Unsurprisingly, as writers we are often tasked with writing. After some time, writers will begin to have a unique writing process. Whether it be consciously or subconsciously. Every writer has their routine when it comes to tackling a writing assignment. Some people work in silence, others need background noise. Some people only need one rough draft, other need five. Some people can sit and type for hours, others need to work in short intervals. Everyone’s process is different, and that’s great!
Researchers have studied writing processes for decades. However, in the beginning years of this specific research, the methodology was quite rigid. Subjects were made to feel as though they had to perform. This yielded some skewed data. In the early 1980s, Carol Berkenkotter published research that challenged outdated methodology.
Findings
My biggest takeaway from Berkenkotters research was that a large part of the writing process does not even involve writing. An important aspect of the writing process is planning. This was shocking to learn at first. However, once I sat back and really thought about my own writing process, I realized how much planning I do without realizing it.
My favorite finding throughout the journal was “bathroom epiphanies.” Sometimes, our best ideas come when we least expect it. Most writers like to write in specific places. Whether it be the library or a La-Z-Boy. Turns out, many of our best ideas do not come to us while we’re reclining in a La-Z-Boy. Hence, the bathroom epiphany. Donald M. Murray, a journalist and the subject of Berkenkotters research, noticed during the study that many ideas came to him while he was in the bathroom. Personally, I have noticed that many ideas will come to me just as I’m about to drift off to sleep or during my daily commute to school.
Ideas come when you least expect it. This is why it’s good to walk away from your writing after a while. Sometimes we tend to overthink or get overwhelmed when we sit in the same spot and try to force the writing process. Take a step back. Your writing will thank you.
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