BEFORE PUTTING PEN TO PAPER

What sorts of things should a writer

 consider before putting 'pen to paper?' 

Before putting pen to paper, a writer must first consider: What type of text am I writing? and who is my audience?:

Different texts require a different style of writing according to Sydner (1997). A science text book relies on diagrams, images, succinct, informative, and to the point language whereas a novel uses descriptive flowing text, minimal amount of images, no headings, and a longer sentence structure.

The next thing to consider according to Snyder (1997) is the importance of images where “certain forms of information may be better represented and communicated by visual rather than verbal means.” This refers to the theory that pictures can convey over a thousand words. This image-based communication may work well in a science text book, where the aim is to present information in an easy to understand, succinct way, however it would not work well in a novel where large amounts of text are relied upon for descriptive purposes, and pleasure (Snyder, 1997). It is therefore important to establish what type of text you are writing, the purpose, who it is for, and what your readers hope to find (Petelin & Putnis, 1996).

“A picture is worth a thousand words”

- Frederick R. Barnard, 1921

Source: http://www.factfixx.com/2012/01/17/who-said-that-a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words/

As well as considering the type of text and audience that you are writing to,  Petelin and Putnis (1996) have also studied two writing theories which could be used before writers put pen to paper. The two theories include the cognitive process theory and the social constructivist theory.

The Cognitive Process:

The cognitive process theory involves the writer’s “composing process” and deals with “thinking, inventing, conceptualizing, remembering, and developing” while also having the  assumption that “writing is an individual act, and that the writer’s language originates from the inner reaches of the individual’s mind” (Petelin & Putnis 1996). In order to prepare for writing in a cognitive manner, writers could speak their thoughts aloud, jot down ideas on a piece of paper, list their writing goals, or make a mind map comprised of possible themes and styles.

The Social Constructivist:

The social constructivist theory deals with the idea that “human language can be understood only from the perspective of a social group, not from the perspective of a single individual” (Petelin & Putnis 1996). This theory believes that knowledge is created through the interaction of individuals in their material and social circumstances(Petelin & Putnis 1996). Writers can therefore channel this theory into their planning by talking to the people around them, listening to their ideas, and discussing their writing with them.

Time, place, culture, and personal circumstances all play a big part in the social constructivist theory. Before putting pen to paper, writers could reflect on the times in which they live, their location and surroundings, the culture in which they are living, and their own personal circumstances.

Before putting paper to pen it is therefore essential to understand the sole purpose of  your publication by either speaking the idea aloud and jotting them down cognitively or through discussion and interaction of ideas with others, constructively.

References:

Petelin, R, Putnis, P 1996, Professional Communication: principles and application, Prentice Hall, Sydney

Snyder, I 1997, Page to screen: taking literacy into the electronic era, Allen & Unwin, N.S.W