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Should you organize your writing before or after
doing it?
That is, should you make a
detailed outline of what you want to
communicate, and then fill in the outline with
writing? Or should you just sit down and write
what comes, and organize it later? That is,
start writing the text, and then later put in
headings, move text around, and generally impose
organization?
My answer: either way. You
should do whatever works for you. But don't try
to do both at once. If you write a couple of
paragraphs, then impose a structure on them —
perhaps by moving them to different sections of
your document, or by trying to think up headings
for what you just wrote — your task will be
harder.
Brainsides
Why is it harder to mix
organization and creativity? Because your brain
will rebel — it might even freeze up.
Organization is a left-brain
activity, mainly controlled by the left half of
your brain. Writing is a creative task, mainly
controlled by the right side of your brain.
Switching back and forth between the two halves
sets up a ping-pong match inside your head. Try
changing gears too often, or switching windows
too fast on your PC, and see what happens.
Fiction is what is often
called "creative writing." But all
writing is "creative" in that you are
forming ideas into words, sentences, and
paragraphs.
So separate the two
functions. My solution: if I have an idea for a
column, I just start writing. Usually it's on
the PC, but sometimes it's in longhand if I am
not in the office. I write until I run out of
things to say.
Then later — maybe even a
few days later — I type it in if in longhand,
then organize and edit it. Headings need to be
added. Since a first draft is not the place to
worry about grammar and syntax, much editing is
necessary. Paragraphs may need moving, and
separating — newspaper writing calls for
shorter paragraphs.
For other writing, my process
is similar. Of course, for opinions, I have law
clerks to do a first draft (surprise!), which
includes the basic structure. Then I tinker and
edit.
Other writers
do an outline first. Outlines have never been my
forte (pronounced fort by the way). But
outlines are excellent tools for some — if
they work for you, use them.
But don't try to impose
organization at the same time you are trying to
be creative. Remember that they are two separate
tasks — and you will tax your brain to do both
together. Trying to combine them is the cause of
"writer's
block."
Remember to
Question
Questions on usage, style, or
grammar are welcome. I'm not a grammarian, but I
have a lot of sources. Please send questions,
comments, or particularly good or bad examples
of legal writing
to jugpainter@aol.com.
Readability
In each column, I list the
two major readability statistics — remember
that you can program Word to tell you these and
more. Statistics for this column: 13 words per
sentence, 5 percent passive voice. (Remember the
1818 Rule — no more than an average of 18
words per sentence and 18 percent passive-voice
sentences.)
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