The writing process varies from person to person, but a common characteristic we all share when writing is our ability to deliberate. Writing requires cognitive engagement, which involves conscious intellectual activities like thinking, reasoning, and remembering. Have you ever considered what it would be like if someone asked you to voice your thoughts as you write? The findings of Carol Berkenhotter and Donald M. Murray provide us with valuable insights into this writing process from the perspective of an experienced writer.
Donald M. Murray, in his article “Response of a Laboratory Rat – or, Being Protocoled,” reveals that working under a one-hour protocol was far more challenging than he expected. He felt immense pressure and the need to perform. Murray candidly states, “My sense of audience is so strong that I have to suppress my conscious awareness of the audience to hear what the text demands” (pg. 171). In my personal experience with academic writing, I’ve felt the weight of knowing that my work will be perceived by others, whether it’s a professor or a classmate. This added pressure during the writing process is something I can definitely relate to, much like Murray and his need to perform.
Additionally, imposing a time frame on the writing process can constrain a writer and limit their ability to produce meaningful work. For many writers, the writing process is a dynamic back-and-forth game that involves constant decisions and revisions, a point that Berkenkotter and Murray’s article makes clear. As I explore and study my own writing process, I’m confident that these processes will resonate with me. However, I’m also curious to delve into the intricacies of how my own brain is wired, particularly when navigating the complex terrain of writing.
Interested in my work? Check out my latest blog post “Embracing Imperfection in Writing: Shitty First Draft vs. Seed Drafts.”
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