In a 14-month collaborative effort between a beginning writer and a researcher, interviews, classroom observations, and experiences in writing and presenting papers provided a descriptive record of a writer's changing perception of writing. From seeing writing as a mysterious act performed for the teacher and only vaguely reflecting his own ideas and values, the subject gradually came to recognize his personal ownership of his writing. Data suggest this sense of ownership entailed (1) claiming meaning in writing, (2) seeing writing as valuable both to oneself and to others, and (3) choosing an audience. The subject's claim to ownership led to his determination to communicate as effectively as possible, revising until he was satisfied with the results. The unique methodology of this study commends to researchers an essential way of viewing writing--through the writer. (MM)