I’ve noticed that most writing tips online focus on the editing process. For example, words or phrases to avoid, ways to remove passive voice, awkward phrasing, etc. But very little of it focuses on the planning process. The planning process is summed up in a few words by “make an outline” or something similar. That’s great advice if you already know how to make an outline. On the other hand, if you already know how to make an outline, the advice is redundant, right? So I decided it was a good idea to sum up the process I go through before I start writing. I’m no Shakespeare or Hemingway, but maybe this advice will still be useful to others.
So before I start planning, I spend time reading. I read everything I can about the topic I’m about to write about. I also try to read it all together. If I read it together, rather than spaced apart, then I’m able to retain more of it for the planning stage. My memory is mediocre at best, so I can remember more of the details if I read the materials together and if I read it right before I have to create my plan or outline. While I’m reading, I take notes and highlight text that I think will be useful later. Even if I don’t reference my notes later, the act of writing imprints the important points in my mind. Finally, if there’s time, I write a one or two-sentence summary of what the articles are about at the top of each article. That way, I can look at the article later and instantly remember the main point. Keep in mind, you don’t necessarily have to write down the main point of the article. You can also write down the main point that is relevant to your article. The point of reading sources is to help you strengthen your own article. After you finish reading and taking notes, you can move on to the planning stage.
Next, I pick my topic. That’s right, I usually pick my topic after I do my research. Why? I can probably count the number of times that I’ve been an expert at the topic that I’m writing about. Usually I have to do a lot of reading to familiarize myself with the subject matter. After I finish my reading, I can come to an informed conclusion. Picking a topic isn’t always easy though. Maybe the paper is supposed to be argumentative. In that case, you should pick a side and develop your topic based on that selection. Other times, the paper is supposed to be purely objective - almost like a survey. In that case, you’re presenting the information that you found, not arguing a point. So, make sure your topic or main point is related to the appropriate type of writing: argumentative or objective (or others, but you get the idea).
Once you figure out the core thrust of your piece, then list out the various points you want to make. The number of points can vary depending on the length of the article, but I try to stick between 2-5 points. Why? Well, if your article has ten different points, then it’s just hard for a reader to retain it all. If you find that you have too many points to make, try to clump them together.
For example, if I’m writing about reasons I should buy a new car, perhaps the points I want to make are: 1) my current car is in need of extensive repair, 2) I need a safer car, since now I have a family, 3) Honda just came out with a great new model Accord, 4) my wife hates our current car, 5) I can make more friends if I have a cooler car, 6) the local dealer is running a great promotion, 7) I need a bigger car, 8) my job requires me to have a more presentable car for driving clients around, and 9) I want a hybrid card to save on gas.
Wow, that’s a lot of points to make. Odds are, you probably have even more points to make. Sure, you can arbitrarily make these points, but if there’s no organization, some of the points will probably get lost, and the reader might miss something important that you have to say. Instead of random listing, you should think of a few broader points that you want to make and fit your points under these more broad points. So in the above example, maybe your broad points should be: 1) my current car is inadequate, 2) a newer car would be more practical, and 3) a newer car would lead to better opportunities. Then, you can fit the smaller points into the bigger points. Providing structure and organization to your writing isn’t superfluous, it helps make it stronger and more effective.
Along the way, you may find that one of your points is weak or doesn’t have much support. You can do three things: 1) collapse the point into another point, 2) research more information that supports that point, or 3) cut the point entirely. Leaving a weak point is never a good idea. It dilutes your strong points.
Planning can take a long time, but I find that the writing is a lot easier if I plan properly. Of course, really short pieces don’t need much planning. Maybe jotting a few things down is sufficient. But for longer pieces, planning is definitely a good idea for improving the quality and effectiveness of your writing.
paperdan