Howdy folks, Lauryn here.
This just in: be on the lookout for some bright orange pumpkin eggs scattered about campus! We tutors have placed eggs all over campus for you to find!
When you locate an egg, crack it open and bring it to the Writing Center to redeem a cool prize!
Happy hunting!
Hi readers, Lauryn here. I am bringing to you exclusive book recommendations from your favorite blog writers: Jake Long and Lauryn Everly.
Lauryn’s Book Recommendation: The House on Mango Street
A deeply poetic and moving kind-of-sort-of YA memoir, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros follows a young girl by the name of Esperanza, as she grows up in a shabby house on shabby Mango Street. Young Esperanza faces a plethora of trials and tribulations as she hopes and dreams of someday having a real house of her own, far away from her rundown town. Mango Street offers poignant, poetic snapshot chapters of what it’s like to come of age as a young girl–the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Jake’s Book Recommendation: The Count of Monte Cristo
In “one of the best revenge books ever written” (-Jake), we follow the protagonist, Edmund Dantes, through false imprisonment and a journey for treasure. The book is incredibly raw and never holds back. Dantes, something of a Robin-Hood figure, is an extremely well-written character, and the entire book makes for an overall extremely exciting read.
We hope you enjoy our books! Comment down below if you love these books.
Stay frosty, cool cats.
-Laur
“I don’t know what to write.”
“I don’t know how to get started.”
Hey all, Lauryn here. Even as a fourth-year English major, I, just like you all, experience bouts of writer’s block. Additionally, writer’s block is something that we are very often asked about at the Writing Center.
So… what can we do about it? Well, there are a few different things you can try. And I’m going to name a few, just for you! Let’s get started.
Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders for your mindset. New sights and sounds can spark fresh ideas. Personally, I like to write in the library; the environment always makes me feel more productive.
Whether you’re writing creatively, or don’t know where to start with your research paper, writing down your stream of consciousness can be a great way to spark some ideas. Set a timer for a few minutes and write down everything you’re thinking about. Every single thing. It might help you think of something new!
I am a firm believer in learning by example. Finding a mentor text to use as a model for your own paper can be incredibly useful, especially if you’re stuck on formatting. Remember to use mentor texts responsibly! Always cite information you find elsewhere.
If you’re stuck, try discussing your ideas with a friend, a classmate, or… a Writing Center tutor! Talking through your thoughts can sometimes help you figure out where you’re headed. A fresh perspective could be exactly what you need to get on the right track.
We get it, sometimes you end up writing a whole paper in one night. But that stress might be what’s holding you back and blocking you! Instead of forcing yourself to write a whole lengthy paper in one sitting, give yourself the time to do it in chunks. Plan accordingly and try for a paragraph a day. Taking breaks and pacing yourself can help when you really aren’t feeling a whole paper.
So… did that help? I hope it did!
Remember, you aren’t alone in the writing process. Schedule your appointment at the Writing Center today and talk through your writing struggles.
That’s all for now!
-Lauryn
Good afternoon readers!
This is Lauryn back again to give you some information on some English-related resources on campus.
The Writing Center is not the only place on campus you can go to find individuals that are well versed in writing and reading! Here are some other English-loving orgs & institutions on the Millersville campus:
The English Club meets regularly to do English-related activities! Join the English clubbers to experience all things English and meet many writing & literature lovers!
2. Librarians
The librarians can help you brainstorm ideas, research topics, and find good, credible sources! Check the library website to learn more information about what they can do for you.
3. The Snapper
The Snapper meets regularly to write on and report all the happenings in the world and on campus! The Snapper is great for students interested in news writing.
4. Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Society
S.T.Delta is a nationally recognized English Honor Society. The university’s chapter invites eligible English majors annually. S.T.Delta’s members are invested in literary endeavors, as well as philanthropy.
5. Professors
Make valuable connections with your English professors; they are great resources! Make sure to introduce yourself and make an effort to visit their office hours so that they can best serve you as your instructors.
Those are just a few great English-related orgs and resources on campus. Involve yourself in the English community!
Howdy readers,
This is Lauryn, your brand new blog writer speaking. With October coming up swiftly, this is an excellent time to start discussing the spookiest thing of all: the comma splice.
The comma splice is an age-old horror–but do not fret; the comma splice is completely avoidable, as long as you have the right information.
So… what is a comma splice, you ask? A comma splice is the joining of two independent clauses with a comma. Independent clauses can stand on their own, and commas should only be used to join an independent clause with a phrase that cannot stand on its own.
For example, take into account the following statement:
I went to the store, they didn’t have apples.
“I went to the store” and “They didn’t have apples” are both complete thoughts. They can stand alone and function without more information, therefore making them independent clauses. These two clauses cannot be separated by a comma. The above statement is an example of a comma splice.
How can we fix this? I’m glad you ask. It’s nothing too complex! With practice, you too can avoid comma splices. Let’s take a look at two foolproof methods for taking down those pesky comma splices.
Using a period to separate two independent thoughts can sometimes be a solid move.
I went to the store. They didn’t have apples.
The example from before is now grammatically correct. However, this kind of writing can end up looking choppy and having a funky, stop-and-go flow that doesn’t always read very well. In college writing, we should look to have more complex, robust sentences.
So, here’s what I suggest:
2. A Semicolon
A semicolon is the perfect way to combine two independent clauses in a professional, smooth manner. A semicolon can and should be a frequently used resource in every writer’s toolbox.
The semicolon can replace your pesky comma splice in a jiffy. See below:
I went to the store; they didn’t have apples.
Good as new. The semicolon functions just the same as a period, but provides you with a smooth flow and look that mirrors the comma.
Don’t put up with terrifying comma splices any longer.
Use a semicolon today; it might just save your grade.