Geoffrey Moore on the writing process

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Jeffrey Moore, author of 'Crossing the Chasm', explores the dynamics of writing from both the writer's and reader's perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of alignment between the writer's intent and the reader's needs, highlighting the creative process involving invention, organization, drafting, reviewing, and editing. Moore, also a writing professor, shares his seven-step framework for writing, which includes assessing the writing situation, invention, organizing ideas, drafting, reviewing, editing, and finally, publishing. The conversation also touches on the value of peer review and the significance of presentation in the digital age.

Takeaways

• 📝 Writing is a bridge between the writer's intent and the reader's needs.
• 🌉 The writer's journey starts with self-expression, while the reader seeks information or entertainment.
• 🎨 The writing process involves seven steps: assessing, inventing, organizing, drafting, reviewing, editing, and publishing.
• 🤔 Assessing the writing situation involves understanding the topic, the writer's intent, and the expected reader.
• 💡 Invention is a free-flowing phase where writers brainstorm ideas, which can vary greatly in approach.
• 🔄 Organizing involves structuring the key points and planning how they support the overall thesis.
• 📝 Drafting is the phase where ideas are translated into a coherent written form.
• 🔍 Reviewing involves getting feedback, which is crucial for improving the writing, often through peer review.
• ✏️ Editing is the phase where the writer refines the text based on feedback, using tools like spell check and style guides.
• 🚀 Publishing is the final step, where the focus is on presentation and formatting to meet the expectations of the reader.
• 👥 The importance of aligning with the reader is emphasized, as it determines how well the writing is received.

Q & A

Who is Jeffrey Moore and what is he known for?

Jeffrey Moore is the author of 'Crossing the Chasm' and other ultra-famous business books.

What is the main topic of conversation between Jeffrey Moore and Sal Khan?

The main topic of conversation is writing, discussing it from the perspectives of both the writer and the reader.

What are the two primary intentions of a writer and a reader according to the discussion?

The writer's intention is to express themselves, while the reader's intention is to be informed or entertained.

What does Jeffrey Moore suggest is necessary for a writer to successfully connect with a reader?

A writer needs to align with the reader's strategic intentions, which are typically pragmatic or personal.

What is the seven-step framework for writing that Jeffrey Moore discusses?

The seven-step framework for writing includes assessing, inventing, organizing, drafting, reviewing, editing, and publishing.

What does the 'assessing' step in the writing process involve?

The 'assessing' step involves understanding the writing situation, including the topic, the writer's strategic intent, and the expected reader.

Can you describe the 'inventing' stage of the writing process?

The 'inventing' stage is a freewheeling phase where the writer brainstorms ideas, which can vary greatly depending on personal style.

What is the key transition in the writing process as described by Jeffrey Moore?

The key transition is moving from 'inventing' to 'organizing', where the writer pulls out key sentences and organizes them into a coherent structure.

How does Jeffrey Moore define the 'drafting' phase?

The 'drafting' phase is where the writer actually writes the middle paragraphs, conclusion, and introduction, turning ideas into words intended to be read.

What is the importance of the 'review' stage in the writing process?

The 'review' stage is crucial for improvement, where peer review groups provide feedback on drafts, helping the writer to refine their work.

What role do editing tools play in the writing process?

Editing tools, such as spell checkers and style checkers, assist writers in refining their work during the editing phase.

How does Jeffrey Moore view the importance of presentation in the digital age?

Jeffrey Moore believes that in the digital age, it's unacceptable for content to not look polished due to the availability of tools to enhance presentation.