ddotson19

Sharing Writing

I have a love/hate relationship with showing my writing to other people. Sometimes I’ve written a blog post or poem or essay that I really want someone to read, and sometimes I never want another person’s eyes to see the disaster I just created. Occasionally, I’ll write only for myself, things too private to shareContinue reading “Sharing Writing”

John Grisham’s Writing Process

John Grisham, author of famous legal thriller books like “The Firm” and “A Time to Kill” has a very interesting, specific writing routine. He’s been writing for a long time, and so he has a methodical process with details that have been well thought out. One thing I thought was interesting was his schedule forContinue reading “John Grisham’s Writing Process”

College Introvert Life Hacks

Some of you are extroverts. If you are, good for you! Have fun going to parties and living it up with your massive friend groups and explosive personalities. You all are awesome. This post probably isn’t super relevant to you, though. Most of the rest of you, then, are introverts. If you’re stuck reading myContinue reading “College Introvert Life Hacks”

My College People and their Top 10 Qualities

Roommate Qualities: Naming plants “Dolores” and “Ferb” Showering with said plants Owning a plush gnome Letting me use the fridge Giving me inspirational quotes mumbled by a Bob Ross figurine Showing me hilarious videos and Snapchat filters Buying me hot chocolate that one time Making Photoshop masterpieces Asking before letting her friends come over VacuumingContinue reading “My College People and their Top 10 Qualities”

The Process of Macaroni and Cheese

On any list about comfort foods, you can bet that macaroni and cheese will make the top ten. It’s warm, cheesy, gooey, filling, reminds people of their childhood- it ticks off any and all boxes for comfort food that could be ticked. But, such a simple recipe inevitably inspires many variations. From the boxed KraftContinue reading “The Process of Macaroni and Cheese”

Success in Writing

It’s hard for me to feel successful when I write. When I was a little kid, I would always love the things I’d written. At every word of praise coaxed from my mother, I would glow; at every time I made my cousins laugh, I would shine with pride. I was convinced that I wasContinue reading “Success in Writing”

Crowd Navigation

Some people are born for crowds. They have a natural sense of navigation, don’t mind the invasion of personal space, or just feel at home in a large group of other human beings. These people thrive in populated places such as New York City, Chicago, and your average college campus. Others, like me, feel likeContinue reading “Crowd Navigation”

Audience

I’ve never been a big fan of the idea of an “audience,” especially for writing. I loved to sing when I was a kid, but I would always get stage fright singing in front of someone else. Similarly, I didn’t like showing my writing to a lot of other people, because then they would inevitablyContinue reading “Audience”

Japanese Convenience Stores

Since I went to a school named the Sheridan Japanese School, I aptly learned some of the Japanese language and culture. I had some teachers who were Japanese and came from Japan, some who were Japanese-American, some who had lived in Japan at some point or another, and alternatively some who had never been toContinue reading “Japanese Convenience Stores”

Blue January Sky

I love living in the Pacific Northwest for multiple reasons. No oppressive heat, very few poisonous animals, good mid-sized cities (except for Portland), and access to almost anything you could need within a few miles of civilization. The biggest reason, however, is the beauty. I love Oregon. There’s always green somewhere. In the summer, everythingContinue reading “Blue January Sky”