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There are three ways to
write a first draft. One is to ink whatever surfaces, in whatever order
without regard to grammar, spelling or staying on topic. After the free
write, the points, and message extracted for notes or an outline. Time is
its adversary and clarity chisels its way forward slowly.
Or start with a plan
that minimally includes a purpose, description, chosen structure, word
count, objective, points, message, and possibly a mind map or outline.
Patience is its adversary and clarity the benefit.
Third, you hold the
pen, connect with your higher power,
and allow the recording session to begin. You become an aqueduct for a
message, usually to humanity or yourself. Dr. Wayne Dwyer, on his PBS
show with the same name of his latest book, says, “I connected with God
and the book [Power of Intention] seemed to write itself. I didn’t know
what was going to appear nor did I do any planning.” He continues to
explain how a very lose but clear outline visually formed right before
each writing session. It became clearer while he created an outline. The
water just gushed afterwards and he could hardly keep up. Control is its
adversary and clarity and enlightenment forms after the writing.
We frequently read that
writing requires organization, clarity, focus, and the discipline to write
tight. Yet, seldom provided are methods on how to leave out the lard
“before” the ink scratches the page—saving editing time.
Organization also
contributes to lard remove. Some writers believe that organization
stifles creativity while others take an opposite viewpoint. There is a
compromise -- organization with a twinge of discipline. High
productivity, a requirement of freelancers, requires organization.
Here are four
strategies on how you can eliminate excess words and increase productivity
before they hit the page:
 1.
Build massive creative steam before starting to write -- see and taste the
words before you begin. Robert Fritz, an expert and author on creativity,
expands on this process with progressive clarity through each of his three
books. Fritz explains how important it is to push the idea, generating
creative tension, until the last part of the first stage of creativity.
He continues to explain how important it is to carry this first energy
through to the second stage, which doesn’t carry its own energy. He also
discusses how each of the three stages requires a separate set of skills
for writers. And why the two top reasons why writers lose interest or
drop projects—lost creative tension and didn’t have the skills for the
second stage, becomes frustrating, and gives up.
2.
Dr. Stephen Covey says, “Begin with the end in mind” when managing time.
That same philosophy works just as well for writing projects. First,
fully define the project, including purpose and goals, and your reader.
“A 150-page personal development self-help book for coaches on…” is an
example. Minimally include the word, page, and chapter counts, publishing
plans, and description paragraph. Experts at the annual Maui writer’s
conference, highly recommend writing a 25-word description before you
begin the project.
3.
Choose a structure that matches your writing style and results desired.
Just like articles has six basic writing structures, so does fiction,
science fiction, how-to, and other genres. As a new writer, you might
want to master one structure at a time.
4.
Outline and match to word count
desired. The actual way you outline does not matter. Be it a napkin or
toilet paper, mind map or clustering, computer or crayon. An outline
reduces lard and helps minimize tangents. Write your project description
at the top of the page, then, sketch out the outline, keeping in mind the
word count and the reader. Next, reduce the number of items or branches
to match your defined result.
Getting the lard out of
our writing before it indents a page is like getting the lead out to
exercise. Both require conscious commitment and continuous dedication.
Yet, just like the pounds, both will get lighter.
Congratulations, you have just become lighter!
(c) copyright,
Catherine Franz. All rights reserved. |
