My writing process always begins with prewriting. For me, this step is as simple as taking a piece of paper and writing notes about the exhibit text. Brainstorming helps me generate ideas and stay on topic. Then, I use my notes to formulate the skeleton of my thesis. In this essay, forming a thesis was the most challenging step. Since my writing class focused on works that are (ambiguously) autobiographical, I decided to argue about whether or not my exhibit text was autobiographical. Forming a thesis was difficult for me because I suddenly decided to switch viewpoints; rather than arguing that the exhibit text should be regarded as fiction, I decided to support its value as autobiography. I changed my mind because research for my original thesis was difficult and because I was unable to find any sources to disagree with me. After switching my topic, I was able to use my formerly supportive sources as counterargument material. Also, I knew that my thesis was genuinely debatable since I myself had debated with it.
Next, through research, I uncovered numerous secondary sources relating to the autobiographical nature of my exhibit text—sources that both agreed and disagreed with me. My research helped me to further refine my argument by providing me with forms of motive and counterargument. With both a strong thesis and many valuable secondary sources in hand, I wrote my first draft and then attended office hours to hear my professor’s suggestions. I find feedback, from a professor or from my peers, to be extremely beneficial because it alerts me of flaws that I may have overlooked and provides helpful suggestions to correct these flaws. Then, I revise according to feedback. The use of brainstorming, a strong thesis, research for secondary sources, feedback, and careful revision helps me to produce a successful essay.
JENESSA JOB grew up and attended high school in South Dakota but also lived in northern British Columbia for four years. Now, at Boston University, she is majoring in biology and hopes to attend medical school. Her hobbies include listening to music, reading, traveling, downhill skiing, and spending time with friends and family. This essay was written for Sarah Madsen Hardy’s WR150: Stranger than Fiction: Autobiography in the Twentieth Century.