is an essay or what is a composition. But all of you are helping me to better understand so thank you.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Good to hear!! Start journaling and freewriting when you get a sec… see what happens, and enjoy!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

        I will I am going to go buy me a book for writing in. Not going to lie the fact that you said we could get some bonus points did help push me.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. juliakreed9's avatar juliakreed9 says:

        I agree Michael, I think I will need to find myself a notebook to write in… such the broad and open options is a bit intimidating. I am so used to structure.

        Liked by 1 person

  25. olazoa28's avatar olazoa28 says:

    When I think of composition, I think about putting together and connecting them

    Liked by 1 person

  26. juliakreed9's avatar juliakreed9 says:

    What comes to mind when I think of Composition is those little black and white speckled notebooks your science class usually made you use in high school. In regards to writing, obviously words and facts being composed. But I don’t really have anything that ties me to this personally. this whole concept of free writing and composition writing is not a familiar area for me. I really am looking forward to how this can help broaden my knowledge and perhaps learn more about myself and my capabilities.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

      You think it is unfamiliar to you I haven’t taken an english class in 30 years.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Perfect opportunity to try new approaches and creative movements..

        Like

      2. juliakreed9's avatar juliakreed9 says:

        I took a few years off too so I can relate.. but i can only imagine 30 years. Im sure youll do really well. And really good for you for going back. A lot of poeple dont

        Liked by 1 person

      3. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Agreed. Something to celebrate, definitely.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Duncan Kindopp's avatar Duncan Kindopp says:

    When I think of “composition” I think of what things are made up of>

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Me too!! The parts, and what they create when working together.

      Like

  28. aalexvillanueva94's avatar aalexvillanueva94 says:

    The first thing I think of when I hear composition (and not trying to be blunt) is a lot of writing. I get a picture in my head of those black and white composition books which always reminds me of the movie Freedom Writers, and I think that’s pretty cool seeing that the movie takes place in an English class where many students from different backgrounds came together. Composition in my own words is a piece of writing that will allow you to just express your thoughts, not necessarily on a particular subject but whatever is on your mind.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. renvs's avatar renvs says:

      Yes! This is exactly it! Everything can be composition as long as it comes from your head! Organized, disorganized it doesn’t matter because it is something that was written down for a purpose!

      Liked by 3 people

  29. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    One definition I have of Composition is “supported expression”. The other is “molded madness”.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. renvs's avatar renvs says:

      It sounds like the concept of yin and yang! How intriguing!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Glad you like it!

        Like

      2. kaylinromo's avatar kaylinromo says:

        I like how you to compared it ying and yang! Composition has many different definitions or concepts because the reality is that there really are many different versions of ourselves! Theres the goofy side, serious side. curious side, etc. that only we understand (sometimes lol). So I really don’t find it to have only one definition. It has a never ending amount of them.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. aalexvillanueva94's avatar aalexvillanueva94 says:

      “molded madness” i like that

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Definition of composition…piece together

    Liked by 1 person

  31. haleywalsh24's avatar haleywalsh24 says:

    A definition I would have for composition is “organized chaos” because if I were to compose writing or artwork that is exactly what it would be. Although a better definition would be self-expression.

    Liked by 3 people

  32. I am seriously loving all of your thoughts! Looking at things way differently….

    Liked by 4 people

    1. kaylinromo's avatar kaylinromo says:

      Same here!! I’m scrolling through the comments with a lot of “Oh wow, that’s a really interesting point. Never thought about it like that!”

      Liked by 3 people

    2. haleywalsh24's avatar haleywalsh24 says:

      Very true!

      Liked by 1 person

  33. LuisV123's avatar LuisV123 says:

    I do not really think of composition as a definition. I would need to research it more to define it for myself rather the a dictionary point of view.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Yes… write your own definition and understanding!!

      Like

  34. claudia alvarez's avatar claudia alvarez says:

    I see composition as not just setting the structure of writing but using clean, descriptive passages, argumentation, etc.

    Liked by 2 people

  35. ethonn's avatar ethonn says:

    My definition of “composition” would be: an expression or reasoning for why something is the way it is, whether it’s your own personal thoughts, an idea, etc.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ethonn's avatar ethonn says:

      Combination of the last two parts, my style of composition usually consists of humor and I’ve really tried to mask anything negative or sad just because it’s a little hard writing that, but after realizing only your words matter in that instance, I will just from now on write everything. I will make sure to include my ups and downs because really that’s what makes a story. I don’t think there’s always a happy ending but nothing is perfect and again you can always work on anything and improve. So I will make sure to continue happiness and work on anything else.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Duncan Kindopp's avatar Duncan Kindopp says:

    A composition is what an object or idea is made of. Ex. The musical composition had the perfect assortment of notes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Yes…. and, it can invite more composition and components through growth and expression.

      Like

  37. Gabriel Serrano's avatar Gabriel Serrano says:

    when I think about composition is always to write something, but in a serious way, like a book

    Liked by 1 person

  38. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    When something is composed, it is felt.. there is a love and connection, an intimate assemblage of being. From writer, to reader… Artist, to observer.

    Liked by 2 people

  39. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    What is your style of Composition, or expression? How would you describe it? Whose style do you admire, or just like?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gabriel Serrano's avatar Gabriel Serrano says:

      I think my style of composition or expression is at its finest when I’m having a big personal problem and I just feel like writing. most of the time is a poem

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        A form of understanding in that situation..

        Liked by 1 person

    2. juliakreed9's avatar juliakreed9 says:

      I don’t know what my style is exactly. Just from my writing responses in classes, I think informative, serious at times, possibly some humor? I do think humor is always a good think to include. My writing might be a little serious and matter of fact, but at the same time my personality is very fun and flirty, but also a very matter of fact. I will need to write more to really figure it out.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. juliakreed9's avatar juliakreed9 says:

        but i am very creative in other elements such as painting, hand lettering, interior design. So I believe my writing could flourish into something really wonderful and creative if I put time into it

        Liked by 2 people

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Love the drive!!

        Liked by 1 person

  40. Composition to me is things that are put together for someone to be able to define what you are trying to get across. The way I go about it is always see the brighter side of things and be able to put it together so thoughtfully that anyone else could see it too. I think humor is always important in what we compose, it helps with trying to get your thoughts out.

    Liked by 1 person

  41. I think my style of composition is more like narrating. I like to go into details about think and sometimes I drift away but I try to stay on topic.

    Liked by 2 people

  42. garinmccormick's avatar garinmccormick says:

    My definition would be: Composition- Creation through self expression to make something of originality in art.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. garinmccormick's avatar garinmccormick says:

      something of many parts

      Liked by 3 people

  43. kennymartinezromero's avatar kennymartinezromero says:

    I would define composition as “synchronized elements” putting different pieces together to form one whole piece.

    Liked by 2 people

  44. Duncan Kindopp's avatar Duncan Kindopp says:

    I love adding in humor to most things I do in life. I think it helps me stay happy no matter what I am doing. So when I write or compose something I love adding humor in if it is appropriate at the time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Quince Wu's avatar Quince Wu says:

      Me too!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Humor is much more difficult to write than people realize!!

      Like

      1. juliakreed9's avatar juliakreed9 says:

        People can have such different tastes in humor too.

        Liked by 1 person

  45. renvs's avatar renvs says:

    I’m not too sure about my own style of compostion. From past experience, i’d probably compare my writing to the water in that of a river, the stream is the same, but the water is ever changing, always flowing and depending on the environment it can shift over time. My favored style is poetry and the style of composition i really admire is that of William Blake. His poems are very peculiar and have a tempo that matches with the words and pictures he paints with them.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Finding a stile is a funny thing… and I love Blake’s work as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  46. My style of composition is informative and expressive. I like to make sure i am able to inform with detail as well as get into my feelings and thoughts.

    Liked by 3 people

  47. kaylinromo's avatar kaylinromo says:

    I REALLY like the style of Ernest Hemingway. I always feel something when I read his novels or short stories. I first read him in high school. We were given a excerpt from one of his novels, and thought those were just the most beautiful words. I can’t remember from what novel or what exactly it said, but I remember the feeling I had when I read it. His words were warm and peaceful.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      He;s amazing. What’s your favorite piece of his?

      Like

  48. Quince Wu's avatar Quince Wu says:

    I like to base my composition with fact and science studies!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. renvs's avatar renvs says:

      I’d love to read your compositions some time! They sound interesting and grounding!

      Liked by 2 people

  49. haleywalsh24's avatar haleywalsh24 says:

    My style of composition is finding strength and including humor. I like to bring light to every situation and I have a witty sense of humor.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. renvs's avatar renvs says:

      I love learning more about others! Humor is something I struggle writing humor, but i enjoy reading it! Hope to see some of your work in the future!

      Liked by 1 person

  50. Alondra Catalan's avatar Alondra Catalan says:

    My style of composition is very passionate and humorous.

    Liked by 4 people

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