How is my writing? Feedback would be much appreciated.....?

Question

I am a Political Science major, but I have had multiple instructors strongly suggest that I switch my major to English. They all said that my writing is too good to be wasted in Politics. I am very hard on myself about my writing, but I am willing to share it with you if you would be interested in giving me feedback.

Here is a link to the blog where two pieces of my writing are posted:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=199251662

These are not necessarily examples of my best work, but they are the only ones that I care to share at this time. Thanks for the help. --Mike

Answer 1

Hi Mike ...  I read your blog and think at age 18, you have a good use of the language.   My immediate suggestion would be to edit, edit, edit.  Adverbs are the enemy!  Kill them!  And, while you're editing, tighten it up a bit.  Never say with many words what you can say with few. Perhaps the most critical -- and agonizing -- skill in writing is the editing.

A good quote from Hemingway:  It wasn't by accident that the Gettysburg address was so short.

Answer 2

What you have to ask yourself is: What do I want to do? You are lucky,  you can go into any field of your choice and writing skills can only help you. If you like to write, you can be a newspaper columnist or a novelist. If you like politics, you can be a speechwriter or senator. You can always take English electives and see what you prefer. Just because you are good at writing doesn't mean you can't use it in a different field. One of my best friends was and English lit major and is now a corporate banker. He uses his communication skills he learned in lit to become a great banker!

Answer 3

Hi,

I have read the two postings and I think your English is okay. I can see that your writing is based on your convincing power. I am not able to tell you if you are on the right track but i would advice you to continue studying political science major while writing at the same time.

Most writers do that. When you are sure that is where you should head then it will be easier to go as you would have made a name for yourself.

I am also a struggling writer but i only do it part time.. check out my site at http://austinetalks.blogspot.com

Wish you the best