During my first quarter here at PSEC, there were 3 important papers that illustrate my strengths and weaknesses very well. First, I have a persuasive essay that was written at the beginning of the year when my skills were very raw. Next I have a compilation of blog posts that are imitating the views and opinions of an 18th century merchant. Lastly, I have my final essay for this writing class. As you read through my descriptions of my strengths and weaknesses in writing, you will begin to understand how thoroughly my writing process as progressed and how drastically my writing philosophy has changed.

In my first essay of the year, a persuasive essay regarding Bacon's Rebellion, I had numerous pitfalls along with way and even more flaws in the finished product. The biggest problems I had with the draft that I ultimately turned in were ones regarding smooth transitions, explicating a clear thesis, and sticking close to the themes of that thesis throughout my paper. During my writing process, I had significant problems in creating an organized and effective outline. Everything I produced was too vague or a written draft in itself. It took a lot of trial and error to remedy this. As for my flaws in my final paper, I came to realize those when Craig gave me my grade. After talking to him about the sections I struggled on, I made a final revision that corrected my lack of a thesis and its supporting arguments and my poor transitions.

The second "essay" I wrote was a collection of blog posts from a merchant in the 18th century regarding loyalism vs. patriotism.