Lecture Notes: Invention and Planning in Writing

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Emily Zarka
• Context: Study Hall Rhetoric and Composition
• Focus on the writing process, particularly invention and planning strategies.

Sarah Kay's Approach to Poetry

• Sarah Kay uses simple lists to help people find poetic inspiration.
• Her method involves identifying three truths as a starting point for poetry.
• Project Voice: Non-profit treating everyone as potential poets.
• Lists can lead to poems or at least provide a foundation.

Importance of Invention

• Invention is the step where we generate ideas.
• Strategies help prompt ideas deliberately rather than waiting for inspiration.
• Dorothea Brand's Free Writing (1932):
  • Task-focused free writing with a time constraint.
  • Write without stopping; review afterwards.
  • Highlight useful ideas and repeat if necessary.

Looping Technique

• Builds on free writing.
• Sequence of free writes using key ideas from previous ones.
• Can be adapted to suit the project's needs.

List Making

• Common strategy used in everyday life.
• Starts with a core idea, topic, or question.
• Can lead to unexpected ideas and connections.

Additional Invention Techniques

• Speaking out loud and recording thoughts.
• Analyzing assignment prompts for inspiration.
• Using dictionaries or encyclopedias to explore key terms.

Transition to Planning

• Invention vs. Planning:
  • Invention: Gathering as many ideas as possible.
  • Planning: Organizing those ideas.

Planning Techniques

• Mind Mapping: Visual connection of ideas, helps identify main and minor ideas.
• Affinity Mapping: Using sticky notes to organize and visualize ideas.

Outlining

• Combines aspects of lists with hierarchical organization.
• Allows for restructuring of ideas and tasks.

Iterative Nature of Writing

• Writing involves revisiting invention and planning stages.
• Strategies provide flexibility and adaptability.
• Confidence in generating and organizing ideas grows with practice.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the importance of trying new strategies.
• Encourages practice to better prepare for writing challenges.
• Viewers are invited to share their own strategies in the comments.

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