The Task
First, identify at least one source that discusses the creative process used by a writer, scholar, researcher, musician, artist, scientist, designer, coder, entrepreneur, or other creative person you are interested in. Ideally, you will find a lengthy written interview, but your source could also be a video or another type of source where your subject talks directly about their creative process. Possible places to find a source include:
The New York Times, “Writers on WritingLinks to an external site.”
Paris Review interview archiveLinks to an external site. (some interviews are behind a paywall, but can be accessed via Park’s library hereLinks to an external site.)
Song Exploder podcastLinks to an external site. (interviews with musicians, songwriters, and producers)
Songwriters on Process interview archivesLinks to an external site.
Khan Academy, Interviews with EntrepreneursLinks to an external site.
MindCORE, University of Pennsylvania, Interviews with ScientistsLinks to an external site.
SFMOMA, Artist InterviewsLinks to an external site.
The Talks, Interview DirectoryLinks to an external site. (interviews with artists, actors, fashion designers, athletes, etc.)
You may choose an interview with a writer/researcher/artist/creator from another source. Make sure that the interview focuses largely on process.
Next, read your source(s) carefully, taking note of how the person’s process connects with the writing process research articles we have studied this unit in class.
Finally, write an essay in which you analyze the subject’s process in light of the concepts and findings of writing process researchers. Answer these questions: How does this person’s creative process work? How does this person’s process fit into previous research into writing process? What might this person’s process teach us about the writing process, in general?
Requirements and Specifications
The ultimate “deliverable” of this assignment is a written article. Consider using the IMRaD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) or a basic introduction-body-conclusion format. Or, you might use a more personal approach, in which you discuss your interest in your subject and frame your analysis as a personal “search” for information.
Your article should probably be between 800-1200 words. As always, quality is more important than quantity.
Your first draft should make direct reference to at least two sources: at least one source that discusses your chosen writer’s process, and at least one of this unit’s readings on writing process research.
Brief description of who you plan to write about for your MWA3: Creative Process Case Study Analysis:
For my MWA3: Creative Process Case Study Analysis, I plan to write about the acclaimed author Stephen King based on an interview from The Paris Review. In this interview, King delves into his creative process, providing valuable insights into how he approaches writing and storytelling. I’m particularly interested in analyzing King’s methods and techniques in light of established theories of the writing process. By examining his approach and comparing it to existing research on writing, I aim to gain a deeper understanding of the creative process and its implications for writers and scholars alike.
https://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/5653/the-art-of-fiction-no-189-stephen-king
Use MLA guidelines for source citation and document design.
