The power of a writing process
Writing is a challenge to me. I much prefer drawing diagrams and images. Or creating prototypes that engage people to create new ideas together.
But writing is so important. I can’t always be in the same room with you at the same time, but I might need to explain an opportunity, rationale, or next steps in a process.
I do, however, love learning. In a recent online course, I learned how international development agencies use logical frameworks to plan and execute meaningful projects in communities around the world. In the course, the instructor showed how to improve writing simply and effectively.
Professional writing is about creating action
The instructor described a 4-step process to increase clarity and reduce stress when writing.
Step 1: Thinking is all about gathering information, setting objectives for the work and writing, and analysis.
With anything I design, I first talk with people, investigate platforms, and gather all the information that seems relevant. It’s the same when preparing to write a report or story. The only difference is the output—a written document instead of a process or designed object.
Step 2: Planning starts with the objective and works backward to organize how the information will to it. The course was for consultants making recommendations to governments and NGOs on how to alleviate poverty and diseases or increase access to clean water, for example. So each of those would be an objective. The plan would lay out the information so that the recommendation will lead to the desired results.
My goals are usually smaller, but can still follow that logical approach. For example, when I create a training curriculum, I start with the objective—what will the learner be able to do after the training (that they couldn’t do before)? Then I organize key skills and information into modules for the learner to progress through.
Step 3: Drafting. For this phase, the instructor kept it simple: Follow. The. Plan. At this point, I will have created the overall structure, so I can fill in the details and segues.
When I design a curriculum, this is the moment when I fill in the content, examples, and activities for each module. The modules and purpose are already outlined, so I just fill in the details. Here, I’m focusing on whether the activities and information make sense and help the learner build skills toward the end goal. I also try out different options.
Step 4: Editing is the time to think critically about how well the details support the larger argument. This is now the time to try out different phrasing and ensure grammar is correct.
In my curriculum example, this is when I finally review things like whether the explanations are effective and succinct. Or if I’ve planned 5 hours of content for a 45 minute session.
This was already a familiar process
When I watched this part of the course, I felt both relieved and foolish. I was relieved because this is the process I already apply to design projects of all types and size. But then I felt foolish that I hadn’t thought to apply it to writing, which has often stumped me.
So as part of my commitment to learn in public and share interesting tidbits, I created the sketchnote above as a reminder that I can work through the process—especially with writing. And with deliberate, reflective practice, writing will become more comfortable. Hopefully, the quality of my writing will also improve over time!