What is a writing process?
You may have heard of the writing cycle before, you may even be familiar with the draft process of writing (see figure 1) and terms like pre-writing, drafting, revising, etc. This model separates writing into distinct phases but emphasizes the cyclical nature of the process.
For this course, we will be relying on the cognitive process of writing, which treats the writing process as a set of skills that we use in tandem (see figure 2). These skills are planning/generating, translating, and reviewing. They will be explained in more detail later.
First, we need to discuss how the Cognitive Process is different from the Draft Process.
The cognitive model of the Writing Process is taken from Linda Flower and John Hayes’ A Cognitive Process Theory of Writing, as well as Wendy Bishop’s Released into Language, which remixed the model for creative writers. (From her we get the swap of generating for planning.)
Flower and Hayes explain that their theory “rests on 4 key points:”
- The process of writing is best understood as a set of distinctive thinking processes which writers orchestrate or organize during the act of composing.
- These processes have a hierarchical, highly embedded organization in which any given process can be embedded within any other.
- The act of composing itself is a goal-directed thinking process, guided by the writer’s own growing network of goals.
- Writers create their own goals in two key ways: by generating both high-level goals and supporting sub-goals which embody the writer’s developing sense of purpose, and then, at times, by changing major goals or even establishing entirely new ones based on what has been learned in the act of writing.
(Flower and Hayes 366)
Our Process
Below, you will find an explanation for how this course will engage in the writing process – pulling on both the Draft and Cognitive Processes.
Generation
The writer thinks of ideas and takes note of them in various ways that make sense to the writer alone (e.j. visuals, lists, freewrites, etc.). The writing done during this phase is only for the writer, not for any other audience.
How will we generate in this course?
Readings
The best way to learn about writing is to read writing. When we read, we will be looking for techniques and choices that the writer makes that we can emulate.
Exercises
Exercises are low stakes writing invention and practice, that usually have to do with that class-days topic, reading, or general focus. During class, some students may volunteer to share their writing, but the purpose of these is to get thinking – to generate ideas – not create a perfect piece.
Translation
The writer puts their ideas (translates) them into a format and language meant for an audience. While the intended audience may not read the piece yet, the writer is thinking about how to make their ideas clear to another person. In this phase, the writer may show their work to other students or the professor.
How will we translate in this course?
Messy Drafts
A messy draft is an extended and somewhat edited version of an in-class exercise. Usually, these are 1-2 pages. The purpose of this draft is to get the whole story, poem, essay, scene or idea down so that you can work on revising it.
Shop&Shares
During a shop&share, students will share their messy drafts with small groups of other students. These are a mix of open mics and workshops. The goal is for writers to get used to others hearing and reading their piece. You will not be critiqued during these events, but your listeners may pose questions for you to consider.
Review
The writer, with or without help, evaluates their draft, to spark further generation and translation or revise and edit. In this phase, the work will be critiqued by the teacher and other students, as this helps the writer find their path.
How will we review in this course?
In-Progress Drafts
This is an extension and somewhat edited version of the messy. Usually, it is 3-4 pages. It is not final, but all the elements that the writer envisions are there.
Critiques
Ahead of each Workshop, each group will read and comment on the In-Progress drafts. Critiques will focus on the writer’s intentions and their employment of craft elements. Personal opinions and subjective thoughts are inappropriate.
Publishing
The writer shares a piece with an audience.
How will we publish this course?
Transformed Drafts
This draft is as close to the final version as possible, as this is the draft the author will share with an audience. This piece is revised with the workshop critiques in mind.
Open Mics and Literary Magazines
Depending on the course, you might end your semester by sharing your transformed drafts at an open mic, creating your own Literary Magazine with your transformed drafts in it, or even submitting your piece to a real literary magazine.
This may sound scary, or at least daunting, but you have been Publishing in some form all semester. The shop&shares and workshops are also a form of sharing your work, though the purpose is different. At this point in the process, you are no longer helping each other revise, you are celebrating that you and your peers have finished your pieces.
