Chapter 8 and other notes

There are some items in chapter 8 that I found useful in putting together this project. I know that it is time to start writing though I have already been writing with this blog and the family journal. It is hard to organize thoughts with so much information so I think sometimes that is why it is hard to start writing the first draft. When I need to write something like a draft, I too put off writing by doing other tasks, anything, but sit down and write. When I finally do sit down to write, I cannot have distractions because I like to write large chunks and keep my thoughts flowing. I agree with the statement in chapter 8 that "we learn more about what we know as we draft." I think that would help me in this project. After going to the library last week, I felt frustrated in not knowing what direction to go next so I didn't do any research on the project over the weekend.
When I start the draft, I think it will help me put down what I do know and help me to see what is missing and what I need to further research to fill in the gaps.
In class someone mentioned voice and what voice to use in the project. Suzanne replied that it depends on the audience and the purpose of the project. I too am struggling with what voice to use in my writing. I know my audience, but there again, maybe starting the draft will help me clarify how I'm going to write. I will look at some of the examples in the textbook to see how some of the essays use their voice. The activity in Box 32 might also help in sorting out this question of how to write the voices in my draft.
I also like the three questions in chapter 8 that is part of thickening the draft on page 432. I think these three questions of "what's going on here?"; "where's the culture?"; and "what's the story?" will help me in rendering my draft. I also think that page 448 offers some more helpful questions in putting together the data into text.
My goal this week is to start writing the draft. I have more information on one person than I do the other, but I think that is okay to start with. It is more important to start writing with what I do have.