Part 1, Section 2, Getting Started Summary and Analysis

Anne begins the next class with two pieces of writing wisdom. The first concept is that of short assignments. As Anne sits at her desk during her own writing times, a familiar obsession arises. Thoughts about finances, friendships and even orthodontia interrupt her writing time. The tool she uses to get and maintain her focus is a one-inch picture frame.

The one-inch frame is a metaphor relating to writing only what a reader would 'see' through the words. "One inch" describes a small aspect of the topic at any one time. It describes the person on the porch and not the town in which the person resides. Small assignments focus on capturing the one moment without delving into the background drama underneath.

Anne illustrates the foundation for her one-inch concept using another personal anecdote. Her...