"The biography of Blake Stone" Rhetorical Blog

Shelby Creager
Ms. Irvin
English 10803
30 August 2009

“The Biography of Blake Stone” Rhetorical blog
“The Biography of Blake Stone” is one of the best essays I have read so far. His method of writing was more than engaging, but also entertaining. The fact that Jeramey Kraatz had just graduated from college, and already received the Best Honors Award shortly after, immediately amazed me. I have nothing but positive thoughts on his essay, everything from his details to his overall message.
Jeramey’s descriptions throughout his essay were fantastic. I was able to imagine what the characters looked like just from his detailed words. I noticed moments of excellent description when he used phrases such as “piercing” and “light olive skin.” It made a vast difference in the way I was engaging in the reading. What most impressed me was when Jeramey was describing Blake’s character, both as himself and as another person on his computer. He was able to create a character opposite in all possible ways than from who he really was. It thought the way he created his imaginary character was creative in every way. I loved the characteristics and charm he gave to his character on the online conversations. He was flawless, perfect in every way. Everything that Jeramey was not. Of course, I would have done the same thing if I was talking to people of the opposite gender and wanted them to think highly of me. I also thought his essay was more entertaining to read when he created his online chat to a “Masquerade Ball.” It put so much more uniqueness into the reading, and kept me wanting to read more. The conversations between Blake and the other characters is what kept me reading on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what would happen next. Reading his essay made my reading experience even better.
The way Jeramey transforms and ordinary everyday conversation into a personal narrative was distinctive. He was able to alter a characters life background and physical appearances just from his talent in imagination and creativity. It is not unusual for someone to act like someone they are not. I come across people like that every day. It is no surprise. I am sure there are those few kids who publish themselves online as someone completely different than from whom they really are just to impress others. The way Jeramey did this is an ideal example, however, he was able to create his story in a much more meaningful way. His story came with a valuable lesson.
There were moments in Jeramey’s essay when he makes an everyday moment into something meaningful and exciting. In the beginning of Jeramey’s essay, he described his imaginary character that Blake was creating. As he described the details of his new character, that’s when I knew the story would be good. Characters with no unique personality and charming looks broad settings don’t draw readers in, as this one included both. I think at this point it was the halfway marker to the climax of the essay. Also, as CalendarGAL began to describe who she really was, the emotions started to prevail. This is when all the meaning started to come out and it started to get exciting for me. It was then at that point when I really wanted to know what would happen between Blake and CalendarGAL. As she began to describe her real self to Blake, and all the truth spilled out. I believe that this was also the most exciting moment in Jeramey’s essay. At that point, the true characters are revealed and the story finally comes to its end.
I suppose that Jeramey’s message to readers was to remind people to stop hiding who they really are. He turned a simple conversation into a lifelong lesson. Jeramey’s case was completely understandable. He was just a curious twelve year-old who wanted to experience a fairytale relationship through conversation, one that did not exist. I agree with him in every way, except the part where he left the conversation, not revealing who he really was when CalendarGAL did. I asked myself why he walked away from the issue and didn’t come back. I disagree with those who hide their character in real life situations, and never truly show them to others. It disappoints me when people just can’t have the courage to go back and show who they are when they make the y make the mistake of not showing it in the first place. However, I can also understand his excuse for walking away, given that he is only 12 years old, and could stir up new problems among the other characters.
I also think that this is his main point, to be yourself, around everyone you know and who you may meet in the future. I know this because this is a typical everyday occurrence. Sometimes people aren’t comfortable with who they are, and sometimes people will have to accept it. However, the individual will have to realize what they’re doing to themselves eventually, otherwise they will be living a lie their whole life.

Works Cited:
Kraatz, Jeramey. "The Biography of Blake Stone." 30 August 2009.

In Class: Authority

- Stayin in shape
- Horse riding
- Military knowledge
- watching movies
- skiing
- Rock climbing
- Europe
- Cleaning the house
- Taking care of animals
- Running
- Country music
- Playing the flute
- Studying for school
- Good manners
- Egypt history


I became an authority over horse riding when I rode a pony or the first time on my 5th birthday party. My parents called in to have 2 ponies sent to my house in Georgia for my party and my friends and I rode for quite a while. After that day I signed up to take lessons. When I moved to Pittsburgh a few years later, I was riding a dressage horse one day and was bucked off. That was the first time I had ever fallen off a horse, and I learned a very valuable lesson that still applies to me today. When I had fallen, I was too afraid to get back on the horse, thinking he would do it again. My instructor ordered me, "When you fall of the horse, you get right back on." I believe that this saying can apply to anyone in their everyday life and can have large effects on the choices that they make.

In Class: Freewrite

Bruce Ballinger wrote how writing as inquiry can be a way to find out how an individual can find out how they write and what their writing styles are. I agree with him that it is ok for a person to mess up, or write poorly, on the first few tries. It can be quite difficult during those first few tries, but as an individual practices something more and more, their knowledge will grow and they will become better at what they are doing. I personally find it hard to write as inquiry because most people go blank and are confused as to what to talk about. This is when the individual needs motivation. I learned that there is really no wrong way to write as inquiry, but it is a way to find out how you write and what you are interested in writing about.

Everyone knows how to write, but we all write differently. I personally don't think I write well, but I believe that practicing writing as inquiry will help with my writing skills.

Letter of Introduction

My name is Shelby Creager and I am from Frisco, Texas. I am a freshman at TCU and I am a Biology major. I came to TCU because Fort Worth is close to home and because of the biology program. If I were Chancellor, I would change the amount of credit hours needed to graduate based on the different majors. What I feel makes a good teacher is how much help they give to individuals in the class and who gives detailed lectures. To listen and make time to study is what makes a good student. If I were to have dinner with three people, it would be the President, any actor, and Clinton Anderson. three things that people should know about me is that I have been riding horses for 13 years, I am a well-rounded person, and I study hard. Three things I would like to know is how much the average student studies, how often students drop out, and how many professors teach on the campus.

I chose to take this course because it is a part of the core curriculum, and it would be best to take writing classes fresh into my college career. By taking this class, I am certain that I would improve my writing skills that can be applied in many of the other courses I will be taking.

the types of writing that I primarily do are texting, some emailing, and writing letters on occassion. I feel that my writing can be improved in many ways because I tend to make careless mistakes and forget to check my writing over multiple times.

I have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of the course syllabus.

Shelby Creager, section 10803, http://shelby10803.blogspot.com