Metaphor Collaborative Poems Go Here: From Mike Lohre

Just format and write your poems in using the Comments feature, and that way we'll eventually see all the poems below this one post.

Have fun and good luck!

Mike

Journal Two- Kristen

Hey guys, my name is Kristen Orewiler and I'm a sophomore here at OSUM and I'm majoring in Strategic Communications. I'm super excited to be in this class because I secretly love to write and  share stories with everyone. I had Mike last year in English and I guarantee you'll love his class, he's an awesome professor (and no, I'm not trying to get brownie points)! I'm always searching to have a good time. My sister Shay and I are very close and I normally always have a blast with her. She's my best friend and we're always looking to create new memories. I'm definitely a family person! I also love to travel. I've been to many different places and hope to continue my journey as I get older. Some of my hobbies include; reading, watching Netflix, coaching basketball and hanging out with my friends. A little fun fact about me is I have family in Florida and I visit them once a year and when I go to vist we go shark fishing. It is so much fun but also very scary if you're not careful. If any of you ever get the chance to go, you definitely should.
I'm in the back with the plaid shirt and Shay is in front.

What struck me the most when reading about the beliefs was the third one, writing is a process. I agree with this 100% because I think practice makes perfect. Writing is very easy to pick up and everyone has an equal opportunity to write. It takes several years to really become good at something since there is always room for improvement. I think this fact struck me because it's something that I can definitely relate to. I love to read and write both but I'm still getting better every time I read and/or write. Lucky for us, it's something most of us do on a daily basis which helps a lot when I comes to practicing these life skills.

We also need imagination and creativity in our lives. I think this is very important to have because it helps makes us the people we are today. I love to imagine because it helps me create the goals I set for everyday life. Also creativity is very important. I like being creative because I believe we are our own person and what makes us so special is we are all nothing a like. That's being creative and that's what makes a person so special. We use imagination and creativity in our lives on a daily basis. Sometimes, when the world seems a little crazy we are able to escape it by using our creativity and imagination by maybe reading a book, or writing, or watching television. I'm very fortunate to use my imagination and creativity in my everyday life.

Journal #2 - Dani Miller

Hello, my name is Dani Miller. I am a returning student to OSUM and I am finishing up my Creative Writing degree. I am a graphic designer at my company and I will admit that it's a little hard for me at times because I am a self taught designer. I guess I do decently enough because no one has complained yet, so that's always good. When I'm not in classes or at work, I play a ton of video games and Magic the Gathering. My husband and I will go to the local hobby shop in Delaware each week to see friends and to play. My other hobbies include reading, some writing, managing my own direct sales business, and playing with my cat, Sweetness. Unfortunately her name does not reflect her nature, at least according to Patrick, my husband.

Here's a picture of Patrick and I on our wedding day:

We went out to Vegas to get married by Elvis. It was a lot of fun and we had amazing weather the entire time we were out there.

What struck me the most from our reading was the belief that people learn to write from writing. I think that's a very valuable thing to learn and to know because like any art or sport, the more you practice, the better you'll get at it. I used to look back on previous writings and almost cringe at how they sounded, but then I would read something I had just done and see the progress I had made as a writer. The only way I got to where I was was because of my consistently writing and getting feedback on what I had written from my peers or teachers. Writing does seem like a tedious and arduous task at first, but it does get easier as you go along. So as the author said, if you can set aside time everyday and create a schedule to write, it will help you tremendously as an aspiring writer. Even if you develop writer's block along the way, just keep writing. You'll only get over it if you push through it and work your way over those hurdles.

Mika Newell Journal II

      My name is Mika Newell and my major is social work. I live here in Marion with two roommates. I  work at Steve's Dakota Grill as a cashier & busser and I hope to get a second job at a winery this summer. A fun fact about me is that I am Native American (even though I don't look like it) and my native name is 2 Birds.

Of the eight beliefs about creative writing the one that immediately struck a chord with me was the third one, which is that writing is a process. I think this belief is important because when people expect to write an amazing story in a single setting, it often leaves them disappointed. Don't get me wrong, a great idea is a great idea, however, there is always room for improvement in one's writing and sometimes time or a fresh set of eyes can contribute to your writing process. It is also important to remember that your writing improves with practice, and sometimes you just have to be willing to put in the extra effort needed to write something great.

Sam Lodge Journal 2

Well to start this off my name is Samantha Lodge, but I tend to go by Sam. I usually only go by Samantha when my mother is yelling at me about something I probably blamed my brother for. I am currently a Junior here and hope to graduate next year, even though that thought terrifies and excites me. For my first year of college, I went to Tiffin University. I transferred for the main reason of money. Tiffin is quite expensive and I was tired of playing my saxophone in the band there. (There's one fact about me, I've been playing the sax since 5th grade. I'm basically Kenny G.) I'm also absolutely terrified of turkeys, which makes Thanksgiving an awful holiday for me. I'm pretty boring really so there isn't much to tell. I read a lot, watch millions of YouTube videos and Netflix shows, and write. Unfortunately, I don't write as much as I used to but I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. Also, I haven't updated my glamour shots recently so this picture of me will have to do.

I think we need creativity and imagination to get through life. Can you imagine how boring it would be if we just ate, worked, and slept in that cycle for our whole lives? Well, you wouldn't be able to imagine that if you didn't have an imagination! Did I lose you yet? Anyway, I think that we need this to fill in the gaps when we aren't doing those three things. Not only that, if we didn't have creativity in our world, then things would never advance. No cars, no microwaves, no plumbing. I don't want to live in a world that has no plumbing. I, for one, would not want to think like everyone else. There are plenty of stories where authors have created worlds where no one is allowed to think for themselves, and as you can probably guess, it doesn't turn out very well. Whenever I read or write, it allows me to delve into that world and forget about everything that's happening outside of that. So what if I bombed that test, Harry Potter didn't ace everything either! My imagination let me have fun when I was an only child for 5 years. After that, I was able to use my creativity to get myself out of trouble for stealing my brothers toy. I think imagination makes life enjoyable and keeps our minds alive. We don't want to become zombies, I don't think I would like brain.

Journal 2: Amber McLaughlin

Hello, my name is Amber McLaughlin and I'm originally from Upper Sandusky, Ohio but just recently moved to Columbus. I take classes at the main campus and the Marion one as well. I'm going to school for Radiology and after I graduate I hope to become a doctor. An interesting fact about me is that I went to Hawaii in 2013 for my cousin's wedding and I absolutely loved it.

The belief I found most interesting is the writing benefits from talking. I really enjoyed that belief because it is the one I relate to most. The peer reviews that we had to do in my previous english class really helped. Sitting down and talking to other people about my thoughts or my process of how I was going to finish the paper and then hearing what they had to say about it really helped me. It made me realize that talking about your thoughts and how you plan to put them down on paper really helps. Getting other people's opinions and thoughts help to make your writing better and could possibly point things out that you didn't notice before. 

We need imagination and creativity because without it the world would be bland. Imagination and creativity kind of take us to a different world, a world of our own. In my opinion it takes us away from reality for awhile and lets our minds wander. It lets us create a world that is our own and make it the way we want.

Journal Two - Mickey Pfarr

Well, for starters, my name is Michaela Pfarr, but I just go by Mickey; saves everyone the painful struggle of getting the pronunciation right. I'm 21, from Richwood, OH, and a junior here at OSUM, majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. I adore reading and writing, but I guess that's evident. I honestly hope to make a career out of my writing; I've accepted the fact that I'll be living on ramen for a while, but I think it would be worth it, considering this is what I've been dreaming of since I was a kid. I love all types of writing, but I think my all-time favorite genre would be fiction - especially fantasy. (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, you get the idea.) I love to travel; I went to Ireland in 2015 and I'm going to France and Italy in 2017. I'm also a bit of a nerd (and by a bit, I mean a LOT). And I have an unhealthy obsession/devotion to my dog.

Not the greatest picture of me, but my dog is cute, so...

All eight of the beliefs in our reading were so important, but I think that number three, "Writing is a process," hit home with me the most. I get writer's block a lot, and mostly because I get frustrated when my first or second draft doesn't come out the way I want it to. However, writing is such a big process that I shouldn't even worry about whether or not my first, second, even third drafts aren't up to par; sometimes the best writing comes unexpectedly, not when you're trying to make the next best seller.

journal 2 Andrea Daily

Hi! My name is Andrea Daily. I'm from Marysville, Ohio, which I'm sure most of you have heard of because it's not too far from Marion. I'm majoring in English and minoring in creative writing. Reading and writing are my passion and I hope to make a career out of it in my future. I was a swimmer for ten years and swam varsity for four years in high school. I love movies with all my heart and I'm a complete nerd when it comes to marvel movies. Most people find it interesting that I can spell just about any word, but I like to think of it as a gift!

This is a picture of my best friend, Morgan Dewitt and I, who has inspired and supported me with my writing :)

I think the belief that writing is a process is most helpful because it makes me realize that I can't just write a story in five minutes and it won't just pop in my head. There's steps you need to take to make the story great!

Morgan DeWitt: Journal Two

Hi, I'm Morgan DeWitt! I'm a Pre-Law/English major. It's hard to think of fan facts about yourself. I'm super out-going and love to learn and try new things! I'm very clumsy, I've broken my arms 5 times. I get myself into a lot of expected things and it's so much fun. In the past year I've been an on-air personality at a radio station, train driver at the Columbus zoo, and on the side I save lives at the Delaware YMCA. I'm also starting a student-run magazine at OSU Marion if anyone would like to join contact me! =)

Here's a picture of me DJing.

The belief from our textbook reading that struck out to me the most was "People learn to write by writing". I can feel myself becoming a better writer by writing more. His comments about writers block were honestly uplifting. I panic when I have writers block and I'll remember his passage next time and calm down when I'm having a brain fart.

We need imagination and creativity because if we don't we'll get stuck in a box. Everyone would think the same way and do the same things. We don't need a world full of robots, we need a world full of people who are using their imagination and creativity to make the world a better place! These qualities influence my life everyday, I always let my mind run and create crazy ideas. I would not be who I am without my imagination!

Anthony Fernandez Journal 2

Hello all you people. My name is Anthony Fernandez. I'm approximately 6ft tall, black hair and wear glasses. As far as unusual things about myself, I have Asperger's syndrome. Long story short, it means that I have trouble outwardly communicating with anyone and often seek solitude, so I'm not always the easiest person to get along with, but if you are willing to give me a chance, I can be a very likeable fellow.
Imagination and creativity is what has basically made the world we live in today. It is what allowed Edison to take some wire and glass and change the world. It was what allowed dogs to go from our mortal enemies to man's best friend. The list is endless. For me, ever since I was a kid, imagination has been a key part of my life. Often times, I will go somewhere private so I can act out my imaginary adventures without the scrutiny of other. Mostly, it's just giving alternate plots to movies and other forms of story telling, but I do create original ideas too. I keeps me from the brink of boredom, always.

Devon Beck: Journal 2.

Hello, my name is Devon. I'm from Marion. I graduated Harding High School in 2015. This is my first year at Ohio State Marion. When I'm not in school I work at Meijers. I've worked at Meijers since 2013.  I work at the service desk and am also a cashier. I'm studying English. I plan on getting minors in creative writing and professional writing.

Imagination and creativity are very important. We wouldn't have a lot of the things that we love if it had not been a thought first. People imagine things and some people pursue them. Others do not. When people let their imagine talk it makes great things happen. Some of the best movies we love would not have happened if the producers had not let their imagination run wild. Creativity is another huge thing. It makes a person who they are. Creativity shows how a person thinks. It shows a side of a person that might not be noticed if you were just talking to them. It also helps provide others with a way to do things differently.

Imagination has helped me dream of the different things I could do in life. It has helped me want to go further with my education. It's helped me create goals and plans for the future. Creativity has helped me a lot through life. I've had to create new ideas when problems arise.

Jeremiah Ramey Journal 2

I am Jeremiah. I have grown up in Marion, Ohio. I chose Ohio State  at Marion for one simple reason, money. I was able to pay for my entire first year at OSUM via scholarships and federal aid. I have had a job across the street at McDonald's for a year and a half now. I take an extremely casual approach to many tasks. I have also published a few poems during high school. I hope I will enjoy this class and get to know some of you.

Why do we need imagination and creativity? To answer this question, we must think first why do we imagine things at all. The most common reason is simple, because people get bored, and crave something more interesting. The other reason is to try and improve lives. People need to first imagine their better lives before developing ideas on how to improve them. Without creativity, people would not come up with any good ways to improve their lives, and nothing gets done. When people lack imagination, the only other option is to focus on reality, which is infamously a bitch. People need to first dream to be able to accomplish their dreams. Imagination and creativity have helped me give myself hope on some occasions, and entertained me during others. Whenever I see politicians preparing to run for office, I imagine myself as the president of the United States, developing the country in a way that appeals to me, or as a judge, interpreting what is right and what is wrong, who can do this and who has the right to do that. Other days, I use my imagination purely for my own entertainment. I create stories of my own, or continue the story of a good movie, book, or video game. I add characters, and change how they react to each other, or get rid of characters, to change the tone of he story. Even in my own daydreams, I despise the common notion that the good guys always win, and that there is even a good guy and a bad guy in a fight. With creativity, I can entertain myself even when I am doing something as boring as homework. Without it, school and work would both seem extremely boring.

Welcome from Mike Lohre

 Hello students,and welcome to our blog!

Please see the handout for Journal Two, and we'll go over how to post and use the blog in class.  I'll look forward to seeing your work here.

As a short intro, I came to Ohio State in 1995 as a student, and have been teaching here every since, with the last 18 years at OSU-Marion.  I did my degrees in Fiction and Poetry at OSU and studied under Lee K. Abbott, David Citino, and many others.  It was one of the best times of my life, and I"m happy to see young writiers try creative writing on this campus.  Thanks for taking the course, and hope you'll get much growth and discovery out of it.

I'm married, and my wife's name is Irene.  She works in assisted living in Delaware, and we both enjoy farming and gardening part-time together as well.

Irene and I among the bamboo in a visit to an ecological garden in Florida last year.

JOURNAL TWO

--For this first post, write a paragraph where you introduce yourself, tell us some things that help us know you more, and share a fun fact about you.  Also, please post a simple photo of yourself, so we can always come back to this and associate your name with your face and introduction.  Again, the blog will just be for our class and I will adjust the privacy and search settings.
--In your next paragraph or paragraphs, respond to at least one of these two questions:
1.  From our textbook reading, which of the 8 beliefs about creative writing struck you as most helpful or important?  Why?  Explain.
2.  Why do we need imagination and creativity?  Where have these qualities really influenced your life?  Share and explain.