Why Good Writing is Recursive—What that Means for Your Writing Process

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains that writing is a recursive process, challenging the traditional view of it as a linear sequence. Initially, the writing process was depicted as a step-by-step procedure, but over time, the idea evolved to reflect that writing involves revisiting stages such as drafting and revising. The speaker references Ann Lamott's *Bird by Bird* to illustrate the value of embracing 'shitty first drafts' and adjusting the writing approach as the audience and purpose evolve. The main takeaway is that writing is adaptable and dynamic, not rigid, encouraging writers to be flexible and responsive to change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing is a recursive process, meaning it doesn't follow a linear path but involves revisiting and revising different stages of writing.
• 😀 The traditional view of writing focused on the product, with emphasis on grammar and mistakes, but this has shifted towards seeing writing as a process.
• 😀 Donald Murray, in the 1970s, introduced the idea that writing should be viewed as a process, not just a product.
• 😀 Early writing process diagrams showed a linear progression (brainstorming, drafting, revising, etc.), but over time, educators recognized that writing is more fluid.
• 😀 Writing as a recursive process involves moving back and forth between stages as needed, rather than following a strict sequence.
• 😀 Ann Lamott's book 'Bird by Bird' encourages writers to embrace 'shitty first drafts' and be open to revising and refining their work.
• 😀 The writing process is not fixed—writers might switch between forms and genres depending on audience, purpose, or evolving ideas.
• 😀 In everyday life, writing and communication often follow a recursive process, such as drafting an email and then deciding it might be better as a presentation or video.
• 😀 Writing is a flexible and adaptable process, where changes in the intended purpose or audience might lead to different formats or approaches.
• 😀 Being open to the recursive nature of writing allows for growth and development, whether in creative writing, academic writing, or professional communication.
• 😀 Understanding that writing is recursive helps avoid the frustration of thinking it must always follow a rigid, linear structure, offering more freedom in the writing process.

Q & A

What does it mean when people say the writing process is a recursive process?

A recursive process means that writing is not a linear step-by-step activity. Instead, it involves revisiting and refining different stages repeatedly, such as drafting, revising, and editing, until the final version is achieved. The process is flexible, with writers often going back to earlier steps as they progress.

Why did the writing process change from being product-focused to process-focused in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, Donald Murray argued that writing should be seen as a process rather than focusing solely on the final product. Teachers began to focus less on correcting mistakes and more on guiding students through the process of drafting, revising, and refining their work.

What role did Donald Murray play in reshaping the teaching of writing?

Donald Murray introduced the idea that writing is a process, not a product. This shift emphasized guiding students through multiple stages of writing, such as drafting and revising, instead of focusing solely on grammar and the final written product.

What were the initial diagrams of the writing process like, and how did they change over time?

Initially, diagrams of the writing process were linear, showing a one-way flow from brainstorming to publishing. Over time, these diagrams evolved to show a more flexible approach, with arrows pointing in both directions to reflect the recursive nature of writing, where writers can revisit and adjust earlier stages.

What does it mean when the writing process is described as 'post-process'?

'Post-process' refers to the idea that the writing process is no longer a rigid or prescribed set of steps but a more individualized and adaptable approach. It reflects a recognition that the writing process can vary significantly from one writer to another.

Why is Ann Lamott's book 'Bird by Bird' frequently recommended for writers?

Ann Lamott's 'Bird by Bird' is popular because it provides helpful advice on overcoming the fear of writing a bad first draft. Her chapter on 'shitty first drafts' encourages writers to embrace imperfections in the early stages, which is a key part of the recursive writing process.

How can the writing process be accidental perceived as linear, and why is that misleading?

The writing process can sometimes appear linear when writers go through it step by step. However, this is misleading because writing is actually recursive, meaning that writers often revisit earlier stages, like drafting and revising, multiple times as they refine their work.

How does the recursive process apply to writing in professional contexts, like emails or presentations?

In professional contexts, the recursive process is evident when writers switch between different formats or genres based on the purpose and audience. For example, an email might evolve into a presentation, and later into a video, reflecting the need to adapt and refine the message through different forms.

Why is it important to be open to shifting genres or formats during the writing process?

It is important to be open to shifting genres or formats because the purpose or audience of the writing may change over time. This flexibility allows writers to better communicate their message by choosing the most effective medium, whether it's an email, presentation, or even a phone call.

What should students or self-studying writers understand about the concept of a recursive writing process?

Students or self-studying writers should understand that writing is not a strict, step-by-step process. Instead, it's a flexible, recursive journey where writers revisit and refine earlier stages. They should be open to adapting and pivoting their approach as needed based on changes in purpose or audience.