Journal #2

I agree with Claire that the term writer is very difficult for one to define.  When considering the meaning of it, it is difficult to differentiate between a writer being someone who writes professionally or someone who is simply capable of creating a written text.  Although if we look at the common consensus that writing is a mean of communicating a message through written text, it would be appropriate to categorize the people of Shenandoa National Park as writers.  This may initially seem inaccurate, for many of these citizens exploit poor grammatical and structural skills in their letters.  A majority of them do not write formally and seem to have been minimally educated in writing.  

Although, if we put aside the formalities of 'correct' English and look at the raw messages these people are conveying, it is evident that the pen which wrote these belonged to a writer.  These people were simply scripting effectively what was dear to their heart, or what was bothering them, or what they desired.  Whether their letter was accompanied by persuasion as that of the woman who was trying to find housing, or filled with regret as the woman's who was apologizing for stealing the windows, these letters are marked with emotion and genuine context. 

Therefore, if we consider writers as being people who convey messages or ideas through written text, the people of Shenandoa National Park appear to be adequately defined so.  Though they are poor grammatical writers, they allow their words to have meaning which ultimately allows the reader to be able to understand and envision a glimpse of their predicament.  We see their struggles and concerns.  Based off of this conclusion, we could realize that term writer is more broad then we may have initially thought.  A writer is not confined to a journalist, novelist, or professional.  It reaches broader to a tweeter, a blogger, a diary keeper, a letter writer.  All people are capable of writing, though as Tayina alluded to, a writer is one who is curious or brave enough to script their thoughts and share them.