3 reasons you need an outline.
A writer’s mind is like a field full of treasures. You have ideas, creative concepts, story lines, plots, scenarios, messages, insights, etc. that you want to share with the world. So, it makes sense that you’re bursting at the seams to get started on your book or writing project. But wait, before you do, it is crucial to think about what you want to write and how it will come across to your reader. To do this right, you need a plan. You need an outline.
Think of your outline as a step-by-step process for working through your book; like talking points for when you have to give a speech. You stand a better chance of communicating with your listeners and making sense to them when you have a plan of action. That’s what having an outline does for your book, blog or writing project.
So how does it help? Here are three crucial reasons to work with an outline.
1. It gives you a bird’s eye view of your message.
Like looking at a landscape from above creating an outline gives you a good view of everything you want to say in your book. It ensures you don’t gloss over details or important views you ought to express. By breaking down your ideas in an outline, you are giving yourself the opportunity to look at issues from every angle.
2. Helps you stay organized.
It is possible to provide useful content but miss the mark in organization. When this happens, the audience is left confused as to what exactly you’re trying to pass across. An outline helps you organize your content, so you don’t put the cart before the horse.
3. Helps you stay on track.
If you’re bursting with ideas, you might end up digressing often or even totally from the subject matter you started out with. With an outline, however, you can stay on track and keep your eyes on the ball.
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