SQR #1

Andrew Z. Schlieper

Eng 1320/1301 .161

Trang Phan

Sept 3, 2010

SQR #1

            When writing the thought process is recursive.  This is against the former idea that a writer’s thought process was linear.  The recursive thought process is broken down into 3 different ways.  The first and most obvious is known as “backwards movement”.  This is characterized by writing a little then rereading what was written.  The second and less obvious is when a writer “goes back” to the writing prompted and looks for key words.  This is characterized by rereading the prompt over again after starting the project and trying to revise the prompt to fit was written or revises the writing to fit the prompt.  The third and least obvious, but for some reason the most used, is a type of “going back” that involves rereading the prompt and using feeling to write.  This is simply characterized by reading the prompt and reflecting on the feelings it provokes.

            This last recursive thought process is more commonly used in season writers than in newer writers.  This process is possibly the reason why more famous authors can write better story than new writers.  The process seems to also help newer writers to think clearer when writing than with the other two thought processes.

Q:  The author describes recursiveness as “a forward-moving action that exists by virtue of a backward-moving action.  To what do writers move back?  What is being repeated? Name some recursive elements.

R: Writers tend to move back to what they have written and back to the prompt they have been given.  This is done to check for holes and structure faults in their writing to make sure that the point they are making is being driven home through their writing and that they are not going off-topic.  They usually repeat their point again and also back it up with facts or evidence about the topic.  The recursive elements that are used are listed as; rereading what was written, rereading the prompt, and re-feeling the emotion that the prompt drew forth.  The last one is called “felt sense”.  It is the most useful of the recursive elements, because it draws on feelings that drive you to write more passionately about the topic due to the emotion it brings forth.