Planning Your Writing

Just as you would not build a house without a plan to follow, you should have a plan for your writing projects. Having a solid plan in place before you begin to write will enhance your success. Planning gives you a clear goal and specific steps to reach that goal. Following the plan keeps your writing on target and well-constructed, just like a solid, well-built house. The first thing you should consider is what your task is. What are you trying to accomplish with this story or article or book? What is expected of you by teachers, editors and publishers who will review your writing? Once you are clear on what your goal is, construct a plan on how to get there. It can be in the form of an outline, a storyboard or a narrative discussion. However you do it, you should be spelling out the steps and the sequence required to get you to your goal. It doesn't have to be detailed to begin with. It just needs to be complete, from beginning to end. Then you need to write following your plan. If you deviate from it, have a good reason for doing so. Otherwise, stick with it. Write the piece from beginning to end before you begin the editing process. It's important to get the first draft completed. Then review your goal and your plan and revise your work accordingly. Every place you've strayed from your message, edit until you're back on track. Re-work your writing until it's as good as it can get. Then review your plan again. Have you met your goal? Have you met the expectations placed on you? Then and only then are you ready to submit your work for review. Develop a plan for all your writing. Stick with it and enjoy the results.