American Icon Artist Statement

1. What aspect of the American Icons artist statement has been most successful for you? Why?
Conveying the feeling that I get from viewing a story (like when I play a game or watch a movie). I've seen that people can understand, and even relate in some cases, to the feeling of putting yourself in the story. I honestly don't have a specific reason that this worked as well is it did, but I suppose it would have to come down to the level of writing I'm at. (I swear I'm not bragging!)

2. What writing tip(s) have been the most helpful? Why?
A classmate told me that I should try and show people the amount of emotion that I put into my writings, they continued that because they know me personally that they can easily understand what it was that I was trying to say, but others wouldn't. So that lead to an excerpt of one my stories being in the artist statement, which I think helps convey the connection I feel even more.

3. What aspect of the artist statement has been most challenging? Why?
It would have to be explaining the thoughts that are in my head. The way my mind works, is that I can think things without them actually registering for me to explain to others. When I was writing the part in my statement that explained the thoughts in my head during the game, I found it extremely challenging to explain it without confusing myself and others. Eventually I was able to put it simply as "Imagine that you're the main character, what would you differently?" This not only helped me explain it, but it actually opened new doors for me to explore with my writing, especially with the artist statement.

4. What writing tip is most challenging? Why?
"Expand it," or "Make it longer," or "Explain this better, it doesn't make sense." THIS DOESN'T TELL ME ANYTHING I DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW. I try to only go to specific people when I ask for critiques, mostly because everyone else will tell me the same thing over and over. The most effective thing that I try to do is ask other people that write regularly like I do, since they will always find a way to specifically and dramatically improve my writing.

5. Post a section of your writing that you are currently working on. List at least three questions that, if answered, would help you improve your work.
1. Should I perhaps expand on the plot of the story? So that I can convey my actions if placed as the protagonist?
2. I feel I've overwritten in some places, what should I get rid of?
3. Is there anything in there that still doesn't make sense?