What I learned from the weekend reading?

      After reading the assigned sections in Telling True Stories, I feel more comfortable with beginning my profile draft process. There were a few great points that stood out to me from the assigned reading. First, one thing that seemed important to me was what TTS had to say about quotations. Fewer quotations gives writers the power to control the story. I think this is crucial because quotes shouldn't manipulate YOUR story. Also TTS mentioned using fewer quotations; one strong quotation has more power than several weak quotations.
      Another important section of TTS, is the section that mentions taking the reader of his or her own belief. It mentions taking the reader out of the train station or doctors office and put them in the main characters eyes. Suspend the readers disbelief.
The last crucial section of this reading is the one regarding setting scene. I think while I write my profile how powerful the scene is will manipulate how well the piece is. TTS says there are several important parts to setting the scene.
1.)  Accuracy 2.) Atmosphere 3.) Dialogue and 4.) Emotion
      If I incorporate all of the above tips from TTS, I feel my profile will have power to interest the reader through the entire piece.

Book Club

Princess: A True Story of Life Behind The Veil, seems like it will different from anything I have ever read before . After looking at a brief summary, I am expecting the book to be an eye opener for myself. The book is based on a Sultana, a Saudi Arabian princess, and her life from childhood to adulthood. It tells readers about what she experiences as a women in a society strongly ruled by men. The book also attempts to share the hidden reality of women. She tries to uncover the truth about the lack of freedom and power she has for herself.
I think after reading this book I will gain a new appreciation for the freedom and opportunities I have as a young women. I also think I will have a different view on the Saudi Arabian society all together. I am eager to read and learn about the hidden truths that women in this society face on a day to day basis.

Zepps Last Stand

There were many things I liked about Zepps Last Stand. Madeline Blais wrote the profile with vivid descriptions which gave the reader an exact idea about just what time of old man Zepp was. Both the physical description and the description of his personality painted a perfect image for the reader that allowed for a better understanding of the character.
Blais's use of quotes also allowed a better understanding of Zepp. When she said, "And the reason I'm here at my advanced age-…" gave the reader an idea of just how determined Zepp was without actually flat out saying it.
Blais also organized this work well which made it easier to understand because of her use of chronological order. I feel that the combined efforts of Blais with organization, description and quotation is what made this profile interesting to the audience.

Mrs Kelly's Monster

            While reading the profile by Jon Franklin, different emotions and thoughts were whirling through my head the entire time.   Franklin began his work with quick introduction to Dr. Ducker’s workday followed up with Mrs. Kelly’s story. This introduction immediately grabbed my interest as the reader. Franklin mapped out exactly what was going in with “the monster” and how severely it affected her for 57 years.

            As Franklin continued, he used direct quotes from Mrs. Kelly like “I’m not afraid to die” and “ I’ve lost part of my eye sight…” By using these direct quotes, Franklin shows the reader just how harmful “the monster” has been.

            Through the entire profile, Franklin uses descriptive words to emphasis how microscopic and intense the surgery is which makes a vivid image for the reader. His continuous use of millimeter enforces the fact that surgery of the brain is intense.

            Franklin continues to write in a way that makes the reader want to continue, which is one of the main goals of a profile. Additionally, his illustration of Mrs. Kelly and her struggle makes you feel for her. Franklin writes in a way that you gain hope when he gets the first aneurism, then lose hope when the monster is in the way. Franklin’s writing has your emotions up and down the entire time. Franklin makes the reader attached to Mrs. Kelly, it is very disappointing to see that “the monster won.”

Blog 1- English 280

Three possible profile options:
1.) Leah Nabstetd- A mother of 3 boys with Autism all under the age of 14.
2.) David Brids-  A recovering heroine addict with 10 months sober trying to overcome addiction for good.
3.) Marlene Pettine- the mother of a grown man that suffers from bipolar disorder and depression.