Writing Project 2: Writing as a Creative Process Writers Taking Risks Context and Description Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. (Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”) Creativity is a risky business. Being creative involves being different. Being different can be risky because not all differences are created equal: Some differences are appreciated and seen as creative; others are dismissed, laughed at, or considered to be too crazy to attempt. When we do something unexpected or surprising, it can be seen as a risky behavior--we are not following the rules or doing what might be considered “the norm” in a certain situation. Risk- takers need to think about their choices and how they might affect those around them. The same idea of risk-taking also occurs in writing. Writers use their creativity to try new things in their writing in many ways: in the style of how they write, the genre they choose, how the genre is used or adapted, or the look or format of their finished work. Using a different way of writing--for example, slang, profanity, different language variety or other non-traditional forms of writing in a traditional context--can be effective in making points about differences in social status, cultural experiences, and identity positions. Yet, they can also be judged as a sign of poor writing. Taking a stance on a topic that is different from the majority opinion can stimulate discussion but it can also involve the risk of being dismissed or attacked. Speaking out in writing against the “norms” of society (politically, socially, etc.), or even choosing a topic that is considered more “taboo” are additional examples of risky creativity in writing that challenge or provoke the audience. To explore the nature of creative risk-taking in writing, compose an analysis of a piece of published nonfiction writing where writers are taking risks. The types of risks may include addressing controversial topics; taking a non-dominant or unpopular perspective; or using unconventional writing features, including vocabulary, style, language variety, genre or visual design. You will choose one outside source that exemplifies a writer taking a risk, and you will complete a summary, analysis, and response to this source in essay format. Overall, you will analyze the effect of this risk taking: Does it make sense considering the author’s purpose, audience or genre? Or, does it fall into the “crazy” category? As you explore your ideas, you may want to consider the following questions: ● What aspects of the text are risky? ● What kinds of risks might people take in their writing? What do they look like? ● What makes some writing riskier than others? ● What parts of the writing process/experience are affected by risk? (Topic/subject, word choice/diction, final layout/design) ● How do writers manage risks? What factors determine how r.