The technique of inviting children to discuss their writing and examining closely the nature of their comments can help to identify facets of the writing process upon which to base pedagogy. An analysis of the writing process of one sixth grade female student in an Edmonton, Canada, public school revealed the use of 38 communication units (labels derived from numerous readings of the comments on their writing of seven stories by each of six sixth grade able writers). Each label was defined in terms of its use as a description of the facet of the composing process to which the child referred. In the specific case studied, 14 different labels were necessary to identify the various facets of composing in one of her stories. Systematic analysis of comment may not be possible in busy classrooms; however, children's needs may emerge from their comments and curriculum decisions may be made based on these needs. (HOD)