Distributed Writing: A Study of Tools, Artifacts, and Bodies

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the question, “How is writing distributed across tools, artifacts, and bodies for writers collaboratively planning a written document?” After setting up the research problem and reviewing relevant literature, I describe the methods I used to collect and analyze data to answer my research question. I used a grounded theory approach; I collected and analyzed video and audio data from a group of workplace writers collaboratively planning an annual report, the Midwest Community College Association (MCCA). I found that these writers distributed their writing practices across tools, artifacts, and bodies in order to create representations of varying durability that served them in the writing process. This finding has several implications for writing theory, for practicing technical and professional writers, and for student writers.