A while ago, I discussed revision as re-envisioning.  Today, I want to explore a specific area that writers re-envision as they revise: organization.

In the planning stage, writers establish an organizational blueprint.  These blueprints vary in complexity from a hasty sketch to a detailed paragraph-by-paragraph plan.  However, even the best laid plans can go awry during the drafting stage.  And in some cases, it is important to let that wandering take place. 

Planning your writing is like planning your life.  Should you do it?  Definitely.  But if your life doesn’t proceed according to the plan, then sometimes it’s best to adjust the plan or throw the plan (or part of it) out the window, right?  The same holds true for writing.   

Over the next few posts, I will focus on common organizational strategies that can help writers refine their work in revision.  These strategies can be used to define the document’s overall organization, but they don’t have to be.  They can also be used to organize a particular section or subpoint within the larger work.

First up, an essay question classic that writers too often botch:  Comparison and Contrast.  Comparison and contrast can be painfully formulaic.  One reason for this is that many writers assume that comparison and contrast is conceptually simple and, moreover, that they have mastered the requisite concepts.  Let’s take a moment to consider the comparison and contrast mechanism with fresh eyes.

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 I hope you are having a great weekend.  Enjoy this week’s links!

7 Reasons My Life is More Fulfilling | My Super-Charged Life:  Realigning the definition of “happiness” and “success” is a great way to start any week.  In addition, Jeff writes in a appealingly enthusiastic, energized tone.  His blog’s title, “My Super-Charged Life,” is apt.

Review: On Writing Well | Life Optimizer:  Zinsser’s book is helpful indeed, and it’s not one that we hear about in the blogosphere as much as some others.  Check out this review if you’re interested in learning more.  (Note: yes, I noticed it too.  Donald misprints the title of the Strunk and White book in his post.  But I still liked the review.  No one’s perfect.)

10 Ways To Make Time For The Important | Jonathan Mead:  How do we fit in working on our writing when we have all of these other things to do?  Jonathan Mead has an answer (ten, in fact).