arsalandywriter.com

Exploring Writing Through Punctuation: A New Perspective

Written on

Chapter 1: A Unique Lens on Writing

The process of examining one’s own articles through the lens of punctuation is akin to crafting an accordion from paper—both methods reveal unexpected patterns and structures.

Punctuation patterns in writing

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Initially, I never imagined that focusing solely on punctuation could be captivating. While reading through an article, the sheer volume and randomness of the punctuation marks caught my attention, revealing their intriguing nature.

Section 1.1: Insights Gained from Punctuation

I developed a web-based tool that allows users to uncover their hidden writing styles by stripping away all words and leaving only punctuation marks: periods, commas, colons, parentheses, exclamation points, question marks, and more. This method piqued my curiosity about how I construct sentences and whether these symbols could form interesting shapes. Observing punctuation without the distraction of words might provide valuable insights into my writing habits, especially when I consider changing my writing structure.

My first reaction upon seeing a collection of punctuation marks was one of surprise—what a random assortment! Yet, I began to notice patterns; for instance, the presence of multiple exclamation marks within parentheses was particularly striking. I wondered how many articles would yield such fascinating results. I speculated that longer pieces might be more enjoyable to analyze, though I feared that examining my extensive articles, once stripped of their words, might seem dull compared to the diverse expressions of other authors.

The first video titled "Paper Tip: How To Accordion Fold" demonstrates an engaging technique that mirrors the creative process of examining punctuation.

Long article punctuation analysis

Screenshot by author

I discovered that I seldom produce articles lasting seven minutes or more. Composing such lengthy pieces can be quite challenging, but I am determined to write a few each month. By incorporating humorous images and expressive language, I aim to tackle this goal without feeling pressured. I view the number seven as fortuitous, believing that attempting this could invite positive outcomes.

Section 1.2: Analyzing Fiction and Non-Fiction

Short article punctuation analysis

Screenshot by author

In my exploration of various articles, I found that a six-minute piece about turning a decade-long dream into a reality was particularly enlightening.

Non-fiction writing analysis

Screenshot by author

I also encountered a rare nine-minute article focused on the lessons learned from a beloved pet. The author frequently used em dashes, and prior to using the software, I speculated on my own punctuation tendencies. I realized I often utilize middle dots for lists, and I anticipated seeing frequent em dashes, parentheses, exclamation marks, and question marks in my work.

When summarizing my writing, I engaged ChatGPT to provide insights on two articles: a five-minute read titled "What Works for Me While Writing" and a two-minute read called "Remembering a Soulmate." The summaries were informative and helped me understand the content from a fresh perspective.

The second video, "Accordion Collage Book / Paper vs Fabric / Part 1 / The Base & Pages," showcases creative projects that can inspire your writing journey.

Conclusion: A New Approach to Writing

Exploring my articles solely through their punctuation marks and summaries has been an enlightening experience. It has prompted me to reconsider how I approach my future writing endeavors. If you find yourself uninspired while brainstorming for your next piece, perhaps creating an accordion from paper could serve as a refreshing distraction.

Creative writing inspiration

Photo by omid bonyadian on Unsplash

Thank you for taking the time to read and listen! I developed a web application, "Writing Prompts & Tips," which offers free challenges with varying levels of difficulty.

Share the page:

Twitter Facebook Reddit LinkIn

-----------------------

Recent Post:

Find Serenity: Harnessing the Wisdom of Martial Arts Philosophy

Explore the ancient wisdom of martial arts philosophy to cultivate inner peace and clarity in a chaotic world.

Embracing the Call: The Hug Emoji Boycott and Its Impact

A passionate plea against the use of hug emojis, exploring the emotional impact and community response.

Exploring the Interplay of Butterflies and Quantum Reality

An exploration of Zhuangzi's butterfly dream through the lens of quantum physics and Taoist philosophy.

# Embracing the Journey: Why Being Good Enough Matters

Discover the importance of striving for excellence without the pressure of being the absolute best in your medical journey and beyond.

Why You Shouldn't Tolerate Toxic Relationships

Discover the importance of leaving toxic relationships behind to reclaim your self-worth and mental health.

# Dare to Embrace Your Uniqueness: Breaking Free from Conformity

Explore the importance of individuality and self-acceptance versus the pressure to conform.

Reframing Anxiety: Insights and Quotes for Peace

Explore powerful quotes and insights that can help you redefine and manage anxiety in a healthier way.

Navigating the Emotional Spectrum: From Sadness to Joy

Exploring the journey from sadness to happiness and effective tools for emotional processing.