Description on Moffett's "System" in a Letter to a Friend

Dear Katrina,
        I understand that you love to write based on your feelings but did you realized that you are following one of Moffett's strategies. In class, we are working on a piece called "Active Voice" by James Moffett. He discusses the different  strategies he uses to help the writer find their inner voice. One strategy that you would like is the "Composed Observation". This strategy works because it helps the writer write differently but also makes you look at it differently as well. The writer is able to produce a different type of style and writers should understand their options.

         The Spontaneous Sensory Monologue helps you pick through different feelings. This involves the writer to sit at any type of location other than school. The writer must write their surrounding situation using only their eye's, ears, and smell. You can actually participate this type of activities because this will help you become a better and more open writer. You are channeling in what you see, what you hear, and identify your senses. Moffett writes " By comparison, sensations do feel less meaningful and much more raw". It is better to be in a present situations so the meaning comes to make more sense than trying to remember them. Memory can help you in bits and pieces but actually participating would help you produce more details. Although the disadvantage to this particular step is to create meaning. But their is no need to worry because this is exactly what your trying to depict. If you see two adults arguing in a public park, you are going to describe what the situation is? Who started the argument? Can you identify the emotion?  Why did they choose this setting? What type of season is it? Are other people (including children) looking? What are the children's reactions? Once you ask these questions, try to answer them. Take many notes on everything you have witnessed.

        Moffett believes that we are always thinking and developing with our thoughts and feelings. I can agree because this strategy helps the writer to stay focus. What drives our attention and how can we elaborate. I hope this helps you and your writing so keep up with the good work.

Sincerely,

Deseree Rivera