The broader look

If you are working on a writing project that has several chapters or phases, try this organizational technique. In your office or work space, set up several flip chart pads, one after another in a row - or, if space is of a premium, do the same thing with legal pads. Map out your story as you envision it, almost as if it was an outline. Take a marker and make notes to yourself on the first pad about what you want to write about first. On the second pad, write what you think should come in your next chaper or segment. Do this for as many pads as you can. Then, step back and take a look at your work. How does it flow? Should you do some rearranging? If you have a better idea, tear a sheet off and start over. You are giving yourself the opportunity to look at the broad picture of what you are trying to accomplish. Another advantage to this: When you are actually doing your writing and decide to call it quits for the day, you can jot notes on the next pad of where you want to pick it up tomorrow. What you've created are story boards - and they work.