Back to search

East Tennessee State University

Idea, Energy, and Power: Sayers’s Creative Process Model and the Storytelling of Jay O’Callahan

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This research uses an adaptation of Dorothy L. Sayers's 3-step theory of creativity to analyze the self-described creation process of contemporary storyteller Jay O'Callahan. Sayers wrote that Idea, Energy, and Power are foundational elements of the creative process. Idea is the invisible image that provides vision and unity throughout a project. The Energy is the working out of art into a medium. The Power is the connective force that binds artist to art and both to audience. (Sayers, 1987). This hermeneutical study develops subcategories within each of those 3 primary elements of creativity, then uses qualitative methods to explore connectivity to the creation process of O'Callahan. It was concluded that a high levels of correlation can be drawn between the Idea, Energy, Power model and O'Callahan's methods of story construction and delivery.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
MA (Master of Arts)
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis - unrestricted
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Reading
Year dc:date.issued
2012

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Reynolds, Rebecca K

Subjects

dc:subject × 10

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • Copyright by the authors.

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1418
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2611

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
East Tennessee State University
Base URL
dc.etsu.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Reynolds, Rebecca K. Idea, Energy, and Power: Sayers’s Creative Process Model and the Storytelling of Jay O’Callahan. Thesis - unrestricted thesis, 2012. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1418