So, you know how to outline. Congratulations, you’ve managed to put the lock down on one of the most important aspects of writing. The next step should proceed after that, right?
Well, hopefully it does. Here are a few tips to make sure you put that outline to good use.
1. Write piece by piece. You’ve already got an outline which lays out how you will present your ideas, so you can let any worries about organization go during drafting. Write whichever part feels easier first to give yourself momentum. Focusing on the parts that are ready to be written allows you to work in a more efficient manner. You can check actual coherence of the resulting piece later on.
2. Be willing to modify. Think of the outline as a map leading you to your destination. It’s accurate to a degree, but be willing to change course if you notice a better path. Think of it like the woman who used a GPS that told her to cross a highway. Just because the software pointed that way doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
3. Be willing to start over. Sometimes, you realize your outline is just plain wrong. Be willing to start over from scratch, instead of trying to force the whole thing to fit. With major changes, going back is often a more efficient solution than trying to fit in a plethora of changes.
4. Use your outline to cross-check the last draft. After you’ve finished the final revision, don’t run the proofreading software yet. Before giving it the last touches, use the outline as a reference to double-check your organization and structure. Did you do it as planned or did you stray accidentally?
