Theory of Composing

Writing, editing, and composing. These three key words all involve our human communication, and our urge to create and reinvent ideas into creative pieces. Each term carries with it different parts of our communication processes. Writing involves imprinting a language onto a substrate. We use tools such as pens, keyboards, paper, and tablets to impress our words onto a given substrate to share with an audience. Composing is a step further, as we can compose different pieces with more design features. In today’s age, we have bountiful composing tools on digital screens. Different programs and tools allow us to create original and complex pieces with their toolbar options. Editing is the revising of a piece. This can be one composed of words and language, or one composed more of design elements. When discussing these words, “thought” and “creative” all come to mind. In order to create- whether through composing, editing, or writing, we must first start with a thought. The degree of originality and authenticity will determine the perceived quality and aura of a piece. We must first begin with a thought that then feels the need to be translated onto a tangible substrate for a given audience. This is how we communicate, transfer ideas, and inspire the creative community. “Creative” is also important, as our ideas must come with authenticity for exigency to be communicated properly. These two words help deepen the meaning of “writing”, “editing”, and “composing”, as they begin the process. Writing, editing, and composing all involve taking the unseen powers of the mind and translating them for an audience. The particular impact you hope to have and design elements are up to you as you choose the project you wish to share. The most significant experience that has shaped my understanding of these words is writing organically. Sitting down to write during free time allows the thoughts and ideas to flow naturally, with no stress of expectations or deadlines. It allows thoughts to come and go, and for myself personally, allows my brain to sort through ideas. Not all ideas I have are particularly “good”, per se, but a relaxed state of mind helps to work through and build creative ideas. It all starts with a spark of inspiration, and then the ideas start to flow. “What if this could be created,” or “I wish someone could translate what I’m trying to say into a work of art,” are starting thoughts that provoke a spiral of creativity. Specifically, the last project I worked on in WEPO deepened my understanding of the composing process. Composing is both freeing and troubling. When creating a piece, you want to be perceived well, design is everything. Each microscopic detail actually alters your audience’s perception of the piece. Editing can take place for days to months. The longer you give yourself with a piece, the more angles you are able to perceive and details you may be able to finely tune to your audience’s ideals. Writing, editing, and composing, are all ways to freely express our thoughts and creative measures. The detail and time you put into it determine the potential rhetorical impact of your work.