Posted by Racer on October 14, 2007, at 3:12:38
In reply to Re: One word: OUTLINE! » Racer, posted by Gee on October 13, 2007, at 11:15:49
> Do you have any tips for writing outlines? I always make an outline, but then I start writing and realise that the outline is too hard to follow... maybe too vague? Any tips for writing a good one?
I'm not sure if I have any tips, but I'll tell you what I do -- it works for me, and maybe it'll help you figure out what works best for you.
First, I lay out the basic elements I'll use:
Intro
Main Point 1
Main Point 2
Main Point 3
ConclusionI always use three, which is partly OCD, but mostly I've found that laying out three main points will tighten things up a lot. If I can't get three, I haven't thought it out well enough; if I have trouble boiling it down to three, it's likely I haven't yet really figured out what I'm doing. Three just seems to work best.
Then I break up the main points into sub-points, and again usually go for three subs per main. Often, I'll use another layer of points -- sub-sub-points, I guess. Then I go in another layer and jot down any particular phrases or references I plan to use, if I have any.
The key, I've found, really is writing complete sentences when I write my outlines. The first rough draft may have simple phrases, or even single words, but then I write complete sentences for all points at every level.
Once I've written out the points, I'll go back and fill in the Intro and Conclusion. Intro is basically "I'll be showing the following main and sub-points." The conclusion is the other end: "I've shown you these main and sub-points."
By that time, the writing is almost done. At least for me, it is. I really hope you find it helpful.
Now that I've told you my system, when you find what works for you, I hope you'll share it here, too.
poster:Racer
thread:786779
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/studs/20070526/msgs/789114.html