An Idea in Invention

Invention as a Process

        Is invention inherent in all of our writing? The answer is yes. We all in some way shape or form "shape" our utterances. When we write we have the time to process and think about what goes on the page. A very prominent theory or argument is that writing in itself is secondary to speech because of how utterance works. For example, when an orator speaks, he only has enough time to construct what he believes or knows off the top of his head. Some argue that this is primary utterance. The secondary utterance comes when we sit and we write. It does not matter what the writing entails. All that matters is that we have the time to contemplate and shape what we say. Writing does not come naturally, I will argue, to the human being. It is something that is crafted and learned. Can anyone be a writer? In a sense, yes. Can anyone be what would be classified as a "good" writer? That's debatable. I think I fall on the side that writing is a secondary utterance. I do not think that invention and our own process of writing comes as naturally as speaking to one another in conversation. The implications this has for composition and pedagogy is knowing that the invention process for different people comes at different levels. Some students learn visually as a process for writing, others learn by doing. These articulations in the differences of the invention and writing process enforces the idea that writing is secondary to speaking. How as instructors do we standardize that process for students? It is virtually impossible, but we can cater to those who learn differently in the classroom to some extent. Scott was saying in class he gave students who wanted to take different routes the opportunity to do so. This promotes growth and confidence in students that I think is vital in bolstering the shaping of their own secondary utterances.