This week is one of the most critical points in our research project. We have the idea and the direction, all we need to do is put it on paper. Sheesh. Easier said than done, am I right? Writing has always been one of my weaker abilities. In high school I did take AP English in hopes of improving my writing skills but was I wrong. All I can remember from those classes is Shakespeare. We did practice peer review but everyone in that class has been friends since elementary school so feedback always looked like “nice thesis”, “totally get your point”, “this is so good” etc. I knew to never rely on that type of feedback when I purposely mentioned the wrong texts we required to write about and received positive comments. Cue the *sigh*. Coming to UC Davis has really challenged my writing skills. I never thought I would’ve needed to take writing workshops but I did. This is my first actual research proposal that I am writing so the nerves are kicking in. During the draft, I struggled with the introduction because I didn't know if I was giving away too much information or not enough. I really liked this article, “What's That Supposed to Mean? Using Feedback on Your Writing” by Jillian Grauman. Her article really does reassure writers. Grauman mentions “These questions may feel frustrating since they don’t usually come with instructions, but an important thing that questions do is keep you in charge of your writing.”(150). I took this quote personally because the thing about feedback is that it's everywhere, whether it's in writing, verbal opinions, mental blocks it's there. I just need to decide what to do with it. Do I take this comment personally and ignore it ? No, I need to open my mind and think what led this reader to think like this? Can I clarify something? Does something need rewording, let me include a small detail? Because the last thing I want a reader to do is imply or guess what I am writing about. They shouldn’t have to do any work when reading my proposal because I have the power when it comes to writing about my topic. As the week goes on, I plan on revising my proposal and staying on top of my research topic. See ya later alligators!