Toward a Writing Theory of Transition

This dissertation uses the spiral metaphor to explore writing experiences and begins to formulate a wider conception of writing transitions by following three experienced writers as they move across settings. Based on their texts, the stories of their experiences, and the stories of others involved in their writing tasks, I argue that the phases of transition, as defined by transitional dynamics and organizational socialization, affect writing only in certain circumstances. There appear to be many other sites of divergence where writers, readers, texts, and contexts fail to reach their targeted communication. The difficulties that arise from these sites point to aspects of writing situations that should be included in any discussion of transitional problems. In addition, sites of convergence reveal how writers in transition prepare for change, enlist the support of both personal and professional networks, and learn to manage writing tasks in new settings. Understanding the problems of writers in transition, I further argue, requires that researchers focus on myriad divergent sites in both former and new settings and not simply the linear progression of change.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Simutis, Joyce Simcoe

Contributors dc:contributor

• Colomb, Greogry G.

• Language, Rhetoric and Composition

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9812773

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/81478