Timed Writing

So, today has been a full day for me. I started by waking up late, and nearly DIED, since today is Midterms Day for two classes. O_O But I made it to both, and I think I did pretty good. Following that up with being almost done with reading an MS someone sent me (not to mention the knitting I shall do tonight), today's a day of Things Getting Done!

Buuuut anyway. Someone should poke me when I start getting sidetracked. *pokes self*

My second midterm was for English, and we had to write a timed essay. It made me think of NaNo (also "timed", for those that have been living under rocks like the guys from that Geico commercial).

What is so magical about timed writing, eh? It's used frequently in our society, for both happy reasons (NANO!!!!!!!!!!!!) and tests (...midterms...). I see where both are coming from; for NaNo, you hope the tight deadline will produce results, despite their probable crappiness. For tests, the prof is hoping a deadline will force you to use your brain, and that such a test will show your level of... something. Okay, so maybe I don't get it in the test case.

Ahem. But what I do get is this: the two different uses of the same method have the same magical non-fail solution! And that is...? Come on, guys, say it with me! Yup. Pre-prep. Doing as much as you can beforehand so you spend less time later staring blankly at the page. What does this involve? Outlining. In fiction's case, world/character/plot building. In essays, thinking your thesis statement and all your arguments through till they're as tough as nails. You do whatever you can to be as ready as possible to start throwing your words on the page, to form thoughts and pictures, when the timer starts.

Can you think of any other instances where you've had to do timed writing? How about what you do to prep for such a task? Hope y'all are having a fantastic fall in your part of the world. ^_^

Twin Moment of the Day: We loves us some Dad time.

On my Mind: The MS I'm reading. I almost missed my midterm because I lost track while reading it. >.>

Listening to: "Suddenly" by Bo-Kyung Kim. Seriously, I have this song on repeat I love it so much.

Grateful for: No more midterms!

Wanting to: Do many things, like knit, read, or go poke a random stranger.

Writing: Selfish [on hold for NaNo prep]