Unit A: Introduction to the Process of Writing

Lesson One: The Adventure of Writing

Writing brings me adventure, for when I write, I never know for certain what will appear on my page. For example, this is my third attempt at starting this lesson. The first attempt grew into an introduction for the Junior Varnasrama College Writing Textbook. The second attempt blossomed into a story, and now, this third attempt seems on target. Yes, writing can be an adventure, but one must learn the art of making it an adventure.

At times, writing brings me traveling through time: sometimes to my years preaching near Communist China in Hong Kong, sometimes to a forgotten lesson learned from my days growing up near the beach in Rockaway, N.Y, and sometimes to reliving a sweet story about my beloved spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. Also through writing, I learn from these experiences, organize books, think out problems, and answer philosophical questions that are important to me.

But if you think writing hard work, and not all adventure and excitement and fun, I agree. But I don't mind hard work as long as it is for something worthwhile. And I know writing is worthwhile. Here is part of a letter that Srila Prabhupada wrote in 1970:

I am glad that you and the others are each writing essays for one hour daily. That is parampara. All of our previous acaryas in our line have written substantially on the science of God consciousness, so I would also like all my students to do this, and I am very encouraged by this nice program you have initiated. (November 9, 1970)

Whether your writing brings you adventure, rememberances, clear thinking, or serious study, we hope this book, through writing, brings you closer to Krsna.

EXERCISES

A. Answer these "True or False" questions in your notebook by writing "T" next to the numbers that are true and "F" next to the numbers that are false. Then write the false statements correctly next to their number.

1. What one writes often surprises even the author.

2. Writing is all excitement.

3. One can learn the art of making writing an adventure.

4. When one writes, one should only put down on paper those things he has planned in advance to write.

5. Writing can help us learn from our past experiences.

B. Read the following statement and explain it in your own words.

"Writing can be hard work, but if one benefits from it, the results are worthwhile."

C. Explain in your own words how writing about the science of Krsna consciousness topics could be help one advance.

D. Read these instructions carefully. Make sure you understand them before you begin.

Look around the room that you are in for a few minutes. First notice the walls and everything on them. Then look at the desks and children in the room. Start with "The room," and do a five minute freewriting. Remember that the goal of freewriting is to write as fast as you can, non-stop, for five minutes. While you write, don't worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Just write as fast as you can. If you are become stuck for a few moments with nothing to write, write "Krsna! Krsna! Krsna! Krsna!" until some ideas come.

After you've finished, reread what you have written. Circle any parts that you find especially interesting or that surprised you.

Do two more five minute freewritings. Start the next one by first looking out the window for a few minutes. After you've finished this one, reread what you have written and circle the parts you found most interesting or surprising.

Start the third freewriting with something you've circled from your first two freewritings.