Chapter One Response

This chapter was extremely informative and organized, to say the least. Both authors—Braziller and Kleinfeld—did a great job in gathering all of the major focal points that one should keep in mind if he or she is interested in composing in a certain genre. From touching on topics such as: rhetoric, purpose, elements of genre, style, etc., each reader (including myself) is perfectly able to understand that in order to choose a specific genre to compose in, there are various points to keep in mind. I also really appreciate how each claim that was made was well supported by at least one example; this really allows us (as readers) to gain a crisp understanding of what is necessary to proceed. As I continued reading, a couple things really stood out to me. I agree that, as read in the text, "It helps to have some familiarity with the genre…" (Braziller and Kleinfeld, 2014). The more familiar with a specific genre (of interest) you are,  the more beneficial it will be for your writing in the long run. It only makes sense because if you attempt to write in a genre that you do not know much about, then the lack of knowledge (of the vast majority of the topics highlighted) and inexperience will be reflected in your writing. I also agree that you should undoubtedly "Keep an open mind as you choose genres to compose in." (Braziller and Kleinfeld, 2014). If you are nothing but stubborn and close-minded about learning about new genres, then you will never give yourself the opportunity to grow as a writer. There is always more to learn; it can never hurt to expand your horizons because only good will come out of it in the end. With that said, one of the most important things to keep in mind about composing in a specific genre is that although it is helpful to know about some examples in that genre, you are allowed to be different in your writing. I mean, how boring would it be if we read the same writing over and over? If you are not sure what the answer to that might be, it would be very boring and unoriginal, in fact. Bottom line here is: really listen to and use the detailed advise from this first chapter, while making your writing your own.