Invention
Kirk Fontenot
Student Learning Outcomes
- Define the steps in the writing process
- Recognize the process of invention and differentiate between prewriting strategies
What Is Invention?
Invention is the start of the writing process. Invention means to come up with an appropriate topic, to develop a main idea about that topic, and to gather supporting evidence for that main idea. Prewriting is what we call the exercises that help you through the invention process. You can then start laying the groundwork for arrangement by writing an outline, which will give your ideas focus and organization.
Have you ever been given a writing assignment and sat down at a computer, pulled up a word processing program, and just stared at the blank document, feeling overwhelmed? Most of us have at some point! A writer is not a person who just naturally has the ability to turn that blank document into an essay; instead, a writer is anyone who has learned the writing process. Writing is a skill, which means that anyone who is willing to learn the steps and practice them can do it successfully.
The writing process described here is not just a technique from a textbook; this is how writers write in real life. Imagine a writer working for a local newsmagazine. I’m sure you’ve seen those kinds of magazines. They’re usually found outside of grocery stores or in a doctor’s waiting room, and they highlight local news and events. Imagine that this writer receives an email from his editor: “I’d like you to write an article promoting an upcoming party that will raise money for cancer research.” The writer accepts the job and starts the writing process, with the goal of having a clear, interesting article at the end.
The first step in this process is called invention. Invention is how any writer gets started. It usually involves some kind of prewriting. Prewriting is any exercise that helps the writer generate ideas and get started—and avoid staring at that blank word processor document! The goal of prewriting is to discover the point that you want to make. In this instance, the writer may start by making a list of questions they need to answer in the article: When and where is the party? How much are tickets? Is it casual or formal attire?
At this point, the writer needs to gather evidence. To gather evidence means to develop support for the point you’re making. When writing about a personal experience, prewriting activities may also help generate these supporting ideas. However, research is also sometimes a part of the invention process. A lot of academic writing and professional writing will require research on the topic. The writer in this scenario will conduct research by contacting the person organizing the party and finding out the answers to those prewriting questions they wrote down.
Notice how at no point did the writer sit and stare at a blank word processor document! Writing is an active process. Following the steps laid out in these chapters will ensure su