Die skep van ruimtelike dinamika in 'n roman

Abstract

The primary aim of this study in creative writing is research into an aspect of the writing process, namely the creation of spatial dynamics in a novel. This objective required the creation of an artefact. A novel titled Somersneeu was written in order to examine the very process of generating spatial dynamics in this novel in particular, as well as in the novel as such. Somersneeu was published by Human & Rousseau in 2010. Practice-based as well as practice-led research was fundamental to this study. An artistic creator registers intellectually whatever unfolds during the creative process and so new knowledge can simultaneously be created. The process of creating a work of art as well as the reflection thereon is fundamental to practice-led research. In other words, the creative process of an artefact like the novel Somersneeu is the source of a certain kind of knowledge that gradually emerges and can eventually be verbalised. Therefore a design concept for creating spatial dynamics may be articulated. It is a fact that a definite coherence exists between space and spatial dynamics. These two concepts are in reality inseparable and this cohesion is what is also being investigated in this study. Space actually consists of spatial dynamics since all the different facets of space, concrete as well as abstract, have definite and inseparable repercussions upon one another, causing a dynamic interaction among all facets of space. Apart from concrete or physical space, numerous abstractions of space take part in this interplay. These spatial abstractions are, for instance culture, identity, zeitgeist and the all-encompassing human psyche. The intense interplay among all the facets of space triggers spatial dynamics. This is the case in real life as well as in fiction. The above mentioned discussion of space and spatial dynamics is followed by an intense and heuristic view of the process of creating spatial dynamics. In order to create spatial dynamics in a novel, a novelist should have a strong sense of place. The essence of creating spatial dynamics in a novel consists mainly of the transformation of sense of place. The main aim of this study is then to present a design concept for the creation of spatial dynamics in a novel. This design concept may be used by other writers in order to create spatial dynamics in a novel. The novel Somersneeu as well as the questionnaire, reception documents and a list of publications of the writer are included as appendixes.