Writer's Block Blues...

Here's my best shot at a one-handed pep talk!  I have corresponded with a few of you about how and where to search for sources and even how  to find a point or direction in your search.  Take heart!  Don't give up!  Attitude is crucial to success!

First, remember that before you can begin drafting, you have to do a lot of reading.  That's what researching is all about:  searching, reading, searching again and more reading, and so on.  It isn't until I begin to dig into a topic that I know which of my books and articles are useful.   Don't forget you can also use other kinds of sources, like film, interviews, and more.

Don't cut this part (reading and searching) short so you can begin writing the paper.  Knowing how to efficiently search is a talent that you'll use in the future.  Some of you who are having trouble finding sources will benefit by playing with the words you type in the search bar, both on Google and our databases.   Remember the tips our librarians gave us about making advanced searches, and also their presentation about how to "Search Like a Boss" on Google, if you use that site.  Sometimes it takes a lot of patience and perseverance.

That said, please give Ms. Reaves a warm welcome.  This portion of the project is her forte!  We will be in close communication to serve you our very best!  You've had quite a bit of class time to work on this project, but it takes discipline to stay on task.  This also takes time outside of class.  I am hoping that with a quiet, diligent group of students in class, you can draft and conference and revise and so forth.   I hope in the next three classes before spring break, you can finish up your research papers.  Won't that be something to celebrate?