Carol Berkenkotter’s “Decisions and Revisions: The Planning Strategies of a Publishing Writer” and Donald Murray’s “Response of a Laboratory Rat: Or, Being Protocoled” reveal how writing truly unfolds in practice. Berkenkotter’s study captures the non-linear, exploratory nature of writing by analyzing Murray’s process in real-time. Rather than moving from a plan to a polished piece, Murray constantly moves back and forth, revising as he goes. This recursive approach, where planning and revision aren’t separate stages but interwoven steps, challenges the myth that writing should be straightforward.
In his response, Murray reflects on what it felt like to have his process observed and documented. For him, this scrutiny made him feel like a “laboratory rat”—self-conscious and exposed as he wrestled with words, scratched out sentences, and rewrote thoughts. Even after years of writing experience, he realized his process was uncertain and hesitant. But this vulnerability helped him recognize that the stops, starts, and constant revisions were not flaws. They were integral to how he created meaning and developed his voice.
Both pieces emphasize that writing well means accepting that planning and revision go hand in hand. Murray’s process isn’t a neat transition from outline to draft; instead, he relies on “recursive planning,” allowing his ideas to change shape and evolve throughout. Revision is not a separate final step but a continuous effort to refine ideas and test the clarity of each sentence.
Ultimately, Berkenkotter and Murray show that the real work of writing lies in its messiness. Revision isn’t just about fixing mistakes but discovering what you mean and finding the best way to say it. Embracing this often chaotic process allows writers to uncover the strongest version of their work, one draft at a time.
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