My definition of writing would be the act of putting spoken word down on paper.  Writing is something that allows one to express ideas with language and is an unspoken form of communication. Success in writing, at least in my mind, would entail writing something that effects the reader.  Meaning that writing should be done with purpose, and that intended purpose should make the reader think, feel or reflect on what was read.  I don’t really consider myself a writer, at this point I only write when it is an assignment for school.

Some words that I associate with writing are, words, language, stories, communication, ideas and text.  What I learned from reading Billy Collins commencement speech was specifically about the importance of poetry.  Collins describes how poetry is used to make the reader “slow down” and take account of one’s life and live in the moment.  He emphasizes the impact writing and poetry and related it all back to how important it is to experience life and be grateful for every moment. 

By my definition of successful writing I would say that Billy Collins was successful. He wrote passionately and movingly about the positive impact poetry can have on someone.  Other ways I could classify the success of writing would be if it met the intended purpose and audience.  I would say that Collins did successfully convey the point he was intending to make.  I would add to my list of words art, and essential.  Art because I really interpreted what he was saying as an art form, and essential because he describes how at one time poetry had a crucial and important role.