1A – 7PM

7-7:10pm:  How are you?  What are you thinking right now, at this point in the semester?  In the YEAR?

7:10-7:30pm:  THIS UPCOMING ESSAY HAS NO DEMANDED PAGE LENGTH.

Why?  I want you to be the one saying when it’s developed fully, when you have a strong and coherent position.  I know, you could be thinking… “Sweet… three pages and I’ll be good.”

No.

“Oh my god… he wants something like 10 or twelve pages…”

No.

I am not specifying a page requirement.  This is your final submission for the semester.  If you want to know how long I think it should be, with three books to consider and three outside sources, text me tomorrow and I’ll tell you.  DO NOT FOCUS ON PAGE LENGTH…..  your mind should be in the development and LOVE of your idea.

7:30-7:50pm:  What questions will you have for Mr. Foreman?  Remember, you should be done with his book by next meeting.  Think about what you want to know about his story and character, both outside the book and stemming from it.  Think about the other authors we’ve read as well, what you noticed in their works… do you think he has a similar perspective?  ASK HIM.  And, don’t forget… this zoom call could be incorporated into your paper if you’d like.  One of my questions for him is, quite directly, “How do you want to be read and understood one hundred years from now?”

7:50-8pm:  I’m giving you some extra time to finish this paper…  You have until 11:59 on December 26th to submit your paper.  Not a second after.  Don’t just budget your time, WRITE IT.  You are in total control of everything that happens till then.  You need help, text me.  I’m here.  I’m here to not just help but collaborate in your composition process.

For tonight’s page…..  You writing should be about EVERYTHING, not just one thing.  Yes, you may be writing about a common idea among the three books.  But, EVERYTHING around you can be used to compose that.  Nothing should be dismissed, all should be accepted in Composition.

Also…..  Stop seeing time and assignments as opponents.  A certain mind, the one I encourage, sees both as enabler and encouragers.

REGARDING THIS FINAL PAPER…..  Love your idea.  If you do, you’ll never change your mind, and you won’t do what many students do which is self-doubt and change mind over and over till you’re right against the deadline.  I don’t have sympathy for those that do such, as it’s incredibly avoidable, especially with how this class is constructed and with an instructor as accessible as me.

8-8:10pm:  Close…..  What’s on tonight’s page?

ASSIGNMENT:  Finish Foreman’s book and email me a 2-page thought, opinion.  Also… have questions and comments for Mr. Foreman!

ASSIGNMENT:  Prepare notes to present for next class, on your final essay for the semester.

108 Comments Add yours

  1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    For tonight’s page…. Enjoy everything. Even the shit that pisses you off.

    Like

  2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    More notes, less formal sentences and paragraphs. In your journal, mind you…

    Like

  3. Quince Wu's avatar Quince Wu says:

    Good evening.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Whatup Quince… How are things?

      Like

      1. Quince Wu's avatar Quince Wu says:

        Things are good. I’ve been reading lots from Tom Foreman.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Nice!! Can’t wait for you to meet him on Thursday!! He’s the nicest guy, ever!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    In the space between obligations, you find flight, zen, collection.

    Like

    1. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

      I am looking forward to this as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

    Hello everyone

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Good to see you!! How’s the writing?

      Like

      1. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

        It is a little dark an unsharable but My paper will be good I believe.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. claudia alvarez's avatar claudia alvarez says:

    Hi everyone!! How’s everyone

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      HI CLAUDIA!!! How are you??

      Like

  7. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Today I’m thinking about purpose… What purpose does to a character. What our writers do, and why… their purpose. Maybe a question to ask Tom, on Thursday.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Duncan Kindopp's avatar Duncan Kindopp says:

    good to be here everyone!

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Hey guys! To be honest, right now my household is pretty tense, but its ok we will get over it soon. At this point I want to survive finals. Ha! How is everyone doing on finals?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      I’m ready!!! Let’s do this!!!! Nothing scares or stalls me…

      Like

      1. You know what scares me…. Math Ha! I will get to it though not stressing too much or I feel like I will psych myself out.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        That shit scared me to. But you got it!!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. duncankindopp's avatar duncankindopp says:

      finals have been good for me. Finished my final speech for my Communications class yesterday and it felt great. Hope you do well

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Nice! It does feel good finishing a final! Thanks! Good luck to you!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    I challenge everyone to pace, tonight… how many ideas can you post. How many responses to the posts, to each other. How much energy can you place to page..

    Liked by 1 person

  11. claudia alvarez's avatar claudia alvarez says:

    I’ve been good, trying to finish strong and start the new semester good. School has been crazy since it’s has been new to many of us doing it online.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Hi Cassandra! How’s the writing?

      Like

  12. good evening everyone! i hope everyone is doing well tonight. im pretty sore right now im trying to figure out what post workout supplement i can take after going on my runs because my calves and knees are killing me!!! I feel really god as this semester is coming to an end but also a bit sad. this platform has really allowed me to open up and learn a new way to express myself. i had never really been the type of person to write down my thoughts and express myself, but it feels really nice and i plan to continue writing my thoughts down

    Liked by 3 people

    1. duncankindopp's avatar duncankindopp says:

      osteo biflex is a good supplement for joint health

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

        YOu find that it works I have always wondered.

        Like

      2. duncankindopp's avatar duncankindopp says:

        yeah, always helped my knee pain after squats

        Like

      3. aalexvillanueva94's avatar aalexvillanueva94 says:

        ok i just looked it up. im gonna try it out

        Liked by 1 person

  13. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

    h

    Liked by 1 person

  14. I have been thinking on how I got this point of my life..where I am happy, have a good job, and still trying my bed in school.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. beysaira abundiz's avatar beysaira abundiz says:

    Hello everyone, I am overwhelming trying to finish all finals. I want this semester to be over already.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

      This semester and year. 2021 can’t get here fast enough.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. beysaira abundiz's avatar beysaira abundiz says:

        Hopefully we could go back to school!

        Liked by 1 person

  16. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

    Really looking forward to meeting Tom Foreman on Thursday

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Hey guys hope everyone is having a great evening

    Like

  18. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Your next paper… Talk to us. About content and strategy.

    Liked by 2 people

  19. claudia alvarez's avatar claudia alvarez says:

    This has been an interesting year and can’t wait to make next year better.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. juliakreed9's avatar juliakreed9 says:

    good evening guys

    Like

  21. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Why am I not specifying a page quantity?

    Like

    1. duncankindopp's avatar duncankindopp says:

      You do not want us to be constrained by someone else’s rules and want us to display an understanding of an idea of our choosing and back it up evidence without worrying about it being not enough or too much. As long as our idea is complete.

      Like

    2. Quality is better than quantity maybe

      Liked by 2 people

      1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Not “maybe”. Definitely. But, that’s not to say that you just submit some rushed fluff.. Your essay should be lively, rich, personal, structured. A world from your view and world and view OF the world.

        Like

  22. duncankindopp's avatar duncankindopp says:

    started learning Japanese and have been practicing an hour a day. I really want to make studying it a habit so I am eventually fluent and that is what I want for next year.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

    this year might seem like we want a better year next year. But I think we have learned so much that we can take forward for the next year

    Liked by 1 person

      1. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

        I have really enjoyed all of the books, my favorite book has been most likely Tom Foreman in my year of running dangerously

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Next paper concept either their moments in their lives or the concept of change, but I can’t remember if Sedaris had a change?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Many. Please re-read.

      Like

      1. Will do, its a topic im leaning towards.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        Transitions offer more to write..

        Like

  25. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Some students get tired at the end of a semester. Never understood that. I’m always, and always was, more riled… more hungry, creative, vicious, TIRELESS. I hope the same for you. Honestly, if I were a student in this class, I would be writing AT LEAST a 6-page essay for the final.

    Liked by 2 people

  26. aalexvillanueva94's avatar aalexvillanueva94 says:

    you are not specifying page quantity because you wont be excited about something being 10 pages long. you just want it to have a solid opinion and feel like it really means something to the person who wrote it

    Liked by 1 person

  27. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

    This English class has been really enriching and I believe has given us tools to use in life.

    Like

  28. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

    Covid and the fires have taught us that we need to take care of eachother

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes! It also shows that some people can be very selfish.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

        I agree with you it is unfortunate

        Liked by 1 person

  29. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    When you’re at the keyboard, typing your essay, focus on you and what you want to say.. your opinion and position. Never forget about you, in your writing. How can you prove something if you don’t believe in it, if it’s not a belief of yours? If you ever want to start a business, and you don’t believe in it with a raging fire of conviction, it will not work. Have the same placed and present for this final essay.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. beysaira abundiz's avatar beysaira abundiz says:

      I want to ask him if he still writes books?

      Like

  30. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Once you know your own idea, you can REALLY write. Length becomes a non-topic.

    Like

  31. aalexvillanueva94's avatar aalexvillanueva94 says:

    my question for Mr Forman is “Is the force the drove you to run all those miles the same force that pushed you to be where you are in your career?”

    Liked by 3 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Great question!! Edit, though.. lol

      Like

      1. aalexvillanueva94's avatar aalexvillanueva94 says:

        ok lol

        Like

      2. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

        And expand on that question… look for more insights and perspective from our author.

        Liked by 1 person

  32. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

    Wow Mikey you are fired up tonight, I like it. How is the little one by the way? And when was the last time you got sleep?LOL

    Liked by 2 people

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      F/CK SLEEP. I’m way too enlivened these days. It’s more than business, it’s more than “teaching”… it’s life, and it’s not here forever. Something gets in my way, I roll over it and my being doesn’t blink.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

        sieze, carpa diem

        Liked by 1 person

  33. beysaira abundiz's avatar beysaira abundiz says:

    I want to ask him how does he runs every day? What is his motivation?

    Liked by 3 people

  34. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

    My question for Mr. Foreman is are you still running? and if so is it for pleasure or for a specific goal?

    Liked by 3 people

  35. My questions, How in the heck can you pull off 30 miles in a day, I can barely do one?
    What do you want readers to get from your book?
    During your training, were your relationships with friends and family that strained?

    Liked by 2 people

  36. claudia alvarez's avatar claudia alvarez says:

    My question for foreman involves where he gets his motivation. What drove him to be who he is.

    Liked by 3 people

  37. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    One question I have, for Mr. Foreman or anyone…. If you were doing this, what would you be doing? And, why not do both?

    Liked by 2 people

  38. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Another question I have is… how is running like writing?

    Like

    1. Once you find your pace, its easier to keep going.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. duncankindopp's avatar duncankindopp says:

      the more often you run the easier it gets just like writing

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

      You will not get good at it with out practice or without the early stumbles.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. My question will be how to challenge yourself while still being realistic in your training?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

      The challenge has to be attainable, it should be a smart challenge.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Another question I have for Mr. Foreman, quite simply, is “WHO ARE YOU?”

    Liked by 3 people

  41. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

    My question would be does his daughter still run with him? and Did it create the bond he thought it would?

    Liked by 2 people

  42. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    What’s the matter y’all?? Gettin tired?

    Liked by 2 people

  43. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    If you had a question for Mr. Foreman, in less than 7 words, what would it be?

    Like

  44. Michael Pearson's avatar Michael Pearson says:

    So question for you Teach. If in running when you train there are multi ways to train to get better you have your pace runs, your hills, your splits, and your long distance. Of course there is even more but just setting up my point. What are different ways we can train to be better writers?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

      Timing… not-writing, in other words when you want to write, DON’T… And, writing as someone other than you… meaning, you are someone else. A pilot, a CPA, lawyer, cop, senator, whatever… TRY EVERYTHING.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Outside source, do they have to be from the authors or sources that go with our concept?

    Like

  46. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    Another question….. How does one see happiness in everything?

    And if he doesn’t know, then ask him to define happiness…

    Liked by 2 people

  47. mikemadigan's avatar mikemadigan says:

    What’s on the page, y’all??

    Liked by 2 people

  48. seblindsey's avatar seblindsey says:

    Write what you know, not what you don’t know. I try and write from reality

    Liked by 2 people

Leave a comment