Week One Reflection


Well, this post will tell about what had happened in the first week of University

Introduction 
Last week, Dr. Lina, our enthusiastic lecturer, tasked us with a unique assignment: creating a slide show to introduce ourselves. It was an opportunity to dig deep into our own histories, discover what inspires us, and lay out our future goals. Today, I'd like to share my personal journey and reflections on this fascinating assignment.

Setting the Scene
Imagine a classroom filled with excitement and enthusiasm. It's a scene where students are gathered around their laptops, working diligently to create slides that would reveal their life stories.

In this lively atmosphere, we all had a unique opportunity to share a piece of ourselves. We were eager to unveil the events and experiences that had moulded us into the individuals we are today.

The room was abuzz with anticipation as Dr. Lina, our teacher, encouraged us to explore our personal histories. We sat there, laptops open, ready to translate our life journeys into slides and words. The air was charged with a sense of curiosity and the desire to connect, not only with Dr. Lina but also with our fellow students.

It was a moment when the classroom walls seemed to fade away, and we were invited to step onto the stage of our own lives. Each click of the keyboard was like unlocking a new chapter, a chance to reveal a part of ourselves that often remains hidden.

This assignment wasn't just about sharing facts; it was about sharing the essence of who we were. And in that classroom, amid the clatter of keyboards and the hum of conversation, we embarked on a collective journey of self-expression and self-discovery.

Reporting - 5W1H
  • Who am I? A writer with a penchant for diverse genres.
  • What inspired me? A defining moment that ignited my passion for storytelling.
  • Where am I heading? Towards a future filled with creative endeavours.
  • When did it all start? Reflecting on the past and envisioning the future.
  • Why do I write? The driving force behind my words.
  • How will I achieve my goals? The path I've chosen to embark upon.

Personal Reflections 
As I delved into my backstory, I began to understand the complexities that had made me the way I am now. I always had a knack for reading, but never writing. Either book is filled with fantastical tales of far-off lands, knights, and dragons all the way to historical, scientific books. I felt an inexplicable connection to those stories, like the main character in fictional stories and like the author in the non-fictional one.

The experience of creating fiction is a topic that resonates deeply with writers. In an intriguing study conducted by Charlotte L. Doyle (1998), titled 'The Writer Tells: The Creative Process in the Writing of Literary Fiction,' contemporary fiction writers were interviewed about their creative process. The findings revealed that writers often identify 'seed incidents' that go beyond narrative understanding, leading to exploration and discovery. This mirrors my own journey, where storytelling became a way for me to explore new worlds and ideas.

Much like the writers in Doyle's study, I've embarked on a creative journey, progressing from a reader to a writer. Just as they identified 'seed incidents,' I've had my own moments of inspiration that have fuelled my writing endeavours. These moments allowed me to emphasize different aspects of storytelling and express my unique perspective.

The research suggests that the creative process in fiction writing involves a voyage of discovery, much like my own experience. It involves narrative improvisation, a non-reflective mode where writers inhabit a 'fiction world,' allowing them to view their stories from different perspectives. This deep dive into the creative process is what fuels my passion for writing and my desire to share stories that transport readers to new worlds.

Looking back on my life story again, I began to see how things shaped me into who I am today. I've always loved reading, whether it was books about knights and dragons, or ones about real-life stuff like history and science. These stories were my way of exploring new worlds and ideas.

But as I got older, technology started to grab my attention. Video games became my go-to pastime. They were like virtual adventures that I could control. I spent a lot of time playing them, and to be honest, I still do.

The big change happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. With all the lockdowns, I had plenty of time on my hands. I got really into the characters and stories in my favourite games. I felt connected to them and wanted to know more about the game world.

But I soon realized that the way games told stories wasn't always what I wanted. So, I discovered fanfiction. It's where fans like me rewrite the stories, putting our own spin on the characters and plots. It was like finding a hidden treasure of creativity.

This discovery of fanfiction resonates with a fascinating study by Lanier and Jensen Schau (2007), titled "Culture and Co-Creation: Exploring Consumers’ Inspirations and Aspirations for Writing and Posting On-Line Fan Fiction." This research delves into how fans, much like myself, engage with fanfiction to co-create and reimagine their favourite stories.

In this new world of fanfiction, my love for writing exploded. I started creating my own stories, diving deep into my imagination. I wasn't just reading anymore; I was writing too.

Now, I find myself with four web novels under my belt. One is finished, and three are still in progress. This is me chasing my dream of being a writer while also studying at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

Looking back, I realize that whether I was lost in a book, a video game, or my own fanfiction, I've always had a deep love for stories. It's what makes me who I am today – a writer with a wide range of interests, ready to explore fantasy, medieval settings, and even passion in my writing.

Personalizing
That moment in my life, when I discovered my love for storytelling, was special to me. But it also reminds me of those times when we all have that "Aha!" moment that shapes our lives.

You know the feeling – it's like a light bulb going off in your head. It's when you suddenly realize what you're meant to do or what you're truly passionate about. It could be something as simple as picking up a paintbrush and realizing you're meant to be an artist or solving a tricky math problem and discovering your love for numbers.

In my case, it was the moment when I found myself immersed in stories, whether they were about epic adventures or real-world facts. It was like a calling, telling me that I was meant to be a writer.

These moments are different for everyone, but they all share that same sense of clarity and purpose. They guide us on our journey and help us discover what truly makes us tick. For me, it was the world of words and storytelling.

Relating
This experience I had reminds me of when we discover something special from our past. It's a bit like finding an old photograph that takes you back in time, making you feel the emotions and experiences all over again.

We all have those hidden treasures in our lives, waiting to be uncovered. It could be a childhood toy tucked away in the attic or a favourite book you've read countless times. These treasures hold a piece of our history and bring back memories that can be both nostalgic and heartwarming.

Just as I stumbled upon my passion for writing fanfic, we all have our own moments of revelation and rediscovery waiting for us. It's a beautiful part of life that keeps us connected to our past while shaping our future.

Reasoning
The reason I love writing is quite simple but powerful - I want to share stories that take readers to different worlds, just like that old book did for me. Writing lets me create tales of fantasy, and medieval adventures, and even dive into the world of human passion through erotic stories.

In essence, it's about sharing the magic of storytelling and inviting others to journey with me to places they've never been before, all within the pages of a book or a digital screen.

Reconstruction
And now, here I stand, reshaping the story of my life, inspired by the tales that enchanted my youthful heart. My aim is simple - to keep on writing stories that spark inspiration, capture imagination, and provoke deep thinking.

In summary, this assignment allowed me to revisit my past, grasp my present, and chart a course for my future as a writer. It's a journey of self-discovery, much like the stories I enjoy crafting. I'm eager to see where this path takes me and thrilled to share it with you through my writing.

References
Charlotte L. Doyle (1998) The Writer Tells: The Creative Process in the Writing of Literary Fiction, Creativity Research Journal, 11:1, 29-37, DOI: 10.1207/s15326934crj1101_4

Lanier, C.D. and Jensen Schau, H. (2007), "Culture and Co-Creation: Exploring Consumers’ Inspirations and Aspirations for Writing and Posting On-Line Fan Fiction", Belk, R.W. and Sherry, J.F. (Ed.) Consumer Culture Theory (Research in Consumer Behavior, Vol. 11), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 321-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0885-2111(06)11013-3


Comments

  1. I got to say I do like how you get into how your personal experiences effect how you view this assignment. I find it very interesting how you're approaching it. Also I like the blogs background!

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  2. The insight into your life and how fanfiction lead to your discovery of being a writer is inspirational!

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  3. Dear commenters, your comments have left me eagerly anticipating the opportunity to read Mr. Malaysia's blog.

    ReplyDelete

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