"Understanding Composing" by Sondra Perl

The main purpose of this essay was to research the composing process and analyze its patterns and recursive nature.  An obvious pattern is that writers often return briefly to what he or she has already written.  Many writers also utilize keywords repeatedly that are pertinent to the topic being discussed.  The third and last tendency is subtler and is often referred to as “felt sense”.  It is considered a feeling that writers strive for, a brief sense during the process of putting words down that really emit what the author is trying to convey.  It can sometimes be defined textually as a single word of phrase that truly embodies what the author wants to stay.  Thus, in the creative process, a skilled writer can hone in on the ability to access this “feeling” of saying something he or she has never said before.  The two basic structural tendencies authors use are retrospective and projective.  Retrospective relies on recursive behavior by using what has already been written down, while projective relies on what audiences would approve of reading.  Usually both of these occur in the composing process and prove that it is definitely not a strict linear scheme.

Perl’s article directly analyzing the actual process of composition is extremely insightful.  Felt sense is incredibly common yet not actively recognized enough by many readers, I feel.  The “skill” to tap into it more often during writing is perhaps the most valuable tool for any creative endeavor.  Personally, I have realized this before and am constantly searching for methods to allow myself easier access to it through external senses, even though it is ultimately an organic feeling that cannot be guaranteed.  Being aware of this element of composition is essential.