Selections from “Client Reflection” forms from the James Madison College Writing Consultancy

• What did you learn about the writing process at JMC? In general?
• What, if anything, did you learn about your topic that you didn’t know before?
• What will you take with you that might help you develop as a writer?

“I learned how to expand on my ideas. I am able to produce ideas but have trouble “going the distance” with them. I try to keep my paper simple and this often leads to it being incomplete. This session helped me fill the gaps with my paper. It helped me realize how to make my argument stronger and more developed. I was able to see the uncertainties the reader may have because of unclear sections.”

“I learned that I need a facilitator when starting out. My ideas are usually there, but I need someone knowledgeable to help draw them to the surface. I also require focus, where I have I have no distractions and something to hold my attention. The JMCWC facilitates this well.”

“I learned a better way to brainstorm. I now have a sense of direction that was lacking before and I feel a lot better about what I intend to write.”

“The JMCWC helped very much in improving the flow of my cover letters and clarifying a few of the sentences. Very, very helpful people, and the computer was nice to use. Thanks.”

“The consultant gave me confidence in my work and helped my to find areas to add more examples which would make my argument stronger. I’m glad that I took the time out of my day and came.”

“I was here yesterday for the same paper, so this is my third revision and I definitely got more insight into my paper. Rather that technical errors, we focused on who, what, when, where, and why. It was very effective.”