Writing is a process that researchers consistently try to define. Instead of actually coming to a conclusion the main takeaway is simply any one person’s process is a piece of someone else’s writing puzzle or process. Another way to look at this research from Carol Berkenkotter is that the writing process can evolve. In many ways, the process has to evolve because, as we saw in the study, certain processes of writing simply do not work or completely stump the writer. The research study laid this out for Donald M. Murray when he became stuck because he could not envision his audience.
Berkenkotter covers a large spectrum of ideas so if you’re looking for what you can take away for yourself I recommend testing your own writing. Try different environments for different subjects, and play with variables like how you might pre-write or maybe how much caffeine you have before you write. Accept that there is no one right way and be comfortable with that. This research once again is just a piece of the puzzle and it would likely be valuable not only for individuals to learn more about their writing process but to see what others may do and how those ideas might work for them.
After the research study, it was refreshing to see writing from the perspective of the person researched. Donald M. Murray is unique in his experience of the writing process. At least for me, it helped me realize that I would also like to try dictating my thoughts instead of simply writing. I could relate to having that quiet muttering process under my breath at least when I write alone. I think if you can ask yourself the question, what do I do every time I write? You might find that the process of speaking to yourself might lend itself to verbal dictation of your own writing. This is not to say it is foolproof but certainly food for thought.
For a deeper breakdown of the research study from Berkenkotter check out another blog post.
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