What is Scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a means of controlling the development of a section of a creative work – or a creative work in its entirety in the case of a shorter text.  In the Scaffolding, a framework of creative techniques is applied to the initial ideas (i.e. the Specific Ideas) which, when administered, will generate related creative ideas (i.e. General Ideas) and structure these into a first draft of creative work. 

How does Scaffolding work?

1. Scaffolding uses a series of creative steps – involving both the Lens-Illumination and Questioning Techniques. It begins with a specific idea. It then suggests other associated (general) ideas through the application of creative techniques such as Material Fusion – or any of the Glanside Simple Techniques.
2. The Lens-Illumination process is then applied. The Lenses are formed by asking questions associated with the specific ideas. The Illumination comes both from responses to these question, and from the further application of techniques (Cultivation techniques and Mixology techniques are equally relevant).
3. This Illumination process will lead to Points-of-Departure, which form the essential requirements – i.e. the warp – and creative enhancement – i.e. the weft – of the creative work under development. (The Warp & Weft approach is described in Essential Glanside).
4. Further organisation, restructuring and revision of these Points-of-Departure will produce the draft passage. A series of draft passages will then lead to the first draft of the creative work.
5. Rewriting, restructuring, redrafting is then essential to the completion of the finished piece.

How does ‘Questioning’ work?

1. Any scene can be broken down into a number of questions that define how the narrative needs to develop.
2. Questions that can be asked could include – what are the characters thinking through this scene – what are the characters trying to achieve – what factors are affecting these decisions – what issues must be covered in this scene – what are the essential requirements to advance the plot – how will this scene interact with other scenes?
3. Establishing these questions will help structure and create a new scene – and will also ensure it covers the subjects required.  

Combining Questioning with Facets.

1. In the Facets Creative Technique lists of defining features (for instance – of a character – of a circumstance – of a scene) are established which then structure and help compose a passage in a narrative. 
2. The Facets Creative Technique can also be combined with the questions which are used to define a section of narrative in the Questioning Technique.
3. By creating lists of possible responses to each question, the basic structure of a section of narrative will appear, in the same way that pieces of a jigsaw lead to the final picture.
4. These ‘lists of defining features’ can be readily converted to the Points-of-Departure (See Essential Glanside), which then become the building material of a section of narrative for a creative work.