Using Integral Theory as my framework, I explore the four quadrants or fundamental perspectives of reality with respect to writing. This consists of inquiry into the use of subjective, objective, intersubjective, and interobjective perspectives to better understand and express writing. My thesis is that together these interrelated perspectives comprise the whole writing space: an Integral writing space. I also identify three developmental levels within each quadrant (e.g., three increasingly complex subjective perspectives, objective perspectives, etc.). This results in a total of twelve unique perspectives that map the horizontal breadth and vertical depth of the territory of writing. I offer experiential exercises for each of these writing perspectives in order to help the reader recognize them. My conclusion is that each of these perspectives is already present within our experience and is vital for a comprehensive understanding and expression of writing.
Edith Friesen
EDITH FRIESEN is a published author, writing coach, and workshop leader. For as long as she can remember, Edith has played, wrestled, and worked with writing. As a child, she felt immediately at home in the mystery of writing. But it would take decades before she would honour it as her calling. Throughout her careers in journalism, public relations, corporate communications, marketing, and senior management, she would snatch any excuse to write, yet resist every reason to surrender completely...until recently. She now writes poetry, which is her daily practice, and creative non-fiction. Edith lives with her husband in Winnipeg, Canada. She has a B.Ed. and an M.A. in Communications Studies and is working on several projects around Integral writing.