Understanding the Importance of Your Writing Process

Why is it essential to recognize your unique writing process? According to brain researcher Mike Rose, selecting an inappropriate writing method can lead to significant challenges, including writer's block. Research by Sondra Perl shows that every individual has a distinct approach to writing, but often, they lack guidance to identify it. Many educators overlook the complex, ingrained processes students already possess, mistakenly assuming that the issue is simply a lack of writing skills. Before further instruction can be effective, teachers need to discern which elements of each student's process support writing and which hinder it.

In my quest to navigate the conflicting advice I've received over the years, I found clarity in an unexpected source: Kenneth Burke's A Grammar of Motives. This philosophical work from the 1940s reveals the interconnectedness of philosophy, drama, and rhetoric. Aristotle introduced terms like "character" and "plot," prompting us to reframe the concept of a "writing process" as a "writing philosophy."

Burke outlines five distinct starting points for crafting a narrative, each reflecting our fundamental beliefs and preferred modes of understanding. These starting points correspond to the five essential components of a story.

The Five Essential Components of a Story

Kenneth Burke identifies five critical elements of storytelling: Act, Scene, Agent, Agency, and Purpose. He discusses these in relation to understanding human motives.

In a comprehensive statement about motives, one must identify the act (what transpired), the scene (the context), the agent (the individual performing the act), the agency (the means utilized), and the purpose (the intention behind the act).

Consider the game Clue: the act is murder; agents are the characters, agency refers to the weapons, and scenes are the various rooms. While the game leaves out the purpose, the film adaptation fills this gap with engaging motives.

Having clarity about your writing philosophy aids in discerning which advice is beneficial and which is not. It fosters a renewed confidence in your abilities.

Act

Burke defines "act" as the occurrence itself, echoing Socrates' belief that reality is defined by the capacity to act and be acted upon. In the realm of storytelling, this aligns with the concept of plot. When discussing the plot of a narrative, we seek a summary of actions. Creative writing instructors often suggest asking, "What happens next?" when feeling stuck.

Characters (agents) are understood through their actions, highlighting the adage that actions speak louder than words. This principle is especially relevant in plays and films, where external behavior conveys internal motivations.

Burke quotes George Herbert Mead on character interactions, emphasizing that individuals become aware of themselves through their relationships with others. For ensemble narratives, it's crucial that each character exhibits distinct actions to create interpersonal conflict and convey the underlying message of the story.

If this resonates with you, you might identify as an "act" person. Start by mapping out the actions within your narrative and the characters involved.

Scene

In Burke's view, the "scene" refers to the circumstances surrounding an act. Writers who prioritize the scene believe that a character cannot choose an action without an initial stimulus. This focus emerges when instructors prompt us to identify the "instigating incident."

Burke references Hobbes, stating that the scene shapes desires and reactions. The tension in narratives often arises from characters' interpretations of situations.

Stories focusing on survival are particularly compelling, dramatizing the conflicts inherent in human existence. Burke summarizes Spinoza's philosophy, indicating that each being strives for preservation until external factors intervene.

If you find this perspective aligns with you, consider focusing on the background or instigating incident that propels your narrative forward.

Agent

When Burke refers to "agent," he means the individual at the core of the story. Those who emphasize the agent argue that a narrative must be anchored in a conscious perspective. Every story has a narrator, whether named or not, who shapes the narrative through their point of view.

Burke explains that perception is fundamental to existence. The narrative unfolds through the lens of the agent, and what they perceive shapes the reality of the story. This perspective is why sensory details and deep POV are crucial for immersive storytelling.

Stories often arise from characters' desires for new experiences, as seen in Disney's The Little Mermaid, where Ariel's yearning drives the narrative.

If you resonate with this view, start by determining the character's perspective that will guide your story.

Agency

Agency, as defined by Burke, pertains to the means through which the agent can act. Writers focusing on agency examine the tools or abilities necessary for characters to achieve their goals. This aspect of storytelling emphasizes the importance of believable actions and the established rules of the narrative world.

Stories that open with a clear demonstration of agency engage the audience from the outset. A classic example is the detective series Columbo, where the audience witnesses the preparation for a crime without knowing the perpetrator.

If agency is your primary focus, contemplate the mechanisms or abilities that will empower your characters to act.

Purpose

Finally, Burke addresses "purpose," which concerns the deeper meaning behind actions. Purpose often connects to a divine or transcendent motivation. While some creative writing instructors critique the "Chosen One" trope, Burke acknowledges its psychological appeal, particularly in times of uncertainty.

Burke points out the interconnectedness of purpose with other story elements, making it challenging to isolate. For instance, a character's actions may initially seem driven by a desire for money, but this leads to deeper motivations that tie back to their purpose.

If you find this perspective compelling, begin by defining the purpose behind your narrative, then explore the scene and characters that will fulfill it.

Writing Prompts to Discover Your Philosophy

If you're unsure about your writing philosophy, consider these prompts to spark inspiration:

1. Envision an alternate reality or planet. What remains the same, and what differs?
2. Imagine waking up to a viral news story. What event has occurred?
3. What daydreams occupy your character's mind?
4. What would you do with a time machine or psychic abilities?
5. You discover an ancient prophecy hidden in a book. What does it predict?

Key Elements: Scene, Act, Agent, Agency, Purpose

Through Kenneth Burke's A Grammar of Motives, I've realized that my natural starting point is agency. My personal writing process unfolds as follows: agency, agent, scene, act, and purpose. I begin with an intriguing ability or tool, then determine the character it belongs to, the circumstances prompting action, the actions taken to achieve goals, and ultimately, the underlying purpose that emerges upon reflection.

I hope this exploration of various writing processes aids you in your creative journey!