outlining
If you are looking for ways to save time while writing, starting your projects with an outline is one of the best way to do it. There are three key benefits that are achieved when outlining a written work. Together, the benefits lead to maximum time saved by the time you reach your final draft.
Efficient Editing
When your ideas are blocked out into distinct sections, it allows for a much more reasonable editing process. Rather than spending your time adjusting how each point fits into the flow of the entire work, you only focus on a couple of paragraphs at a time. Outlining also allows you to decide on the direction and flow you want to take before you start the task of fleshing it out. This is important because it allows you to work out any logistical flaws before getting too far into the project and having to start over.
Task Oriented Drafts
Since your work is broken down into a series of distinct sections, you can create the first draft as if you are checking off items on a to-do list. . This process saves you time in the final editing phase because you are doing the majority of the editing as you go along. It also allows you time to take a break and step away from your work. In addition, you don’t have to worry about losing your train of thought and then re-calibrating when you return. Another important factor that comes from task oriented writing, is that you are less likely to forget any important information in any particular section. When the outlining process is complete, you have placed all of the key information into its proper section, and can rest easy knowing you will tap into all of the information you need to, by the time the project is completed.
Breaking Through Writer’s Block
Writer’s block tends to affect most people when they are starting their project. If you begin your work by outlining, you are able to get all of your ideas onto the page without being concerned about grammar, tone, or wording. Once you are looking at an idea in an outlined format, it is much simpler to begin the task of polishing, as opposed to trying to create draft perfectly formed sentences from the beginning. Similarly, if you are looking to write content on a specific topic in the future, you can draft an outline and add information to the outline as you come across it in your reading. The future planning outline will give you plenty options to overcome writer’s block, while also saving you time by nature of having a rough draft completed by the time you are ready to begin.
When considering the task of outlining, it seems counter-productive, as if you can write an entire piece by the time you flesh out an outline. However, with the amount of time saved on final draft editing, knowing you haven’t forgotten anything, and breaking down writer’s block it’s worth the effort. Outlining is the most time efficient way to begin any project.