Writing Technique to Improve Flow
A Useful Way to Plan Writing for the Best Flow of Ideas or Arguments
Article helping authors writing non fiction to improve their writing process and flow of ideas through a piece, be it a book, article, blog or ebook.
Introduction
Facing a blank page is often the most daunting part of the writing process. For many authors, it boils down to three simple questions:
- How to start?
- Where to go?
- Above all - is the flow right?
If we can answer these three key questions, before we write the first word, then we will be well on the way to writing a winning piece. The following technique can be used for any kind of non-fiction piece : be it an article, a book, or an e-book. Done frequently, many authors find that it can be carried out in their heads, without recourse to pen (or pencil) and paper.
How To Start?
The starting point of any piece is being able to state, in a single line, what it is that the reader will take away from the experience. Whether it is a book, a chapter of a book, an article, eBook or blog entry, the reader must take something of value away from having read the piece.
Once we can produce that phrase, and write it down, it becomes the first of a series of points on the blank sheet of paper. The last of those points will be the conclusion, and there is no harm in writing a paragraph at the beginning stating what the reader will learn, and one at the end stating what the reader should have learned.
This provides reinforcement for both the writer and the reader. These two one line summaries that we produce now, at the start of the process, may change in shade between their creation and the final version, but the color should remain the same. From here, we can begin to fill in where the piece is going.
Where to Go?
To get from the point at which we tell the reader that they are about to learn something, to the point at which the actually have, we need to make a series of arguments. These might be opinions, a logical flow, or just illustrations. In any event, we need to be clear on one thing - each point takes us a little way on the journey.
So, we fill the blank space between the starting line and the ending line with a series of points.
This is where the writing must go - from one stepping-stone to the next - a series of points that lead to a conclusion. We have the starting point, and the conclusion, we just need to tell the reader how to get from A to B. Leading them through the points is known as the flow.
Is the Flow Right?
Connecting each of the points needs a little finesse. At the planning stage, all we need is a one line statement that links the two concepts. So, between each of the points (including the starting and ending points) we can add a little stub that tells us how to get from one to the other.
By the time we have done this, we have a good framework, and it is time to put it all together to create the final piece.
Putting it Together
The first draft will flow correctly, and contain principle ideas with link points. It is, however, a first attempt, and will likely be a little mechanical. The gradual shading in of the detail, as the writer pulls the threads together is what will make the eventual whole.
However, we have created an excellent starting point, and satisfied our outgoing statement to help writers faced with a blank page get started with their next piece.
