The articles, The Planning Strategies of a Publishing Writer and Donald Murry’s Response, Response of a Laboratory Rat, focused on revising to achieve successful writing. Berkenkotter’s work is focused on the processes of composition. She uses a case study to examine an experienced writer. As for Murray, he develops his rough drafts and thought processes while preparing his work for publication. This reminded me of the writing process, where students participate in a multi-step writing process. Berkenkotter and Murray emphasize that writing is not a linear process. Instead, it is a dynamic interplay of decision-making and revision. Berkenkotter records Murray’s revising process using a “think-aloud protocol” where he would vocalize his thoughts while writing. This is a great writing process because it shows that even experienced writers can re-evaluate their ideas, words, or phrases. Berkenkotter realizes that Murray would pause to revise his goals and adjust his writing strategies. She points out the process of decision-making in writing. This study highlights the main focus on how writers can have multiple goals, such as audience and tone, and shows that their personal decisions are unforced.
Murray’s response to Berkenkotter’s study is not just a recognition of his very own writing habits, but also a personal and humorous point of view on the experiences of being studied in a controlled way. His response offers a unique perspective that is both entertaining and engaging. Murray also points out on how he personally felt within his own private writing practices which happened to be exposed under the microscope of research. Both pieces contribute to the importance of composition studies towards having the understanding in which experienced writers can revise their own writing and their own creative processes.
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