In Mary Piper’s Diving In--- Getting Started and Natalie Goldberg’s Writing in Restaurants both writers discuss techniques to get the writing process started. Pipher uses swimming to initiate the writing process while Goldberg likes to go to diners. In both cases the writer’s get away from the desk to get fresh ideas. In some ways the process is habitual.

Both writers discuss the advantages of sharing their writings with others in Mary Pipher’s essay Diving In--- Getting Started and Goldberg’s essay Writing is a Communal Act. Goldberg states “It’s also good to know some people who are writing and whom you can get together with for mutual support.” (88) Piper says of her reading group “Prairie Trout”, “We all write in many genres. We meet once a month and read our work aloud” (84). Both writers  agree that sharing their work with others helps them to improve and validate their writings.

In Man Eats Car by Goldberg and in Pipher’s essay Swimming Alone--- The Writing Process both writers discuss the use of metaphors to free your thoughts. Pipher states “Metaphors are paths to something much deeper and older than we are.” (123) Goldberg similarly states “There is no separation between writing, life and the mind. If you think big enough to let people eat cars, you will be able to see that ants are elephants and men are women. Metaphors initiate the process of opening your mine to alternative possibilities. Goldberg’s One Plus One Equals a Mercedes Benz, also emphasizes the impending your mind and states “Open up your mind to the possibility that 1 + 1 = 48, a Mercedes Benz, an apple pie, a blue horse.” (89)

Mengyao, I your take on blogging. Your arguments gave me a concise view of what Pipher was trying to say. Nice and simple. Your quotes really support your arguments. That was good. I like how you reflected on the approaches both writers took to get their point across. It gave me new insights on the critical reading process. Thank you

Good point Josh. Thanks

I see, Pipher's too wordy. She obviously connected with you and that is the power of her writing. Her personality really shows through her writing. I like how you analyze writings. It shows that you value the critical reading and thinking process.