Reflective writing is a process that helps the writer connect their ideas about a topic, by thinking critically about how to portray their purpose in the writing itself. In Sandra L. Giles’s essay, “Reflective Writing and the Revision Process: What Were You Thinking?,” metacognitive writing is described as “reflective and self-assessing activities [to] help writers set goals for their writing.” I can testify to this process being effective. Whenever I write, I ask myself what the purpose of my writing is. Sometimes, I just want to jot down ideas and that’s fine, too. As Anne Lamott stated, “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start
somewhere. Start by getting something — anything — down on paper. ”

In the revision process, I’m able to personally answer questions about my writing to myself. Why do I want to include this? Who is my audience? What information does my audience need? What interests the audience more and what techniques should I use?, etc. I believe this has helped my writing because it helps me find elements I am missing and should add or remove.

The current essay assignment has been greatly influenced by reflective writing. I thought heavily about my audience. What terms does my audience understand? What can they relate to? If they can’t relate to the topic, what can I do to interest them in learning something completely different and new? Additionally, I read over my work and knew something was missing. I had the facts, but what was the reader going to take with them? Well, I wanted my readers to understand that, in the scenarios described in my essay, although standing up for your beliefs and principles may imply hardships, it will have been worth it. The rewards are not always immediate, and will be different from person to person. However, I hope that the reader that finishes my essay will finish with a bigger understanding of what it means to have different beliefs, to stand up for them, and that we can all respect each other the more for it. In conclusion, reflective writing is a great way to improve our writing.